The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-10-26
blll REVOLT CAUSES ALARM.
UNCLE SAM CONCERNED ABOUT
SITUATION IN MEXICO.
Although Adhcring to Policy OF
Non-Intervention, State Depart-
ment is Keeping In Close Touch
with Events - Formidable Nature
Of Revolt Led by Felix Diaz May
Bring About Further Complica-
tions.

situation In Mexico, where the re
. bellion has taken on a new and for
midable phase as result of the re
volt OF Gen. Felix Diaz.
The return to Washington OF Sec
retary Knox from his Japansese trip
the presence here Of Henry Lane vii
son. ambassador to Mexico. and In
tsresting and important development,
In the military situation at Vera Cruz
held by Diaz. within the past two
dayo were elements that served tc
centrate attention upon the Mexican
trouble.
A Secretary Knox was accompan.
led from Chicago To Washington by
Assistant Secretary Huntington Will
SON. ne found himself upon his ar
rival here this morning well informed
Of all save the very latest develop
mentsL Probably In consequence,
the conference. which was expected to
take place between Secretary Knox
and Ambassador Wilson, was deferred
for Q time.
The ambassador probably will have
an opportunity to discuss the situa-
ton and receive suggestions that may
be thought necessary for his guidance
In the confidential talk with Secre-
tary Knox before the latter leaves
Washington tomorrow night to join
President Taft at Beverly.
The one fact that stands out clear
ly today II that although the am
bassador has conferred at length with
Acting Secretary Adee and the on
ciais OF the State department who are
chaged principally with the conduct
Of Mexican relations, nothing he has
communicated has Influenced the Off
ciais to change the clearly definite
policy Of non-intervention In Mexico.
This y true even In the face of semi
omcial admssions that the revolution
ary movement In Mexico has assum-
Cd much more serious aspect than
over before, and that a coalition be-
tween the forces of the rebel lead
crs, zsrats. who for the past year has
maintained q form nldab!e rebellion al
most In sight OF the Mexican Capital.
and Gen. Felix Diaz. reputed 20 be
supported by the pcwcrful Cicntihco
party. might Jeoparaize the very ca
Sssnce of the Madero Government.
% tar. however. II cannot be estab-
hshsd that these leaders have agreed
70 make common cause.
The military situation at Vera Cruz
according to the last reports to the
department. was extremely critical.
Though there was promise of an i'm
portanf battle between the riaz
forces and the Federal army COM
manded by Gen. Bsltran. it was con-
ddently expected the important for
sign interests in Vera Cruz would es-
cape jeopardy and loss OF the lives
Of non-combatants be averted by an
agreement between the two com
manders to do their lighting outside
the city limits.
Cen Beltran told the foreign con-
suls that he would transmit to his
Government their request to rcrrain
from bombarding the town or fighting
In the streets.
For his part Gen. Diaz. who Is In
complete possession OF the city prop
er. offered to the consuls all possible
guarantees TO life and property sc
long as he maintained control. With
the leaders on both sides In this
frame OF mind the consuls felt re-
assured.
According To today's reports every.
thing I'm Vera Cruz Is quiet and 1.
likely to remain so unless the FEEDER
al gunboats lombard the city.
Gen. Beltran's forces were about ter
miles from town A possible eiemen
Of trouble Is the issue of decree o
the Government officer In charge o
the gunboats declaring the port o
Vera Cruz closed. Indirectly thi
may drag the United States navy int,
the afyair. az tho American mai
steamship Siguranca has appeared II
the harbor and is there to discharg
cargo. IL the Federal naval com
mander persists In regarding the por
an closed and refuses 20 permit tn
ship TO unload. the situation woul,
exactly parallel that In Rio harbo
American navy broke rebel block
adc.
Home Kulc" In Charleston.