The Washington times., 1913-02-12
PRESIDENT CONFERS
WITH MEMBERS Of
CABINET ON MEXICO
CIoseted With Knox and Stim-
son As Army Is Told to Pre-.
pare.
Continued from First Page

Continued from First Page)
situation be transmitted to them at
Despite the fact that the Mexican
situation, In theory, is completely
dealt with in plans of the Army and
Navy War Colleges, there was an
anxious taking of stock in both de-
partne ents. Not in months has there
been as much activity in the depart
ments. az much scurrying of messen-
gers. as many hurried conferences Of
Officers, and so much interest dis
played in determining to nicely just
throw into Mexico when trouble with
q capital T really begins.
A decisive Madero victory or inter-
vention in Mexico by the United States;
these are the alternatives between
which the White House and State,
pended today following the orders is
sued last night that two more battle
ships be sent to the Mexican coast and
that two transports be made ready TO
convey troops to be mobilized at Gal
weston.
Warships On Way.
Shortly before noon a wireless mes
sage from Rear Admiral c. ]. Badger,
commanders -in-chief of the Atlantic
fleet, reached the Navy Department
stating that he had designated the Ne
braska and Vermont to proceed to
Vera Cruz.
The Vermont is a 16.00o-ton battle.
ship of the first class and is the most
lean coast. The Nebraska is a sister
ship of the Georgia and Virginia, no"
on their way across the Gulf OF Mex
ico. 1t is probable that all four yes.
sells OF the same type would have beer
dispatched. but for the fact that two
hines Of the Virginia now are under
going repairs.
To Protect Americans.
Unless Madero asserts hts power and
crushes the Diaz faction the United
States, now tottering on the edge Of In
tervention, will be forced to go the
whole way and the battleships now OF
their way to protect American propert,
and lives in seaports will be transform
ed into the vanguard OF a force u
enter Mexico, wipe out disorder and es
tablish a condition Of peace to be main
tanned until sufficiently strong per
sonaiity appears there to mold the 'coun
try in order and with protection fol
foreign interests
The State Department denies that for
eign governments have so far made any
representations to 1t respecting condf
tions in the Mexican capital. Tit
Madero government has made no Off
cial communication since Sunday ant
the Diaz faction, as a State Department
Official expressed II, rs probably too
busy to attempt to open negotiation
with the United States.
The wrecking OF the consulate is thu
most serious affront hat has been offer
fo hA
ing directed to determine IL the sheilinf
of the building was Intentional or acci
dental and II any effort was made b,
the fighting forces to avoid damage Il
American property.
This blow has forced to white heat tn,
demand for Intervention, and at n
time has this Administration beer
nearer the issuance OF actual orders fol
armed Interference in Mexico Ahan Il
is today.
President Taft, who has clung to &
policy of non-tntervention, despite tkl
fact that warlike measures have beer
forced by the situation In Mexico. work
ed until $50 o'clock this morning on thu
situation.
The Administration is being forced
to take aggressive measures despite it:
announced policy. Tho President arost
after FIVE hours sleep and went to worl
In his office at the White House, de-
Gliding to remain away from the execu'
tfpe office. His entire attention todaJ
will be devoted to reports on the Mex
lean situation, and whatever spare time
he can devote to the budget message
Major General Wood, who did moi
leave his desk at the War Department
until daylight. was back on the 5ot
again today before 10 o'clock, working
out details for the movement Of troop:
from Galveston. the nearest port from
which troops could be embarked for q
landing at Tampico. for Vera Cruz:
With thousands Of regulars hel1
transport vessels ordered In commission
at Newport News. Va, two o. which
may be loaded with troops and sent tt
Mexican waters within a fe hours no
tice the department 10 awaiting further
developments from Mexico City.
News, the Mcclellan and Sumner wers
named az being those practically ready
for service.
Change Battleship Orders.
After starting on their Loo0-mile triI
from Guantanamo to the east Mexican
coast, the battleships Virginia anc
Georgia were reached by wireless yes
terday and ordered to exchange destin
ations.
The Georgia will go to Vera Cruz ant
the Virginia to Tampico. The Virgins
carries more bluejackets than the Geor
gia. The Navy Department though
the char &c would make a better ar
rangement Of force. uthough the YES
sells themselves are sister ships ant
have practically the same speed, dis
placement and armament.
II was determined at an early morn
ing conference, in the White House
called by the President. that at leas
two transports shall be started for Gal
weston when the Administration give
the word for what will amount to inter
vention.
At this conference were Secretary o
State Knox, Secretary Of War StimsoT
Secretary Of the Navy Meyer, Mato
General Wood. chief OF staff: Brig. Ger
William Crozier. president of the Wa
College; Brig. Gen. James B. Aleshirt
chief Of the army quartermaster's corp:
| and Rear Admiral Bradley A. Fiske. o
the inspection department of the Navy
Everything is In readiness for tn
mobilization Of troops. II Is said tha
1000 men could be modified in Texa
| at q convenient port for embarkatio
| within four days.
The Nebraska, q sister ship of tn
Virginia and Georgia. will probably b
one of the two battleships to be addc
| TO the feet at Vera Cruz and Tampicc
| Under rush orders TIE vessels desig
mated will be those which do not re
quire coaling.
-t Oh, T,fo m ~