Norwich bulletin., 1914-04-23

Washington, Aphil 22-News that General Venustiano Carranza, consti- nationalist chief, had regarded the seizure of Vera Cruz by the American naval forces as an act of hostility to the Mexican nation fell like a bomb shell in official circues tonight.
 President Wilson had especially dis claimed any act of hostity to the Mex ican people, particularizing General Huerta as the object of the American operations to secure reprisals for of fense at rampico and elsewhere against the American flag.
 Consequently the Washington gov ernment had hoped the constitutional fsts would remain silent and not in terject themselves in the imbroglio.
 Secretary Bryan had not received the text of the Carranza letter up to late hour tonight but indirectly was acquainted by one of the constitu- tionalist representatives here of the substance of it.
 Carranza pointed out that the seizure of Vera Cruz would be regard ed as hostile act by the Mexican people and that it was adviable for the United Staten to withdraw its troops from Vera Cruz just as soon as was practicable.
 Carranza agreed with President Wilson that Huerta did not represent the Mexican nation. but on the other hand, feared the Mexican people might be infiamed and drawn into a. conflict which would make them sacrifices to the usurpations of Huerta-
 General Carranza described the con- stitutional success. saying that Huerta was slowly being crushed and that the constitutionalists soon would be in possession of the Mexico City govern ment.
 When they triumpiled, he pointed
 
 for all offences. In the meantime he wished the United States to take no steps which would excite the Mexican populace
 The note, 1t was, admitted by many officials, was capable of friendly expressed tbat the subordinate off, cers under General Carranza might not be so conservative. Apprehension over this situation was manifest in many quarters.
 Pleased With Admiral Fietchers
 Should hostility on the part of the constitutio1alist crystalize plans of the army will be changed There were reports during the day that the joint army and navy board already had recommended the restoration of the embargo on arms. Action by con- gress approving the presidents course in using the army and navy in view of the situation he had pre- sented in his mtssage and the receipt of details of the fighting at Vera Cruz were the chief developments of the day. Officials expressed them selves as gratly pleased with the promptness of Rear Admiral F1etch- er's forces in taking possession of Vera Cruz and restoring order there.
 Future steps are uncertain. The president has determined that his course shall be gradual No orders have been issued to seize the GUS toms house at Tampico. It is the purpose of the administration to keep order in Vera Cruz and await the full effect upon Huerta of the first act of reprisal by the American gov ernment
 There is every reason bo believe that the railroad running inland from Vera Cruz for twenty miles and a valuable trestle will be policed by American marines and bluejackets. supreme importance should future de- velopments require a. movement on Mexico City.
 Beyond the holding of Vera Cruz and this railroad, the Washington gov ernment does not want to act at present, but persons in the confidence of the administration admit that action by Huerta or Huerta or Carranza at any. time might alter completely the plans.
 $500, 900 For Care of Refugees.
 Fears for Americans in Mexico City and other parts of the troubled re- public are expressed in many juart- CTS The house today promptly pass ed a bill appropriating S6G0 900 to care for refugees The fact that not-h ing has been heard from Charge O'Shaughnessy for nearly AS hours made President Wilson and Secretai : Bryan very uneasy. Early tonight unofficial communication with MT. OShaughnessy was established but apprehension has not been ailayed, as there Is little information about the temper of the Huerta government or the people of Mexico City since the capture Of Yer Cruz.
 In this connection a high govern rnent official made public a letter frem a friend whom he regarded. as trustworthy, which read as follows:
 T have on reliable authority from a. man arriving in Mexico City that Huerta personally with Mexican cident with a view of bringing on armed intervention and uniting the Mexican faction with him."
 The same official expressed the view that Huerta had delayed his ansl1er to the United States for a salute to the flag rending the arrival of the big shipment of ammunition on the German vessel
 Secretary Bryan said today that the status Of Charge O'Shaughnessy and Charge Algara was unchanged so far as he knew
 Charge Algara has had. however, mo- tif1cation from his government that he may leave when he deems it ad- visable. This is regarded as possi- bly ferecasting Huerta's giving pass ports to O'Shaughnessy.
 Though international lawyers and many in congress are not exactly sure what the diplomatic relations of the United States towards Mexico are whether "a state of war exists without a declaration to that effect. or whether. as many precedents have