The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-07
MEXICAN SITUATION
 OUTWARDLY CALM
 PENDING OPENING
 PEACE CONFERENCE
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--~--~~->>~---~----------- sive operations. A report also came from General Funston that he could secure no definite information as to the active movements by the federals under General Maas. but he construed what they were doing as being mere ly defensive. No further reinforce ments have been ordered to Vera Cruz nor has there been any sign of Gen era1 Wood moving to the front to as- sume command.
 The naval situation was shown in reports from Rear Admiral Badger as to the Atlantic coast points and from Rear Admiral Howard as to conditions on the Pacific coast side. Admiral Badger stated that sharp fighting had occurred between Mexican federals and constitutionalists midway between Vera Cruz and Tampico, and he added that rumors reached him through Ad- mira1 Mayo that some of Villas forces intended to take and burn the city of Tampico. Admiral Mayo put no faith in reports of truce between federaIs and constitutionalist elements about Tampico.
 Congress AdjOurns
 Congress again came into the Mexican situation today when a caustic debate occurred In the Senate over the resolution of MT. Lippitt of Rhode Island, asking President Wilson for information as to his reported support of Rancho Villa for next ruler of Mexico. The resolution finally was tabled by a viva voce vote but not until Senator Lippitt had dis cussed reports of the administration's support of the ''Villainous Villa" the landing at Vera Cruz and other incidents
 Mexico also crept into the debate on the repeal of the Panama tolls exemption act when Senator Bradley of Kentucky declared that the repeal was "to pur- chase immunity for a continuation of watchful waiting in Mexico"
 The South American mediators con- pleted their plans for beginning the con- ference at Niagara Falls Headquarters will be established at a leading hotel there, which consented to advance the date of its opening in order to accommo- date the conference. The mediators with their secretaries, stenographers, etc., will make a party of about 15 They will leave here on the 14th to prepare for the opening conference on the following Mon- day The Huerta delegates are expected to arrive by way of Montreal, coming thence to Niagara Falls.
 The mediators definitely announced to- day that they would proceed with their work without regard to the course of Carranza, in coming in or remaining out of the conference. They have made no further overtures to him, and if he comes in it will be voluntary on his part
 In quarters outside of the mediators however, pressure is being applied to Carranza to bring him Into the confer ence. It is believed to be the desire of the United States that he should partici- pate in order that the entire Mexican trouble may be brought within any set clement secured
 Delegates Not Named
 The United States delegates have not been named. Secretary Bryan said to- day, however. that there was no truth in published intimations that the United States might not appoint delegates and thus withhold participation in the con- ference. He will talk further with Presi- dent Wilson before the names are an- nounced.
 notable official assemblage will meet the funeral ship Montana when it ar rives at Brooklyn Monday with the dead sailors and marines from Vera Cruz. Besides the president and the Secretary of the Navy, 2 members of the House of Representatives will be designated to attend the ceremony. under a resolution of the House adopted today. A similar resolution probably will be adopted by the Senate.
 During the day Secretary Bryan received delegation of prominent men connected with the oil industry at and near Tam pico. They wanted written assurances from the federal and constitutionalist com manders there that oil properties would be safeguarded. MT. Bryan told them that both the warning factions had agreed not to attack the oil properties. and that the American consulate, which had been re-es- tablished. was assisting in the preserva- tion of property.
 Anxiety concerning the whereabouts of Vice and Deputy Consul John R. Silliman of Saltillo who disappeared while on a mission to San Luis Potosi. were not al- layed during the day, no replies having been received to the message of inquiry addressed to Mexico City. Dr. Edward Ryan, the American Red Cross agent, arrested on a charge of espionage, and Consul Bonney and wife of San Luis Potosi. are among the refugees in Mex ico City.