New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-05-08
Daniels Issues Statement.

The Secretary Of the Navy, evidently
greatly perturbed by his interview with
the rate refugees, issued statement
this evening. in which he said:
Complaints. evidently due to a lack
ri knowledge Of the facts and misun-
Outstanding Of the situation, having
been made TO the department by some
Of the American refugees who have ar
rived in this country from Tampico, it
has been deemed advisable to state
the situation clearly in order that there
might be no general misunderstanding
m the part Of the public. and that the
refugees from Tampico themselves
should have Information which they
evidently do not possess.
The complaints made by the ref
ugees relate principally TO the with
drawal Of the American ships from the
river on which Tampico is located TO
he open sea outside. and to the refusal
Of the department to take them back
10 Tampico after having successfully
taken them out to absolute safety and
security
Let it be stated first of all that the
navy has considered it it's pre-eminent
duty TO prevent loss of life and to res
cue Americans and foreigners in OBJ
vious peril at the hands of excited
mobs or undisciplined soldiers.
ION April 20 II was decided that should
eize for the insult offered the flag comopel
extreme measures the navy would be
asked 20 occupy the Custom House at
Vera Cruz. using for the purpose the
force under Admiral Fletcher. AS the
amount Of resistance that would be Of
fered 10 this occupation could not be fore
cssted, II was decided TO reinforce Ad-
uiral Fletcher with the ships then at
Tampico. with the exception of the Des
Moincs and at clock on Monday after
noon of the 9th Admiral Mayo was di-
rected TO proceed with his force, leaving
only the Des Moines on guard at Tam
pico.
Military necessity requiring that only
one vessel should be left at that place, and
10 being clearly foreseen that should the
custom house be occupied public resent
ment against foreigners in Tampico would
rise 10 such a point that the presence of
a single vessel, too weak 10 take Of
feusiye measures Of reprisal. would prob
bly, initiate the pOpulace 10 the point OF
taking personal vengeance on the limo
cent foreigners. not only at Tampico
itself. but in the outlying districts il was
therefore decided that the Des Moines
should lie outside the mouth of the river
iather than in full sight Of the city Of
Tsmpico. Events moved with greater
witness than was anticipated and the
order TO occupy the custom house was
given early on the morning Of the 21st,
before Admiral Mayos squadron could
possibly cooperate with Admiral Fletcher.
The protection Of property lying in
land and out of range of the guns OF
the feet is clearly difficult If not i'm
possible problem for the naval forces
II the United States TO attempt, but, so
far as has been possible. and when
ever it could be done without using for
the purpose ships needed to rescue en-
dangered Americans and carry them TO
places Of safety, the navy has endeav-
ored 20 cool the enthusiasm OF an eX-
cited populace by the sight OF the WIS.,
ible power for reprisal that is displayed
by the guns Of our warships lying, as
they are to-day. in practically every