The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-05-18

States will cite the blowing up Of this
bridge TO the mediators as an additional
charge that Huerta has violated the
armistce There are several Interrupt
tons In the line Of the Mexican Central
Railroad, the refugees at one point
being Obliged to walk two or three miles.
The destruction Of the San Francisco
Bridge therefore cut of all direct rail
communication between Vera Cruz and
Mexico city.
The blowing up OF the railroad bridge,
while causing some worry to-day. Is
not to be compared with the situation
growing out OF the execution Of Private
Parks and developments in Tampico re-
lating to the oil fields. The two lat
ter constitute the really serious phases
OF the present Mexican crisis.
The developments at Tampico involve
the ConstltutlonaIists. 1t Is charged
that they are extorting money from for
eign owners of the oil fields. SO serious
are these reports that the Dutch Min
lister at Washington called at the Navy
Department and asked for an Immediate
investigation.
The United States officials have not |
received any information to confirm
these complaints and 1t is not clear
whether the Dutch Minister obtained his
information through official or private
channels. II Is apparent that this Gov !
eminent is greatly concerned over the
situation and has instructed Admiral |
Mayo to report at once whether any |
exactlons have been made.
Since long before the onstitutionalists |
captured Tampco the United States au- |
thorities have been lmpresslng upon them |
the necessity OF protecting the foreign |
oil properties and refraining from all |
outlawry or other acts which would re- |
suit in protests by European Governments. |
The fear expressed now IL that the Con- |
stitutionalists are just beginning to enter |
upon campaign Of eNtortion in the
Tampico oil districts. and IL this occurs II |
is certain to draw the United States into |
steps for the protection OF these interests. |
Calls Payments Voluntary.
As the news Of the exactlons made upon
the Dutch oil interests reaches WASH
ington the Constituencies describe the
payments as voluntary contributions, but
not so the Dutch. The Dutch interests
are closely allied with those OF the British
in the oil field and what affects one II
bound TO affect the other.
Great Britain already has a grievance
against the Constitutionalists in the
murder of Benton and she is not likely to
tolerate any exorbltant and discriminating
levies on her oil interests.
II Is accepted here as Inevitable that
Carranza and villa will attempt to turn
this oil field into their chief source Of
revenue. The Constitutlonalsts are sadly
lacking in funds and have not sufficient
ammunition to enable them to conduct
their campaign TO Mexico city. They
must pay cash In advance for powder
bullets and artillery. and as Washington
views the situation they are bound to
turn TO Tamplco.
In fact Washington officials arc already
reconciled to the fact that Carranza will
In the near future impose heavy export
tax on oil. but the fear here is that tho
enforcement OF this tax may not be
uniform. The European Governments
would protest at the doubling Of the
present tax but their case would not be
so strong II ii could be shown that there
had been no discrimination.
Grave DevelOpme nts Feared.
The fear expressed In Washington 10
that the Consttutionalists will seek to
obtain from each OF the foreign interests
as much as each will pay, and In that
event there surely will be serious develop
ments.
The Navy Department is still without
information as to whether the Constitu>
tionalists or the Federals Are in posses
sion of the Tampico oil field. Admiral
Mayo was instructed to investigate and
report as soon as possible on this phase
Of the situation. but has not yet done SO.
The Dutch Minister In Washington
could throw no light on the demand OF
the Constitutionalists at Tampico for the
removal of the Dutch marines who were
landed in the oil field. He presumed that
they referred to action taken by the Dutch
cruiser ut Tdmpco about two weeks
ago. At that time one OF the largest oil
wells in the district the Corona, was
deserted by the men who were operating
the well. The commanding officer or the
Dutch cruiser, according TO the Minister In
Washington, landed an officer and three
marines, all In civilian dress, to cap this
big oil well and protect II. The Dutch
Minister contends that this party was In
no sense "A military expedition, but con-
sisted solely of mechanics, who were
needed in the emergency. He assumes
that these are the men whom the Con-
stitutionalists have ordered out.