The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1914-05-07
May Use His Judgment
In Arranging His
Outposts.
WILL FORTlFY NOW
Zapata May March on Mexico
City.-Huerta's Position
Grows Perilous.

issued today from the war depart
ment to General Funston authorizing!
him to extend his lines about Vera
Cdu2 as far, as ''in his judgment 1t is
necessary"
This, it is explained by department
officials, gives the American com
marler virtually a free hand i'll deal
ing with the situation at Vera Cruz.
1t is said the American lines will
Immediately be extended, and heavy
fortifications thrown up.
Funston reported to the war de-
part,nent that he has no definite in
formation regarding the movements
of aIexican troops. He said he thought
it probable that the concentration OF
Mexican forces was only for the pur-
pose of defending the lines OF rail-
road to Mexico City in case the United
States troops advanced.
Mexican natives reported the track
of tho Intcroceanic railroad is being
torn up.
Admiral Badger reported to the
navy department that the constitu-
ti0lalist forces made a sharp attack
upon the Mexican federal troops in
the northwestern portion of the pro-
vince of Vera Cruz, and also to the
west of Tampico. Badger was unable
to get accurate information but gave
as his opinion that there was no de-
cisive result from the battle.
Iapata May Attack Mexico City
In diplomatic circles dispatches
have been received stating that the
fear of attack on Mexico City by
General Zapata's forces causes con-
siderable alarm. Huerta's hold upon
his soldiers. the dispatches state, is
weakening and the possibility of
opposition to the United States in the
Zapata movement, it is declared, is
decreasing. zapata boasts that he can
get to Mexico City before Villa.
May 5, patriotic holiday, appar-
emily passed with none of the anti
cipated anti-American demonstra-
tions in Mexico.
After a short session with Secret
ary Bryan. one of the mediators an
nounced that they had definitely de-
cided to proceed without CarranZa.
The possibility THAT the constitution
alist chiefs attitude is merely tenn
porary is considered doubtful by the
South American envoys.
W 4N1oSGs
The South American mediators
who are seeking an adjustment of
the Mexican trouble have perfected
their plan for removal to the con-
ference to Niagara Falls, Canada, on
May is. kilograms have been sent to
the leading hotel at Niagara asking
that the opening be advanced to ac
commodate the mediators. The me-
diators plan to leave here on Thurs
day, May IA, to arrange the prelim-
inaries for the opening session on the
following Monday. The party, includ-
ing secretaries, stenographers, and
other officials, will number about
fifteen, not including the United
States and Huerta delegates, or those
OF Carranza, should the latter finally
come into the deliberations.
The mediators, Ambassador De
Cana, of Brazil, and ministers Naon
of Argentina, and suarez of Chilli
called at the state department short
ly after noon and went into con-
ference with Secretary Bryan.
Reports continued to pour into the
war and navy departments, and both
official and unofficial circles, from
many sources in Mexico City, that
Huerta's position continues to grow
rapidly worse.
Senate Debates Mexican Policy
Washington, ID. C.-Vigorous cri-
tic:sm of the administration Mexic-
an policy and a heated debate over
the Vera Cruz situation marked the
efforts of Senator Lippitt of Rhode
Island, to secure action in the Senate
on hic resolution asl,ino the Dracidant
if he is supporting Villa. Stone, in an
emphatic defense of the administra-
ton, was SO vigorous that Lippitt
protested that Stone was placing Lip
pits words in a false light.