The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-04-25

Washington, April e4-While the at
tention Of the United States govern
ment for the most part to-day was
concentrated on restoring order at
Vera Cruz and exped!tinG the de-
parture OF Americans from Mexico.
watchful eye was trained on the trans
continental boundary between Mexico
and the United States for any signs
OF hostility from Mexican Constitutions
alists.
President Wilson and his Cabinet had
long meeting, after which optimism
was consnicuously apparent, both in
their demcanor and informal discus
sion of the situation. There was no
particular development to which tho
feeling OF hopefulncss that real war
would be averted could he traced, but
General Villas friendly pronouncement.
II was admitted, had impressed many
officials here with tho possibility that
tho Constitutionalists would remain
neutral, while the American govern
ment sought reparation from General
Huerta.
Other ot11cials were not so sanguine,
and the army moved with precision
and swiftness TO protect the Amer
lean boundary and reinforce the eN-
peditionary force OF marines and blue
Jackets ut Vera Cruz.
conferences at the State Department
between Secretary Bryan and repre-
sentatives OF the Mexican Constitutions
alists resulted in the dispatch TO Cen
cral Carranza OF a telegram bv tho
latter, strongly advising him 10 re-
main neutral and assuring him that
the American government intended to
Withdraw lis forces from Mexico just
rs soon as Huerta had made satisfac-
tory reparation for otfenses
Advice Given Ia Carranzn.
that by assuming Il hostile attitude
no would draw all Mexico into "a war.
iiuerta would be perpctuuted, and the
Constitutionalist cause lost
-Four countries, among them Franca
ana spain. came forward with in
qurics to the United states about pos
sible means OF mediation between tn.
iCcrta government and the United
states. hut Secretary Bryan said these
advances could not be- described as
oVerimres." and he was Inclined To at
tach little Importance to them Tho
position oil the American government
Is iirIn, that al offense against It's dig
nifty and national honor has been COM
mitted and that IL must enforce repar-
alton from ifuerta.
signs Of uneasiness abroad because
the United States, though not having
declared q blockade or II state of war
Is exercising Jurisdiction NJ Vera Cru.
between measures short OF war" and
actual war. became apparent to-day.
cabinet officials said no attempt would
pe inada TO interfere with the regular
channels or commerce anywhere car
goes being allowed to land at all
points. Munitions Of war alone will
be held at the Vera Cruz custom
house, II landed. provisions and other
commercial supplies not being do
tanned.
Army and Navy Plans.
h.. 10. i,ra
Of the government, the army and navy
continued plans for holding Vera Cruz.
for the care OF refugees, for proyi-
slonng of American forces. and for
mainttnancn of Il strict border patrol,
not only To prevent raids and uprisinys
hut 10 keep all factions In Mexico from
obtaining munitions. arms and ammu-
milton The War Department continued
ita plan for mohiliHinE regulars and
volunteers, should the President call
Tor them. Army transports, bearing
Infantry and artillery. sailed from CAL
weston 10 reinforce the naval forces
Al Vera Cruz
Tie sporadic outbreaks at Nuevo La
redo. Mexico, where the evacuating
Federa!s burned the town and fired
across the American border. was not
expected, but il was Significantly point
ed out by officials here that the Amer
lean troops returned the fire merely In
defense of the International line, and
did not become the agsressors.
Congress still talked about Mexico.
Senator Lodge read u long telegram
from many prominent persons urging
an inquiry into the Mexican situation
before war WAS declared. Rcpresen-
tativc Fitzgerald. chairman OF tho
Committee on Appropriations, asked
the President II he wanted any war
appropriation" and Mr.. Wilson replied.
mot yet"
without Funds for Army.
Secretary Garrison is virtually with
out funds for the particular moves of
the army now Being made, but he is
drawing on the future. 1t Is viola :
tion OF law for the War Department
to incur any obligation without au-
thorzation by Congress, but Mr.. Gar
rison smilingly said he had faced
Jail" several times in the last few
days on this account Leaders in Com
grcss have assured him they would
back him UP in tho present emergency.
The President has hcsitated to an
prove any request for an emergency
appropriation for the War Depart-
mcnt Tor fear II might be interpreted
rs forerunner OF war.
Mr.. Wilson viii afx his signature
probably tomorrow TO tho volunteer
army blu passed ny the House and