The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1914-06-10

delivery Of cOntraband of war, Ad-
miral Mayo at Tampico would be
compelled to open fire on Huerta's
gunbOats, if necessary to prevent in
terference with the Antilla If this
were considered an overt act of war
and violation Of the agreement to
cease hostilities it probably automa-
tically would end the peace confer
encc at Niagara Falls. In the opinion
of many in S:lose touch with the
Washington administration this
would mean The beginning Of actual
hOstilities against the Huerta gov
ernment and signal the advance Of an
American army from Vera Cruz to-
ward Mexico city. - = s----' - -s@-
Another possibility, however, sug-
gested in official quarters is that this
government may bring influence to
bear on the owners of the steamer
Antilla to change her course and
make no attempt to deliver her cargo
at Tampico pending the outcome ,of
mediation negotiations, and efforts to
induce Gen. CarranZa to participate
in the peace conference. Should the
Antilla change her course or return
to an American port, danger of an
Agents of Gen. Carranza in Wash
ington tonight said they had no Off
cial word relating to the proposed de-
termination OF Huerta to blockade
Tampico nor any communication
from Gen. Carranza. AS to Gen. Car
ranza's expected answer to the pro-
posai from the South American
mcdiators the constitutionalist chiefs
advisers said it might not be forward
cd before Tuesday, inasmuch as the
general did not leave Parras for Sal
tillo until tonight.
a third possibility discussed here
is that Admiral Badgers ships would
not interfere with Gen. Huerta's pur-
pose to blockade the port of Tampico
against importation of ammunition
but that they would insist on keep
ing the port open to ordinary COM
mcrce. This might avert serious con-
sequences.
SO far as could be learned no or
ders were sent TO Admiral Badger to
send any war vessels to Tampico ex-
cept the two following Huerta's ships
The only American ships now at
Tampico are the battleship Minnesota,
outside the Panuco river, and the
monitor Ozark in the river, which
temporarily serves as Rear Admiral
Mayo's flagship These vessels, how
ever, would be more than adequate
to cope with any situation that might
arise.
While the navy department made
no affirmative alnOuncemcnts there
were no negative pronouncements and
naval officers were busily engaged
throughout the day. Rear Admiral
flSke in charge of operations was at
his desk most of the day. and several
times was in tcicphonic cOmmunica-
ton with Secretary Daniels. Rear Ad-
miral Howard reported from the Mex
lean west coast that Theodore w.
Jones. an American who had been
imprisoned at TCpic had left for San
Francisco. Authorities at Mazatlan.
he reported, had given noncombatants
permission TO leave Mazatlan for con-
lines if they desired
Rear Admiral Badger cablcd the
navy department tonight that Rear
Admiral Mayo had shifted his flag to
the battlcship Minnesota, outside the
Panuc" river at Tampico. 1t was as
sumCd the admiral desired to he on
hand for the arrival # the Huerta
gunhoatS tomorrow to blockade tho
port. The cruiser san Francisco has
left for Tampico md the Arethusa
for Charleston.