The Calumet news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 1907-1938, 1914-04-21
ADMIRAL FLETCHER IS ORDERED
TO SEIZE VERA CRUZ CUSTOMS
HOUSE, ALSO TOWN IF NECESSARY
President Wilson Takes Prompt Action to Prevent Delivery
to Ruerta Of 200 Field Guns and Much Ammunition
From German Steamer Now Nearing Port

Washington, April 2l.-Believing
the delay in Congress was accruing
to the advantage of Huerta, President
Wilson ordered Admiral Fletcher to
seize the Vera cruz customs house TO
prevent Huerta for getting several
million rounds of ammunition and two
hundred field guns on German steam
or bound for that port and destined
for Mexico City. The order to Fletch-
er went out at daybreak. after the
president and cabinet officials had been
in conference since a. m, mostly over
the telephone.
The orders conferred the broadest
authority upon Fletcher and directed,
il necessary, he take the town as well
as the customs house, to prevent the
landing Of the ammunition.
At noon the cabinet was in session,
but no word from Fletcher was re-
ported. Meanwhile the House and
Senate reconvened and the Senate
went to work on the resolution of ap-
proval of the presidents course.
Lodge opened the debate and re-
sented any imputations that the Re-
publicans were Lacking i'm the proper
regard for the honor of the flag.
"One hundred and fifty Americans
perished on Mexican soil. ! cannot, in
demanding the atonement of the in
v,,It OF ran,nipo ovarlool, tbnsa out-
RACES. 1 cannot be put in a position
where l. appear 10 choose between the
factions that today tear Mexico asun-
der cannot join i'm any resolution
that will put the United States in a
position of preferring one murderer
and cutthroat above another murderer
and cutthroat.
1t is for that reason the minority of
the committee has presented a substi
tute for the preamble of the resou-
ton"
"The expedition here is vital" said
Shively, acting chairman of the COM
mittee. because this is an effort TO
preserve peace. 1t is not to he an act
tof war.
"It is "a plain, deliberate assault on
our uniform, and all our navy stands
for" said Shively referring to the
Tampico incident.
lShively said the senator's who were
anxious for war may as well wait un-
| til this resolution has been tried as a
means of peace The Lodge substi-
tute. Williams, Democrat. said, was
"a declaration of war against Mexico
and the Mexican people.
IL want the resolution so worded
that the world will know it is a wal
on Huerta until either Huerta salutes
| the flag or Huerta becomes an Am
erican prisoner. or Huerta were to
die"
\ wave of applause swept the gal
leries.
"The sergcant-at arms will clear the
galleries" said the vice president
About one hundred men were remov-
ed Immediately.
The cabinet meeting broke up while
the Senate debate was on and several
members went to the Senate to hear
said Burleson.
Bryan asked the foreign ambassa
doris to confer with him at 2:30 II
was generally accepted he would ad-
wise them of the situation in detail
| New Resolution Suits Wilson.
Washington. April 2i.-Objection Ia
| the form of the resolution. passed oy
the House last night to endorse the
presidents plans in connection with
! the Mexican situation, prevented ac-
| tion in the Senate and that body, aft
er a spectacular midnight session. re-
cessed until noon today to take up a
substitute measure reported by the
foreign relations committee. This
substitute. which administration lead
ers expected to see adopted after a
brief debate and sent to the House for
concurrence would broaden the con-
gressional declaration and eliminate
direct reference To Hucrta. 1t also
would specifically dsclaim any hostil-
ity to the Mexican people or any pur-
pose TO make war upon them.
The language Of the amended RESP
luton adopted by the Senate foreign
relations committee is satisfactory to
the president because 1t specifically
disclaims any purpose of making war
on Mexico.
The administration expects the
House will accept It promptly.
At a cabinet meeting this forenoon.
Mexico" was the chief topic.
Active preparations for immediate
action upon word from the White
House continued at the navy and war
departments today
The Mexican resolution In amended
form. adopted by the Senate commit
tee, will not be opposed by tAsu 62use