Norwich bulletin., 1913-02-24
SITUATION MORE GRAVE. May Hasten Our Military and Naval
 Preparations

SITUATION MORE GRAVE.
 May Hasten Our Military and Naval
 Preparations
 Washington, Feb. 23.--Tfe killing of Francisco I. Madero and Pino Suarez, deposed president and vice president respectively of Mexico, after Provi- siona1 President Huerta had assured American Ambassador Wilson of the safety of his prisoners from just such attacks, created a painful impression in administration circles here today.
 When the first feeling of surprise had. passed it was realized by officials that this last tragic event had added greatly to the gravity of the situation and undoubtedly had placed an addi- tlona1 strain upon the already tense relations between this government and that in the Mexican capital. Still, as President Taft himself declared, the event in itself was not sufficient to demand any departure from the policy, Of strict non intervention which so far has governed his administration. Intervention Will Follow Attacks on
 Foreigners.
 Probably the immediate result will be to hasten the military anTnavy preparations in order to have the sol dIers and sailors and marines ready to answer a call for instant embark ation if further developments in Mex 1co should demand their employment.
 The one danger to be apprehended. Which almost certainly would result in the launching of an army of in basion, would be the commission of some act or acts in Mexico that would endanger the lives of foreign citizens and Americans, for having assured the diplomatic representatives in Wash 1ngton of the disposition and ability of this government to protect their nationals in Mexico in the same de- gree as Americans, the government has assumed obligations that cannot be ig- nored- Therefore. any attack on the Americans or foreigners by the tacit consent of the Huerta government, or even the exhibition towards them of mob violence clearly beyond the abil- ity of the provisional government to prevent probably would be the signal for active intervention.
 No Further Steps Except by Direction
 of Congress.
 The onfciais feel that they have dis charged their full duties and exhaust ed Atheir constitutional pow CTS in the orders they have given or planned for the preparation of a sufficient mili- eessful entry te the Mexican capital in case Of need. It is practically cer- tain that beyond this point the execu- tive would not proceed except upon direct instructions from congress as the exhibition of military force beyond the seacoast towns of Mexico might be regarded as an act of war which, under the constitution can be directed by congress
 Te secure this direction probably it would be necessary for President Taft te communicate with congress through special message, reciting the recent events and existing conditions in Mexico and asking for instructions The president though having censid- cred the preparation of such mes sage, probably is reluctant to forward s+ IL still greater events happen in Mexico in the remaining days of his admin istratien.
 The Military Concentration.
 Secretary Stimson and Major Gen eral Wood made no change today in the programme of concentration of troops at Galveston which is now smoothly working out in conformity with yes terday's orders to Major General Will liam H. Carter, commanding the sec ond division of the army at Chicago. These orders called for the dispatch to Galveston of the clements that make up only one brigade of troops-namely, the Fifth Brigade. Second division, commanded by Brigadier General Frederick A. Smith and comprising twenty eighth regiments of infantry; D company, Second Battalion Engf- neers, Field Hospital and Ambulance corpse No. 3; one Signal company
 
 Mountain Battery of Field artillery and three pack trains. These troops should all be in Galveston before the end of the present week at the latest Two Other Briaades Under Orders.
 Two other brigades of troops a1e un- der preparatory orders to entrain for the Texas seaport, and, as indicated by President Taft in his statement yes terday, these or two other brisades If 1t is decided to make a change in a SAF a1Aear Ian of he less will be directed to start almost The Fourth brigade is of the Twenty third infan- try, Colonel E. D. Glenn, at Fort Ben jafnfn Harrison, Indianapolis the 26th infantry, Colonel R. l.. Bu1lard. at Fort Wayne and Fort Brady, Michi- gan. and the 27th infantry, Colonel R. M, Getty, at Fort Sheridan. His. Brig mander of the brigade. but as recent he has been indisposed it may be that Major General Carter. the division will assign another officer to that duty.
 The first brigade, first division, also under preparatory orders. is com posed of the third infantry, Colonel Henry Kiroy, at Madison barracks. and Colonel J. s. Mallory at Forts J. Por- ter and Niagara, N. Y.;' and the Fifth infantry, Colonel c. D. Cowles, at l Plattsburg, N. Y.
 The Naval Preparations. It is also possible that orders will | ssue eventually to the fourth cavalry | brigade to rendezvous at Galveston, l put as these troops are now a1togeth- l sr in Texas, engaged in important pa | .rol duty, for the most part along the 1 border and generally within easy reach l If the seacoast, probably their orders | will be the last to issue. This brigade | s commanded by Brigadier General [ rasker H. Bliss and comprises the | -1th and 18th cavalry.
 As President Taft has mentioned the [ of the fleet in this pre- programme 1t may be re- :Al1ed that the navy has been quietly | put effectively moving to be in read ness for any prospective demand, the | general board realizing that upon the lavy must devolva tfae duty of epen- ng a way for the successful employ nent of troops ihs campaign of in= 1asfen. Already three great battie= hips are lying in the harber ef Vera Jrliz, 8 force quite sufficient to hold hat port if it should be necessary and he remainder of Admiral Badgers leet at duaHtaHa1He is being kept fui- y eealed and previsieHed in readiness 0 eever the distance betWeeH that laiHt aad Vera CFux within A EhdRHax ]