The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1913-02-23
Threefold Reason.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 22.-Five
thousand troops, of such diversified
branches as to make model min
iature army in itself, are tonight mov-
ing toward Galveston, Texas, under
orders to moboiize for possible for
eign service. And the administration
is still steadfast in it's policy of non
Intervention in Mexico under present
conditions. =.
The real reasons for this latest con-
centration of armed forces at the
nearest port to Mexican soil were
threefold. First, there is the grow
Ing fear among officials here that the
Huerta-Diaz government may not be
able to keep afioat; secondly, the re-
ceipt OF word from Mexico City that
the new regime does not take kindly
the blunt word from Washington that
execution of Francisco I. Madero
would be displeasing to America, 2
and may so ahead with the killing OF
the deposed president even in the
face of President Taft's yelled threat
lin which America might have to
back up his word with deeds; and,
thirdly. the necessity OF having every
force made ready for the incoming
president to dispose of as he sees fit.
AS to the first contingency, con.
sular reports tonight recorded UNI
usual quiet throughout the republic
SO unusual a condition that officials
are uneasy lest 1t be the forerunner
Of sweeping revolutionary move
ment. Mexicans are waiting to- see
what the new provisional government
intends to do for the people; whether
or not the long promised reforms are
to be initiated
President Taft is anxious that. his
successor shall find his house in
order. He wants President Wilson to
De prepared for any contingency.
Therefore he is taking every precau.
ton, even though intervention under
present conditions ia sunthought Of
The forces which were ordered to
Galveston all belong to the Fifth
tactical brigade and come from the
vests arrisons in Oklahoma, Ark
ansas, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota,
Wyoming and North Dakota They
are expected to reach Galveston not
later than Wednesday,. BY that date,
or few days later there will be four
transports at the Texas ports, ready
to convey the troops to Vera Cruz,
the Atlantic coast seaport OF Mexico
/, City. The mobilization camp will be
at Fort Crockett, on Galveston Island
Big supplies of provisions have al
ready been contracted for
Orders for movement to the Calves
ton camp of the second cavalry bri-
gade, consisting of the Fourth and
Ninth regiments. now scattered
through Texas and New Mexico, are
expected within the next few days.
According to general staff officers, it
would not be possible effectively to
occupy eastern Mexico without cav
airy. and it was learned tonight that
the mounted forces haye9,, been eau.
toned to "stand ready for orders.
Options have already been secured on
several merchant vesseis.sw1licl1 would
have to be drafted for the cavalry in
case. of their movement to Mexico.
How well prepared for any con-
ltingency in Mexico Uncle Sam will
be by the middle of next week is
graphically indicated in the concen-
ltration of fighting forces around the
southern republic
The mobilization orders today were
decided upon last night by President
Taft. Several days ago all arrange
ments for movement of the troops was
secretly made