The Washington times., 1914-05-06
ADMINISTRATION HOPEFUL.

The Administration is still hopeful
that these extremes will not have to
be resorted TO. 1t still believes that be-
fore many more weeks Villa and Car
rsnza. unless there is split in the
ranks OF the constitutionalists, will be
IN possession of Mexico City. 1t is
thought possible that this may be &C
Coinplished before the formal sessions
of the mediators start.
On the other hand reports have been
revived TO the effect that Carranza and
Villa are not working in harmony, and
that while the Administration has
cause for believing that Villa will not
antagonize the United States. it is not
go sure of Carranza. Friends of the
latter in washington are still inclined
10 resent the action of this Govern
ment in retaining its armed forces in
possession of Vera Cruz.
Villa, on the other hand. is frequently
quoted as warning his followers that
efforts to stir up feeling among them
against the action of the United States
is part of a plot among Hucrta,s friends
10 solidify Mexican public opinion be-
hind the dictator for the dictator own
advantage. He has already fatty re-
fused an invitation from General Mas
to join forces with the latter in re
pelling the invaders
Confident OF success.
villa has assured George d. Carroth-
ers, representative of the state Depart
rnent with the constitutionalists, that
he will have possession OF sSaltilo. Tam
nico, and San Luts PotoSi within the
next ten days. That would absolutely
clinch the hold of the rebels III the
north. And it would open TO them two
direct routes to Mexico City, so that
sIeedy conquest of the capital would be
possible.
But for the last forty-eight hours the
cOnstitutionalist junta here ard high Of
nc!nls of the Diplomatic Corps have
heen hearing of serious quarreis between
Villa and the other leaders of the revo-
luton. AS 4 matter of fact, the local
unta has been divided ever since the
anding OF the American forces at Vera
Cruz.
One faction has contended that Car
ranza should have insisted that the
United States withdraw from Vera Cruz,
while the other has urged that the aid
Of the United States was essential. and
has insisted on cuItivatins the Admins
tration. II a break does cor1e in the
rebel camp. it will mean another revolu-
1iltty. juncture of one faction with
Huerta
Meanwhile the President is seeking
three experienced diplomats to repre-
sent this country at the Niagara Falls,
onference. While II is admitted that,
it'll Carranza and the constitutional
lsts not participating. meager results
only can be hoped for by mediation
ire Administration is confident that
by the time the mediators get down to
ba npsfffrrtf,ra1;e+s
1"ol so much territory that even Huerta
mself will be willing to eliminate him
Seif as a factor in the affair Then.
= their hopes are justified. the Ad-
ministrstion heads would be in position
- urge. through their Representatives
hat the federals be Influenced to make
peace and end the revolution at once.
There Are Other Contingencies.
And while adm ,tting that there ar.
"trsr contingencies the Administration
officials here refuse to discuss them.
They have the single definite plan.
-ounded on hope and promises made. and
viii not change /: unless forced. THIS
rope was greatly enhanced by the de- !
tant letter sent General Mas. by Cen |
eiaI Villa when the former asked the
lsbel chief to send help to attack Fun /
SION Villa insisted that Huerta want I
ed foreign war to save himself and |
declared that the constitutionaIists will !
"ontinue 10 fight until they have driven |
Huerta from power
Secretary Bryan himself was author |
iy for the statement that no definite !
plan has been submitted by the United
states 10 the mediators None will be |
Until the mediators themselves take the |
nitauNe. IL Is certain that any prop |
OsitiOn that carries with II only a setrle- :
ment Of the Tsmpico incident will be !
elected by this Government on the |
ground that this was question Of ma |
tional honor and in itself not subject |
q: mediation.
Meanwhile reports from General Fun
SION emphasize the preparations being !
made 10 oppose any American advance |
Mexican troops are being concentrated !
- every vulnerable point from Pueblo |
40 the American lines, while il IS stated
Butler that the railway bridges have |
been mined
Funston May Advance.
II became known al the War Depart
nent today that General Funston had |
been given authority 10 take such |
steps as may be necessary for the pro-
lection of his outposts'' at Vera Cruz.
This means that the comma nder is |
may either advance his outEosts be- |
Vond the point where the Vera Cruz |
water works are located or may throw |
up entertainments at other points around |
the city.
That Mexican troops in the vicinity of
Vera Cruz are anticipating a possible |
@.S<siean advance On Mexico ci.' WAS