South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1914-04-21


Notwithstanding Secretary Dan
ielS' denial that news had been re-
ceiyed that Vera Cruz had been
seized by American forces, it was
ascertained that Secy. Bryan had
notified all foreign representatives,
of the intention of the United
States to occupy Vera Cruz.
This action was necessary to
avoid foreign complications and is
regarded as a diplomatic courtesy.
1t was accepted as fact by naval
officers and state department at
tacheS that American marines had
occupied Vera Cruz at about
1880 o'clock today. This form
cd the reason, it is said, for con-
ference between Secy. of the Navy
Daniels and Secy. Bryan Just prior
10 the cabinet meeting.
WASHINGTON. April 21.-A
detachment of marines will be
landed at Vera Cruz today by or
der of President Wilson to seize
consignment of 1000, 900 shells
for use in the Mexican army. This
shipment of ammunition, the ad-
miniStratiOn has been informed, is
due To reach Vera Cruz before
noon. Rear Admiral Fletcher was
instructed to permit the amuni-
ton to be landed. because the
president does not favor any in
reference with foreign commerce
at this time. but as soon as the
shells reach Mexican territory they
viii ne seized by the marines.
This will be the first active step
against General Huerta by the
United States.
It developed today that news OF
this large shipment of ammunition
for President Huerta was the real
reason for the haste displayed by
the administration in bringing
the Mexican issue To a head Pres
Iient Wilson was informed
through foreign agents of the state
department last week that a Ger
man factory intended TO ship the
shells 10 Mexico.
The military experts here stated that
ff Huerta received this shipment he
would De strengthened immensely and
~ was decided that. in order 10 pre-
vent as much bloOdshed as possible,
HnL IN
seize this consignment before il reach
ed the Mexican capital
The shipment will be allowed 10 be
landed al Vera cruz without OppOI-
ZION from Admiral Fletcher or the
American authorities 80 aS not 20 Of
ftud Germany As soon as the Ger =
man cargo ~ en- shore and has paSSe0 u
into the keeping OF TIE Mexican gov
,rurucut. howe-.er. the signal viii be
given for the landing OF marines and
the occupation OF Vera cruz 10y
American troops. The customs at
era Cruz rln be seized and the con
81. .anment Of ammunition held mp IN
oaHnitelv \ large force Of American
aasarines will be detailed 20 guard the
consignment and any fOrClble attempt
hv President Huerta 10 recover the
shells VIII be construed as an act oi
war
Prepare 90 Land Big Force.
The administration hopes. however
that Huerta will offer no opposition q
the seizure of the port OF Vera Cruz
but the American feet is prepared Ga
land a force sufficient 10 defeat any
Mexican troops which are available al
this time
The battleship Florida. now at Vera
Cruz has aboard a landing force Of
400 men. while the transport Prairie
carries 500 marines
IL is probably the majority Of these
will be landed in and near Vera Cruz
a. soon as word has been received
that the consignment Of ammunition
has been sent ashore and has passed
out of the keeping OF the German or
ncials
Secretary Daniels and Secretary
prvan conferred at the state depart
meat c.lneerning the rights ot tn