The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1914-06-10
.HUERTA FAILS
TO WORK BLUFF
HIS GUNBOATS WILL NOT
ATTEMPT BLOCKADE AT
TAMPICO
OUR NEUTRALITY
Does Not Permit u. S. To Let
Huerta Take Guns Away From
the Constitutonalists
OUR NEUTRALITY

Washington, June S.-General Huer-
ta's orders Monday suspending the or
der to blockade against Tampico
against the delivery of ammunition by
the Antilla to the Constitutionalists,
served to dispel apprehension over a
new crisis between the United States
and Huerta, which had threatened me-
diation of Mexican affairs.
Though Washington officials ex-
pressed satisfaction over Huerta's ac-
tion, it was persistently suggested un-
officially that the blockade had been
suspended only conditionally as. re-
suit of conferences between the South
American mediator, the Mexican and
American delegates at Niagara Falls.
It also was said that the Antilla
might be diverted in her course
through an agreement with officials
of the Ward Line, her owners, and an
American corporation.
President Wilson, Secretary Bryan
and Secretary Daniels gave evidence
of great relief over recent develop
ments, which temporarily, at least,
have saved another clash Of arms.
From no official source was there con-
firmation Of the reports that Huer-
ia has no understanding with the me-
diators of the United States which
would assure him that the Antilla's car
go wAuld not be delivered. Mean
while, nothing has been heard from
tn Antilla, which is due to arrive
off Tampico Wednesday morning.
Secretary Bryan was first inform
ed of Huerta's suspension Of the
blockade order by Mr.. Riano, the
Spanish ambassador, early in the day
the secretary declined to discuss re-
reports from Niagara Falls that Cen
eral Huerta had suspended his block
ade, order at the requst Of the South
American mediators pending settle
mnt Of the question relating to an
armistice. .>a. .E.
The Mexican gunboats Zaragosa and
Brova, followed firm Puerto, Mexico,
by the American cruiser Tacoma and
gunboat Sacramento, reached Tam
pico early today, The Mexican boats
anchored in the Panuco river, some
distance from Tampico, and Rear Ad-
miral Mayo conferred with their COM
manders. It Is believed the order sus-
pending the blockade had not reached
Tampico when the conference was
held. .
Navy department heads assumed
that Admiral Mayo discussed with the
Mexican officers the extent Of their
authority and nature of their orders,
and that he might have entered to
dissuade them from interference with
commerce at Taptco.
Secretary Daniels would not dis
cuss the future course Of the steamer
Antilla. Department heads still main
tanned, however, that there had been
no order to Admiral Badger since that
of May 18, directing that Tampico be
open to commerce. Secretary Daniels
frankly stated that the Navy claimed
no credit for the diplomatic maneuv-
ers which resulted in the blockade sus-
pension. -r...
Some department officials tonight ar
gued that although the Antilla flies
the Cuban flag, her American owners
still were amendable to American Gus
toms and shipping laws, and that there
was every reason to believe the com
pany would be prepared to give re-
spectful consideration to hints from
the State department that it would
prefer it not to land ammunition from
the shores of the United States at Tam
pico. ..
At the State department it was
pointed out that the record thus far
would show that the administration
had been acting with exact neutrality
as between the federals and constitu-
tionalists.