The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-06
PRESIDENT WILL
CONTINUE TOUSE
PEACEFUL MEANS
Not Disturbed by Pre-
diction of Armed
Intervention.
EXTREME SECRECY
IN NEGOTIATIONS
Official Washington, Waiting for
Word From Huerta, Declines
to Discuss Delicate Phases of
Mexican Situation-No Offer
Received From France to
Act as Mediator.

Washington. November 5.-WaitinI
for word from Provisional President
Huerta-this was the attitude of on
cial Washington tonight in the Mexi-
can situation.
Administration officials still refused
oshed any light on the last communi-
ia the desire OF the United States that
he eliminate himself from the tangled
situation.
Their attitude was that to discuss
publicly the delicate phases of tho
problem, might defeat the ends being
sought
Tho feeling in the national capital
is none the less one of tense interest.
especially as to what course will be
pursued If General Huerta declines to
abdicate It was evident from those
who talked with President Wilson
about the situation to-day that he was
calmly awaiting developments He has
told his friends that he would con
tinue TO solve the situation by peaceful
means, and would not be disturbed bv
predictions of armed intervention.
No InttmatiOns to Reply.
Tho belief is general here thar tba
extreme secrecy in diplomatic chan
neis and that only when some tangi-
BILE conclusion has been reached will
there bo any official announcements
:here was no collective opinion in the
oihctal circles as to the proba hle no,
ture of Huerta's reply to the American
representations. So far as could bo
learned, no intimations have been re
ccived to indicate what this reply will
| be. "t
Ihe French ambassador here, NJ.
Iusserand. has received no Instructions
from his government to take any stems
owards mediation between the United
States and Mexico. a course indicated
~ dispatches from Paris to-day.
me scout cruiser Chester at tho
Philadelphia Navy Yard was ordered
to-day TO prepare to sail for Vera Cruz
Immediately. The Chester is not !,
heaVy hghtinG ship, but swift and
valuable for despatch and scout duty.
ot lighter draft than the big warships
now nj Vera Cruz. she will be able ia
join tho smaller craft in-shore. Tho
chester has the highest power wireless
apparatus of any ship in the navy
with her apparatus. Washington and
vera Cruz will be in direct touch con-
SANITY oy medium of the great wire
less towers al Arlington The unof-
| nclal view Is that the Chester is being
sent to Vera Cruz principally as a
means of instant and official com
munication. Secretary Daniels eN-
planned that the dispatch of the Ches-
ter was part OF his plans TO subst stituto
cruisers for the heavier battleships in
Mexican waters. SO that the latter
might resume practice. The change.
no said. would be made gradually as
cruisers were not available on tho
East coast in any number.
Adapted to Service.
The Chester. owing to her light draft
IS especially adapted to service in the
small harbor at Vera Cruz and will be
available II necessary for service in the
protection OF foreigners at Tampico or
other Mexican Gulf ports which can
not be closely approached by the
larger battlcships. 1t is the an
nounced intention OF the Navy Depart
ment to order home one battleship
upon the Chcsters arrival
1t will be necessary TO pick mn
enough enlisted men from the battle
ship North Dakota 1T the New York
Navy Yard and elsewhere TO bring the
Chester's crew up TO the full compile
ment. 1t is expected that can be done
In twenty-foIr hours. AS the Chester
is one of the fastest ships OF the navy,
having made more than 81 l-3 knots
on her trial trip, she could reach Vera
Cruz by next Monday evening or Tues
day morning.
Secretary Daniels also announced to-
day that the armorcd cruiser Cali
fornia. which was to have been re-
lieved by the Pittsburgh, now on her
way TO the West Coast OF AIf.ico from
San Diego. Cal, would be\ 1T in
Mexican waters for the preseh> The
American naval force on the >se
coast. will include the California. PHI
burgh and Maryland, all armorA>
cruisers. the Eunboat Annapolis, and>
the supply ship Glacier.