The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-02-14
BARRETT OFFERS
MEDIATION PLAN
AS RESTSOLUT|ON
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from F1TSt I9Rcl
was necessary because of reports
from unofficial sources in Mexico to
the effect that many Americans who
would willingly quit the city were
prevented from doing so by lack of
funds to pay for railroad transpor-
tation
tAdmiral Fletcher. in command of tho
naval force now bound for Vera Cruz.
and Admiral Upshur, who will appear
at Tampico within the next twenty
four hours on his flagship Virginia,
VIII act under similar Instructions to
those which govern Ambassador Will
son. These, while general I'm scope
and not framed for this particular oc-
casion. are regarded as sufficient by
Acting Secretary Winthrop. as they are
to the effect that the American naval
officers are to protect American in
forests. This is generally understood
by naval officers to warrant the com
mander of IA ship il, handing his ma
rincs or blueiackots at II port to succor
Americans in distress there, but not to
authorize the dispatch of such a force
into the interior of the country with
out further special instructions.
No Criticism Mndc.
Diplomatic Day" brought an un-
usually large number OF foreign am
6assadors and ministers to the State
Department. and several of them seized
the opportunity to gather from Score
tary Knox newa OF conditions in Mex
leo City. rs reported by the American
ambassador. In no case was there the
slightest evidence of disposition TO
criticize the administration for falling
TO adopt an aggressive attitude toward
Mexico.
Secretary knox's view is that while
some American lives may be lost
through the wild and reckless firing
In the City OF Mexico. it is certain that
great many moro lives would he lost
IN an assault upon the city by an
American attacking force.
Rumors to-day that President Taft
IL framing message to bc sent TO
congress to lay before that body an
exact statement of conditions in Mcx
leo. and soliciting an expression of it's
VIII for guidance OF the administra-
ton. were denied by officials who would
ne called upon to supply data for such
communication.
Discussing the Mexican situation in
the House to-day. Representative j
Hampton Moore. of Pennsylvania. said
II would he dcplorable ''if. in order to
maintain the honor and dignity of the
United states, We should he Obliged
10 send troops into Mexico. but if even
our we'll intentioned diplomatic nego-
tiations are to he trincd with. then. of
course. the matter assumes different
aspect"
Citizens of the United States. he de-
while travelling in foreign countries.
and 1t would be making a laughing
stock of our government if we failed
to afford for the representatives we
send abroad the assurance Of our ma
tional support"
Americans In Mexico.
Approximately 10000 American
citizens are either temporarily or per-
mancntly residing in Mexico. accord
ing TO figures based upon estimates
made by the State Department. More
than $4,000 Americans nave been grant
ed passports to Mexico. Although the
laws OF Mexico do not require pass
ports from American citizens, most of
them ask for certificates when they ex-
pect to remain n long time
An accurate census of Americans in
Mexico has not been made but State
Department officials estimate that only
one person in five or six asks for n
passport.
a significant proceeding of the day
was the early assembly OF the joint
Army and Navy Board in Admiral
Dewey's Offices. The call was issued
by direction Of Admiral Dewey him
self 1t brought together at an op-
perfume time for consideration for Joint
use OF the army and navy the highest
ranking officers OF both services and
the ablest strategis,s
Besides Admiral Dewey and Major
tcHeTai w oOu, the army and navy
were represented by Major-General
Wotherspoon. assistant chief OF STAFF:
l'rigadier- General Weaver. chief of the
coast artillery. and BrEadicr- General
Crozier. Rear Adrnirals Ostcrhaus and
Nrceland and Captain Potts
BY executive orders this board is
charged with the preparation OF plans
for the cooperation of the army and
navy. when il becomes necessary to
conduct joint operations. either often
sive or defensive.
Its proceedings are always secret.
and may be known only through the
resulting orders TO ships and troops.
issued by the Secretaries OF War and
Navy The board is advisory in scope
and not capable of executing its own
projects.
Regards Situation ns Grave
President Taft talked with callers
to-day about the situation in Mexico.
and they said he regarded the case as
more grave now than IL had been at
any time since the abdication of Por-
fro DiaZ
Those who consulted with Mr. Taft
to-day declared the fact that he was to
go out of office within the next three
weeks would have no weight in de-
termining his action toward Mexico
They declared the President was ready
for action up to the last moment OF his
administration.
In regard TO reports that Mr.. Taft