The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-04-15
DABLE ARRAY OF u. S. WARSF1 HIPS SENT TO MEXICO


continued stubbornness by Huerta has
not been officially disclosed here. 1t 4.
known, however. that officers Of the
Navy Department left hurriedly for
Hampton Roads this afternoon to con.
suit with the commander in chief of the
Atlantic fleet in regard to the topog-
raphy and conditions Of the country
about Tampico.
Blockade Expected.
II II hard for official Washington 10
bring itself to the belief that the Wilson
Administration will order the American
feet to open fire on the two or three
Mexican gunboats at Tampic0 or upon
the practically defenceless city. Many
are inclined to the belief that the
operations OF the United States in the
event Of Huerta's continued refusal will
take the form OF blockade OF the ports
In Mexico. This would tend to cut off
Huerta's supply of ammunition and
funds and would probably hasten his
fall as provisional President.
Another suggestion which seemed TO
have some ground for consideration was
that the United States battleshlps and
the $500 marines ordered TO Tampico
would seize that town and declare 1t n
neutral zone In which no host!lities
should take place. This zone would
then be place of refuge for Americans
and other foreigners in Mexico who
might care to seek protection under the
care OF the United States,
OF one thing, however, there -
no doubt. the lion has
made MP Its mind that u salute
must he Aired by the Mexican troops.
and that steps will be taken to OBJ
tain satisfaction if this IL not done.
The details are expected to be worked
out within the next week. and the
movement up to this time is largely in
the nature of demonstration to con-
vince Huerta and the Mexicans that the
United States Is prepared to go to ex-
treme limits when its honor is involved.
Huerta offered Compromise.
The ADMINISTRATORS hope for
change Of front on the part of Huerta
Ii due to the fact that he has already
offered to order the offending battery
at Tampico to salute the United States
cruiser Dolphin, from which the Amer
lean marines and Paymaster Copp
landed on Thursday. when they were
arrested. Huerta was willing to fire
. salute Of FIVE guns to the Dolphin.
but It Is understood he proposed that
the Dolphin should return the salute.
Tho United States insisted upon noth-
Ing less than salute of twenty-one
guns to the American flag. because they
regarded II az an insult TO the national
colors and not to the men Of the
Dolphin. Such a salute. Huerta con-
tended. was beyond the requirements
OF international courtesy. He sreplied
that he had rendered sufficient repara-
ton by apologizng and expressing his
regret and by reprimanding the COM
mander of the Federal Mexican troops.
1t was upon the receipt of this reply
that the President and his Cabinet de-
cided upon a military demonstration.
A complete embargo has been laid by
President Wilson upon otiio ial state
ments as to the purposes Of the Gov
eminent The only announcement made
by an official to-day was that of Secre-
tary Of the Navy Daniels that Rear
Admiral Charles J. Badger, comma nder
In chief Of the Atlantic feet, had been
ordered to mobollze all available battle
ships under his command at Tampico.
Efforts were made to-day to convince
President Wilson Of the need for an ex
PLANTATION to the American people OF the /,
causes which had led this Government.
to assume its warikc attitude. but the
President thinks 1t wise that the stu
alton be allowed to clarity itself further
hafnra official cta is iqsnad
In Congress the Administration is re-
Earded as having abandoned its policy |
Of "watchful waiting in Mexico. Mem |
bers expressed the belief that this move
Is only the forerunner OF others of
similar resolution and firmness which
will be taken by the United States in |
dealing with both the provisional Gov
eminent and the Constitutional forces
In the southern republic.
-, Move Based on Insult 10 Flag.
Those who knew the Presidents
views. however. emphasized the fact
that the Administrations new stand
need not necessarily be regarded as a |
permanent reputation of the policy
in Mexican affairs for the
past year. The present action. 1t was
said. Is based merely upon the resolu-
ton that the American flag must not be
violated and that the incident of last
weeks violation ought to be dealt with |
as something entirely apart from the
policy evolved for bringing peace to
Mexico and protection to foreign citi-
zens and property there.
Administration officials said that the
stand which President Wilson eventually
will assume before the American people,
In connection with these developments
will be that OF protector OF the national
honor. They predict that he Will seek
to divorce the issue involved In sending
the fleet to Tampico completely from
that of the general Mexican policy.
1t is pointed out for the President
that his position In the present situation
II greatly strengthened by the contrast
ing forbearance and mlldness which
have characterized his dealings with
Huerta since John Lind's mission to
Mexico city was undertaken
Some members OF Congress were in
cllned to interpret the Presidents move
an an effort to restore by one stroke the .
prestige which this Government had lost
with European nations as the result OF .
its weak and dilatory tactics in Mexico |
BY these critics of the Administration /
the opinion was expressed that the hur-