The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-05-09
Cabinet Considers Question of
Sending Additional Forces
to Vera Cruz.
FUNSTON WANTS $4,000 MEN
Contracts Closed for Merchant
Steamers, Which Will Be
Used as Transports.


tic side.
The War Department was the CHIEF
centre OF activity, and while au-
thoritative statement was made beyond
Secretary Garrson's formal reply that
mo orders for any national troop
movements have been sent" it became
known that tho administration was
considering the question of sending
additional troops to Vera Cruz, and
probably would do SO.
This step would not he intended as
an aggressive measure, hut as pre-
caution. An evidence OF the serious
ness If conditions was contained in
report to-day that two German mer--
chant vcss ,ls were about to arrive ut
Puerto Mexico, with arms and ammuni-
ton for Ilucrta- 1t was realized that
this. If true. would present an Incl
dent similar to the arrival of tho
Ypiranga at Vera Cruz. which led to
the American occupation of that port
Huerta's protest to the mcdiators
that tho United States had broken tho
armisticc by landing additional troops
at Vera Cruz, was considered by the
Cabinet, and later Secretary Bryan an
nouncing the reply OF this government,
stated tlia: no aggressive steps had
been taken by the United States forces.
and that nothing had been done to vio-
late the suspension Of hostlities.
ENJOYS THINK QUESTION
CAN NE CLEARED AWAY
The American reply was delivered
to the madiators late to-day. Tho
mediator themselves also took the
view that the question raised by
Hucrta over the observance of tho
armistice could be cleared away, and
that Huerta could be convinced thar
the United States had not violated in
spirit At least, the armistice.
('rbiopt mCptipn hrnuCht ont
general discussion of the situation. 1t
was said after the meeting that there
was little doubt as to the seinding OF
additional forces. wholly for precau-
tionary purposes. 1t also became
known that inquiries had been made
of the Governors of States to ascertain
the condition of national guards and
how soon they could be prepared for
active service. This also is a precau-
tionary measure. Indications are that
If national guards called on, they
would not be sent out of the country,
but would be used on the Texas bor-
der.
7hc discussion OF reinforcing Cen
t.! IL Funston, at Vera Cruz has de-
vclorcd Il marked difference of opinion
in the Cabinet Some take the view
that the mediation negotiations might
ne embarrassed by such an act; others
believe it u necessary precaution.
FUNSTON REPORTS LINES
General Funston is understood to
have told the War Department that
his lines are vulnerable at different
points and that sudden attack along
the railroad would necessitate tho
withdrawal of forces from othef
points. which would he left unpro-
tected. He has Informed the War De-
partment that he will need from 5000
To $4,000 men to hold Vera Cruz and
outlying di3tricts.
Secretary Garrison to-day said no
orders had been issued for any troop
movement. but 1t became known au-
thoritatively that contracts had been
closed for the chartc!ing of several
merchant steamers and that within a
lay or two formal orders would be Is
sued.
1t was understood that within two
s'ecks. at least. nine transports Will
have been secured. Secretary Garrison
declined to discuss the charterins of
the steamers. The only thing he would
say was: There is no contemplated ag-
gressive movement at this time"
SENDING OF MORE FORCES
NOT AN AGGRESSIVE ACT
This is in line with the attitude OF
other high officials of the administra-
zion, who contend that the sending
OF rcinforcemcnts to General Funston
is not an aggressive act. and does not
violate the arrangement for sus-
pension OF host:lities.
The fact that the army officers had
recommended the sending of at least
5000 to $4,000 men to Vera Cruz be-
came known generally in official quar-
ters y number OF officials admitted
that the administration was confronted
with the problem of deciding whether
1t would limit its military activities TO
protecting the forces already ut Vera
Cruz. or whether d sufficient number or
men would be placed In readiness at
Vera Cruz for flying expedition to
Mexico City In case the Hucrta regime
collapsed, and irresponsible hands
threatened the lives or Americans and
other foreigners in the capital
The mcdiatorS continued their sos
sions to-day.
Reports that Mexican delegates would
come by way or Salina Cruz and Van
couver, l.. c.. and thence across Canada
to Niagara Falls, gave some concern as
likely to cause delay. The Huerta del
egatcs planned to avoid passing through
the United States. but telegrap phlc In
quiries are under way from which these
plans may be changed as to permit
the conference to proceed on May is,
with the Mexican delegates present.
NAMES OF DELEGATES
SOON TO DE ANNOUNCED
The names OF American delegates to
the mediation conference Will be an
nounced shortly. and 1t is known thac
Justice Lamar, OF the United States
Supreme Court, and Mayor Newton u.
Daker of Cleveland. are two of tho
men who probably will be named
The landing OF marines at Tampico
TO protect the oil wells, has been under,
consideration by foreign governments
but has been rejected. The report
brought by Tampico refugees that a
guard already has been landed by tho
Holland warship Kortenaer. to protec,
the Corona properties, owned by a Hol-
land company. was denied from Tam
pico.
Extensive preparations arc being
made for participation by the Presi-
dent, tho Secretary OF the Navy, the
Secretary of War and n delegation Of,
seven Senators and twenty-one Rep
resentatives in Congress In the funeral