New Britain herald., 1914-05-08
Mexican Situation Assumes More War;ike Aspect Department Officials Seeking
 Information Concerning Militia.
President Wilson and Cab inet Members Hold
 Conference.

SltuatlOn assumed more WaTilke dS- pect today. Activities in the war de- partment which began last night on the receipt of long confidential ad- vices from General Funston, were renewed through the morning and were brought to the attention of President Wilson and the cabinet when the regular session began at II o'clock
 While this activity disclosed that every preparation was being made for eventualities, yet Secretary of War Garrison said just before entering the cabinet meeting that No addi- tional troop movements have been ordered"
 In the midst of the military prepar- ations, came definite word that the mediating envoys had received from General Huerta, and submitted to the United States government. com plaint that new landing of American troops and war material at Vera Cruz amounted to a breaking of the armis- tice which had been arranged by the South American diplomats after their good offices in the Mexican crisis had been accepted by General Huerta and the United States. This also was one of the subjects before the cab inet. Secretary Bryan said early in the day that he had received the me- diators' note and that reply would be made.
 Not Violated in Spirit.
 Meantime it was learned from a source close to the mediators that they believe they will be able to persuade General Huerta that the United States had not been violating, in spirit at least, the armistice. Otherwise a stumbling block would be placed in their way, which might render vir- tually useless their further efforts at mediation.
 The note from General Huerta al- leging violation by the United States of tho armistice, 1t was asccrtained, reached the mediators, who are work ing in the utmost possible secrecy, day before yesterday and was presented by them at once to Secretary Bryan. The mediators themselves declined to comment in any way on the mat ter but it is known that they are proceeding with their police plan as
 
 expecting to see the armistice con- troversy cleared away soon.
 Communicates With Governors.
 In connection with the military preparations for a possible forward movement it became known that the officials of the war department have been in long distance telephone com munication with the governors of New York Pennsylvania and Ohio, in an effort to determine how soon the militia organizations of those states could be mobilized and sent to the seaboard for shipment in trans ports. The department has been en- ergetic in it's efforts to make all preparations for the possible mobili- zation of the national guard for some time.
 In the theoretical organization of the militia, Pennsylvania and New York state quotas each make up a full tactical division. They are the only states supplying full division quotas Ohio combines with Michigan to fill a division. and the other divisions are made up of several states each.
 Appeal to Bryan.
 A delegation of Tampico oil men who yesterday conferred with Secre- tary of the Navy Daniels today visited Secretary Bryan and urged measures for the protection of the oil proper ties in the disturbed section around Tampico.
 The conference was extended and while it was on, Charge O'Shaugh- messy who called at the state depart ment was unable to see the secretary. He left, saying he would return later in the day.
 The British ambassador also con- ferred with Secretary Bryan as to at Tampico, and as to ne- gotiations which might insure the safety of the oil properties and oil employees.
 Have Made Representations.
 The British embassy here has made to Mexico City in be- half of the American and English en- ployed in the oil districts in and about Tampico. These foreigners when they attempted to land and resume their work were driven off with threats. There has been no response from the Mexican officials.
 It has been learned on high author ity that the war department had un- der consideration today early an adequate reinforcement of the com mand of General Funston at Vera Cruz, to carry out any movement that might be necessary into the interior of Mexico The question of placing a large force of Americans in Vera Cruz that would be strong enough to defend that port against any attack.
 --- u'nntinned nf Twelfth PaPel