The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1914-04-21
AT THE PORT
Of VERA CRUZ
Is Critical Spot on the War
Map Today Because of
Shipment of
Arms.
TIME FOR ACTIVITY
Huerta Has Big Lot Of Supplies Com
Inq Which Would Give
Him Plenty OF
Munitions.
[By United Press staff correspon-
dant

VERA CRUZ. April 21.-The Mexi-
can federals have felt the forcs OF
the embargo which is to be placed
against the government even before
1t formally is orders cd by the United
States. Acting under orders from
Admiral Craddock, commanding the
British vessels here, the oil carrying
steamer Ell Zorra refused to transport
ammunition to the federal forces at
Tampico. Upon receipt OF the in
structions from Craddock, the cargo
of ammunition was discharged and
the Zorra sailed today without a
single gun or a pound Of ammunition
for the federals aboard. The captain
explained that England's friendly re-
lations with America would not per-
NIT his vessel to run by the feet
with war material.
Denies Wild Report.
WASHINGTON April 21.-secre-
tary of the Navy Daniels at 12:40
this afternoon declared that the navy
department, had no word whatever.
tending to confirm printed report
that Admiral Fletcher had seized the
Vera Cruz customs house.
mo messages whatever have been
received from Vera Cruz" he said.
Two Hundred Machine Guns.
WASHINGTON, April 21.-Grave
developments in the Mexican situa-
ton were indicated today by brief
conference between Secretarys Bryan
and Daniels. Hints that their confer
ence dealt with proposed seizurs Of
ammunition supposed to be heading
for Mexico on a German vessel met
with neither affirmation nor denial
from Secretary Daniels. He was un-
usually grave upon leaving the con-
ference, refusing point blank to an
swer questions.
please don't ask me anything un-
til after the cabin 1t meeting" he
said in response to series of ques-
tons from a United Press correspon-
dent.
Asked If the ammunition subject
was discussed In the confer snce, Sec
retary Bryan evaded a direct reply
by saying: Il don't think it does any
good to discuss matters Of that sort
in the newspapers"
1t was shown here that the ship
ment which ths administration is so
anxious to prevent reaching Huerta
consists of 100000 rounds Of ammu
milton and 200 OF the latest models
Of Krupp rapid fire machine guns.
Huerta, it is understood, ordered
these munitions specifically to hold
and defend the railway from Mexico
City to Vera Cruz. The seizure OF
this line is the very first step con-
by army and navy strate-
gists to follow the occupation Of
Vera Cruz and the initial war like
m measures. IF Huerta gets arms to
defend it, the task of the United
States will be infinitely increased.
From the air Of gravity maintained
by all officials it was believed here
that orders of some sort effectins
this shipment had already been sent.
All sorts Of rumors attended the
cabinet me eting. There were reports.
OF imm ediate impossible confirmation
that Rear Admiral Fletcher had al
ready occupied Vera Cruz and seized
the arms Other reports had 1t that
German vessels bearing munitions of
war had not yet arrived at the Mexi-
can port. One rumor stated that fat
ordars to po ahead had heen sent
Fletcher.
It was pointed out here by officials
that there is no possible way in which
the port Of Vera Cruz can be blockaded
without giving notice under the rules
of international warfare Of the inten-
ton to blockade. Germany would
not permit holding up one of her YES
sells without notice Of blockade. 1t