The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1914-04-25
NEW CRISIS DEVELOPS.
CARRANZA'S BUMPTYOUS AT.
TITUDE MAY PRECIPITATE
GENERAL WARFARE.
President Wilson and Secretaries of
War and Navy Prepared for Any
Developments That May Come
Embargo on Shipment of Arms
May be Renewed.


Washington. April 22.-News that
Gen. Venustiano Carrarza, Constitu-
tionalist chief, might regard the seiz-
ure of Vera Cruz by the American
naval forces as an act of hostility to
the Mexican nation fell like a bomb
shell in official circles tonight.
President Wilson had especially dis
claimed any act of hostility to the
Mexican people, particularizing Gen.
Huerta as the object of ehe American
operations to secure reprisal for Of
fences at Tampico and elsewhere
aaginst the American flag. Conse-
quently the Washington government
had hoped the constitutionalists would
not interject themselves into the i'm
broglio. The Carranza letter, how
ever, confirmed the fears Of many
officials that the constitutionalists
might side with Huerta. This was the
one possibility discussed in admins
tration circles all day as the most Sc
rious phase in the situation. Should
hostility on the part of the constitu-
ionalists crystalize, army plans will
be changed. There were reports dur
ing the day that the joint army and
navy board already had recommend
ed the restoration of the embargo on
arms.
hyy rntyin
presidents course in using the army
and navy in view of the situation he
presented in his message and the re-
ceipt of details of the fighting at Vera
Cruz were chief developments of the
day. Officials expressed themselves
as greatly pleased with the prompt
ness of Rear Admiral Fletchers
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 customs
house at Tampico. 1t is the purpose
Of the administration to keep order
in Vera Cruz and await the full ef-
feet on Huerta of the first American
act of reprisal.
There is every reason to believe
that the railroad for twenty miles in
land from Vera Cruz, together with a
valuable trestle, will be policed by
American marines and blu ejackets.
This section of the railroad is of su-
preme importance should future de-
velopments require a move on Mexico
City.
Beyond the holding Of Vera Cruz
and this railroad the Washington
government does not want to act at
present but persons in the confidence
of the administration state that action
by Huerta or Carranaz at any time
may alter plans.
Secretary Bryan today said that the
status of Charge O'Shaughnessy and
Charge Alagara was unchanged so far
as he knew. Charge Alagara, how
ever, has had notification from his
government that he may leave when
he deems it advisable. This is re-
garded as possibly forecasting Huer-
ta's giving passports to O'Shaugh-
messy.
The United States will not with
draw Charge O'Shaughnessy unless he
himself reports it advisable to do so,
for the Washington government de-
sires to maintain as long as possible
a representative in Mexico City to
care for American interests there. If
necessary, however, arrangements
may be made with some of the for
cign legations to look out for the in
terests of the United States and trans
NIT such communications as may be
necessary to the Huerta government
Volunteers for service in Mexico will
not be called for unless there is a
formal declaration of war by congress.
This was announced in the house to-
day by Chairman Hay, of the house
military affairs committee.