Norwich bulletin., 1914-04-27

Vera Cruz, April 26.-Vera Cruz is tonight under martial law. Rear Ad- miral Frank F. Fletcher, commanding the American naval forces on shore, today issued a proclamation to this effect, and the last opportunity MeXi- cans had for handling their own af- fairs in Vera Cruz under their own laws disappeared.
 Admiral Fletcher and his staff de- termined that there should be no more quibbling with the Mexican officials regarding forms of government, and until further notice the Fesi sidents of this port will live and be judged by military law. The word has gone forth that disorder and unruliness m any form shall receive swift and severe punishment.
 This proclamation makes Rear Ad- miraI Fletcher absolute ruler ashore, and it is generally agreed that he will use this power with stoica1 regard for all, to the end that order shall be maintained.
 It is expected that the martial law proclamation will have another effect that of opening the way for more of the city and federal employees to re- turn to their posts and cooperate in restoring the local government func- tions. Mexicans point out that these men will now be in a position to ex- plain to their friends and the existing government at the capital that under martial law they felt obliged to return to their work
 An order that all arms be turned in by the residents by noon today brought to the headquarters of the provost marshal bushels of small arms and stacks of rifles which had not been discovered by the provost guard on their previous searches, and at the consulate a huge quantity of guns of all makes and sizes was stacked up
 The city was quiet last night, and If there was even a single sniper in action the fact was not reported to division headquarters. There was therefore no occasion for the patrols to carry out the order issued by Rear Admiral Fletcher for summary action against those who had been sharp shooting from the housetops.
 A large number of local Mexican of fcials have reported their willingness to resume their duties of office under the supervision of the Americans.
 Roberto Diaz, the mayor of Vera Cruz, is among those who have agreed to reopen their offices, and it has been arranged that the public schools, which were in session when the fighting be- gan. shall be reopened tomorrow.
 Hurrying Departure of Foreigners.
 The efforts of Rear Admiral Fetch CT, supplemented by those of the Brit ish commander, Rear Admiral Sir Christopher Cradock. and the French and German consuls and private citi- Zens to bring about departure from the interior of all foreigners who wish to leave, are being continued energet- ically, but the hope of getting out more than a small part of those left is diminishing hourly.
 The federal general Mass has estab- lished his headquarters at Soledad, about Is miles from Vera Cruz, and his men are tearing up the railroad tracks The gap between Lejera, the water supply station, which is guarded by Americans. and Soledad has grown greatly, and 1t Is now no simple task for the refugees. whether foreigners fleeing from HUerta or MsXicanS pro- ceeding from Vera Cruz towards the capital. to get themselves and their baggage across the open space. Sir Christopher Cradock, through Sir Lio- mel Garden, who has resumed charge of the British embassy at the capital, is urging President Huerta to permit the departure of all foreigners from Mexico, and it Is considered possible |, that one or two more trains at least will be permitted to pass through. But there appears a fair chance that those who have fallen under the displeasure Of Huerts and are In the custody of bis forces will be held for an indeter- minate period.
 Among those thus detained are a few who haI-o been loud in their praise of the Mexican president and vehement in their dsTunciat1on of their country s policy. That he eboUld hold these men ia 1rccsrpyeh eneihle to Americans here Fiorida Officer in Charge of Train.
 Lieut.. Frank ], Fletcher of the bat tieship Florida is in charge of the train Which is being run from Vera Cruz to tAe break in the road and on every 4atgoing trip tho train carries small Detachment of armed men in addition 10 a machine gun The train has been within sight at various times of out posts or scouting parties of General Maas' forces, but so far there has been no hostile act. No intimation has been received that Huerta proposes to re- lease the Americana, some of whom are women and children, and who are held at Cordoba, Orizaba, Aguas Caiientee and other places.
 Former railway men. Americans and . few Mexicans including some of the officers of the National Railway sys- tenn. who were discharged by General Euerta. have offered their services to Admiral Fletcher for any use he may see 1t to make of them
 Busy Day at Consulate.
 The consulate is receiving upwards Of loo teiegrams day through the state department and from individuals asking for information of and assist snce for American residents. Consai Canada has created a special bureau to make such Investigations and to answer all telegrans possible.
 Both the navy and state departments are eager for all official news and the fleet and the consular offices have been bornbarded with orders to keep these departments advised of even minute desAiis.
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