The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-05
REBELS THREATEN TO
 FIRE OIL TANKS IF
 SHIPS ENTER RIVER
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 were being approached. While no of- fieial announcement was made, it was generally understood that as a result of the unyielding attitude of the constitu- tionalists, mediation for the time being would be limited to the flag incident at Tampico, on which President Wilson S course was justified by the joint resolu- tion of Congress.
 Huerta Reported Desperate Reports of the desperate condition of Huerta al Mexico City continued to cir- culate, and with such circumstantial de- tail from authentic sources as to leave no doubt of his critical condition.
 At the same time the military aspect of the situation again became increas- ingly prominent. General Funston re- ported renewed demands by Mexican fed eral outposts for the surrender of the waterworks supplying Vera Cruz No shots were fired, and the Mexicans fell back, but General Funston voiced the pre- vailing spirit in military quarters in in quiring as to what steps the United States contemplated in view of the threatening situation
 Secretary Garrison conferred with his military chiefs, but said no further or ders had been given for the movement of troops and none are contemplated dur ing the period of negotiations. The Fourth or Sixth brigade of the Second division of the army, with headquarters at Texas City, is ready, however, and could board quickly the four transports, due back at Galveston today, if more troops are needed.
 No Details Given
 Word that Huerta was in desperate straits came from many quarters. One dispatch from foreign minister at Mex ico City said briefly of Huerta: Position desperate" but gave no details. An other through diplomatic cbaaineis, re ported Mexico City outwar,1ly quiet to day. Still another refegred to the doubt full attitude of the troops heretofor loyal to Huertnu- Information also cam that the yuarrels between General Blan quet, rpiinister of war, and Huerta migh bring,' Blanquet to the front in the even ,Sts Huerta's fall, much as Huerta ros l on the collapse of the Madero regime an, I the Felix Diaz movement.
 | The Brazilian minister in Mexico Cit, notified the state department that Amer | jeans there were in no way harrassed O l in danger, but that he had advised then 1 tc remain in close quarters and ayoi' demonstrations until they could leave.
 This situation at Mexico City gay | added importance to the SummOnlng
 Joaquin Casasus from Carlsbad. It wa l believed that his real post was to b
 minister of foreign affairs at Mexico City l to take the place of the inexperence ! Ruiz, named last Saturday when Huert 1 disposed of Rojas. The minister of for egn affairs is in direct line for the ares
 dent under the Mexican constitution, S 1 that this would bring to the succession
 man regarded as particularly strong il case Huerta disappeared from the scene 1 Casasus was formerly Mexican ambassa dor at Washington and those who knoy 1 him well, including some of the mediators spoke in high terms of his fitness fo the foreign ministry and the presidentia succession at this juncture.
 May Limit Efforts
 | The understanding that the mediator would limit their efforts for the tim l being to the settlement of the Tampic