Omaha daily bee., 1914-04-26
Larger Forces Are Needed in Vera
Cruz and Along Border.
HAY CoNFERs WITH GARRISON
Mr.. Farr Thinks Land Force at
Vera Cruz Too Small.
REIGN OF TERROR IN MEXICO
Consul Canada Describes SaeLxinK Of
American Club aud Wreck-
ina OF Porter's
Hotel.

rent desire in congress for more Rggres-
sive action In Mexico became apparent
today several members OF the house and
chairmen OF important house committees
agreeing that the plan TO sit tight" st
Vera Cruz awaiting retaliatory develop
ments might result in embarrassing in.
tcrnational complications.
Some members argued that this gov
ernment eventually would be forced into
war against Huerta and that more troops
should be sent at once TO the Mexican
border and also to Vera CruE,
That congress- would take SOME action
as aeon as the troops arrive at Vera.
Cruz to reinforce the naval forces there
was predicted by several who declared
that they were refraning from a public
expression Of view pntil the regular
troops OF the United states could reach
Vera Cruz Monday.
Must Declare War.
Some members have urged on cabinet
officers that declaration OF war could
not be long avetted, asserting that con-
gressional action should be taken. Rep
resentativo Hay, chairman OF the mill
tary affairs committee. conferred today
with Secretary OF War Garrison with rer-
erence to the situation.
II wish l were as we'll satisfied with
the strength OF our land forces at Vera
Cruz, as / am OF the naval strength
there" said Representative Farr of Penn
sylvania, in speech on the naval ap-
preparation bill today. Are our forces
there protected against possible over
whelming numbers7"
Mr. Farr portrayed the International
rivalry for south and central American
trade, declaring that II was the Monroe
doctrine that brought on the Mexican
complications.
Can any one" he asked. "foresee the
trouble. turmoil and tragic history that
would follow surrender OF the Monroe
doctrlne7"
Representative Padgett Of Tennessee.
chairman of the naval affairs committee.
in a tribute to naval officers, defended
the navy from the attack made on II in
tho house.
Reign of Terror in Mexico City.
Further details as to conditions In
Mexico City were given Consul Canada
by the refugees who have reached Vera
Cruz, They report a reign OF terror in
the capital and confirm the reports OF
anti-American outbreaks mob entered
Porter's hotel. an American institution,
insulted the guests. smashed the windows
and emptied the hotel The guests were
taken To other hotels and the managers
OF the hotel went to Vera Cruz,
The American club was attacked and
several stores were sacked. with a loss
estimated at $1,000 pesos. Consul Canada
said that the refugees reported the
American colony we'll organized for de-
fense. All foreigners had concentrated
to Withstand any attack They are we'll
armed. but fear an attack by overwhelm-
ing mobs. on Tuesday all business houses
in the capital were closed and the streets
were filled with disorderly crowds.
Refugees reported that prior to April
% the Huerta government had boen con-
scrpting soldiers. securing 1000 by forcl-
bic conscription in Mexico City on sun
day. Monday and Tuesday. On April g.
il was stated. Mexieans began to volun-
teer for service.
Fear Line wtII be blocked.
Officers OF Both the War and Navy
departments were concerned today over
the report from Vera Cruz that a small
Mexican force was prepared TO blow up
the railroad bridges between Vera Cruz
and Mexico City. Several Of these bridges
could not be replaced and temporary l'To-
vision for getting trains by them Noull
be impossible. The plans OF the Navy
and War departments for possible opera
tions out OF Vera Cruz hinge on the pos
session OF the railroad and II was feared
they would be seriously hampered II the
bridges were destroyed.
The Navy department believes that an
expedition out OF Vera Cruz along tie
railroad could insure tho safety OF the
bridges, but II is pointed out that this
would be an act OF war. This probably
would be the first move in case war ae-
tually Is declared. Meantime, the naval
forces in Vera Cruz must confins their
operations to that city and its immediate
enyirons.
Secretary Daniels late today instructed
Rear Admiral Howard TO bend every ef-
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