The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-06-03
EMBARGO MAY KEEP
ARMS FROM TAMPICO
President Wilson Is Said to BE
Considering Issuance Of
a Secret Order.
REBELS THREATEN SUITS
Assert That Only Formal Proc
lamation Can Stop Entry
Of Munitions.
REBELS THREATEN SUITS

WASHINGTON, June 2.--The importation
OF arms and ammunition from the United
States into Mexico Is fast assuming such
proportions that this Government will be
obliged to act.
Thus far Mr.. Wilson and Mr.. Bryan
have been fearful OF offending their
fri nds, the Constitutionaiists. by taking
any action which would prevent ship
ments OF arms through Tampico. but the
news that at least three carloads of arms
for the rebels are already on their way
from the United States has caused con.
siderable worry.
These shipments. following so closely
on the heels OF the landing OF munitions
for Huerta from the German vessels, have
raised protests from army officers, who
fear that the United States Is permitting
the accumulation OF war supplies which
eventually will be turned against Amer
lean soldiers
Administration officials heard to-day
that the Ward liner Antilla sailed from
New York with 3.0OO,000 rounds of am
munltion and aeroplanes consigned to the
rebels at Tamplco. The officials have been
aware for several days that the Antilla.
which flies the Cuban flag, was preparing
to sail for Tampico. but nothing was
done to prevent the shipment of war sup
plies.
1t Is known that the Administration Is
giving this subject serious consideration
and the belief here tonight IL that u
formal order laying an embargo has been
prepared.
Secretary of state Bryan would not
deny this to-day, but both Assistant Secre-
tary OF the Treasury Hamlin and Com
missioner OF Navigation Chamberlain of
the Commlssary Department said they
have no knowledge OF an order for an
embargo
Constitutionalists May Sue.
The consti,utionallsts here said that
suits for heavy damages will be instituted
IL shipments are stopped in any way.
They contend that only an embargo
proclamation by the President or a regu-
larry proclaimed blockade OF Mexican
ports can legally be used TO stop supplies
from going to the rebels.
They insisted that secret order such
as Is supposed to have been prepared
would not stand the test In court OF
law. IL attempts are made TO hold up
shipments to the Constituencies under
such an order they will apply for a writ
OF mis- demeanor.
Steamships OF the Morgan line also
are carrying arms and ammunition for
the rebels to Galveston, IL becomes known
to-day These are the shipments which
the United States Government will doubt
less try TO keep from reaching Carranzas
army. one steamship of this line In due
at Galveston with arms and another u re-
ported TO sail from New York.
Rebel agents here stated that II has
been the intention TO store these arms al
Galveston ready for shipment to Tampico
as the need may arise. The capture o!
Tampico was inspired In large part by
the need for port OF entry for war
supplies, and the rebels have since re-
lied upon the stand of the Washington
administration that Tampico was an open
port and would be kept open by force II
necessary.
No blockade Expected.
II Is not believed here that a blockade
OF Tampico has been considered. Acting
Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt said to-
day that so far as he knew Tampicc
remained In the same official status as
heretofore. namely. 1t was regarded BY
the United States az an open port.
As the enforcement OF blockade oil
any port would be left in the hands OF
the navy after the original proclamation
1t Ia scarcely probable that blockade ID
intended.
IL was suggested tO-uhy tudt inc rneTe
refusal OF clearance papers to vessels with
consignments OF arms for Mexican ports
would effectually prevent these shipments
leaving the United States unless acton
was brought In the courts.
The port officer refusing to Issue the
papers would be held strictly respcns!bie
for the refusal.
In order that tactical data may be cb-
talned In the event Of an emergency In the
Mexican situation the battiesiip Texas
sailed to-day for Lobos Island. She will
! also act as n link In the wireless chain
from Tampico and Vera Cruz to The
United States.
The Rieyo Maru, reported to have sailed
several weeks ago from Japan with q
large consignment OF arms and ammuni.
ton for Sal!na Cruz, has been there and
loft without landing any cargo OF this
character, Admiral Howard reported &c
the Navy Department to-day. The steamer
touched at Salina Cruz Sunday morning
and left twelve hours later. The com.
mander OF the ship declared that the COM
pany had declined to ship the arms &c
Mexico. The Reiyo Maru Is now en- route
| for home.