The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-13
Anxious That No Indiscret Acts Cloud Present
 Horizon
LIGHTHOUSE SEIZURE
 EXPLAINED BY BRYAN
OShaughnessy Confers With Presi- dent for First Time Since Arrival. Mediation Delegates Are
 Studying Situation

l Washington May 12,-Expressions of confidence that mediation would avert war between the United states and Mex leo came from several members of the cabinet today after President Wilson had discussed the whole situation with his of hcial family.
 The President is decidedly hopeful. He is anxious that no untoward incidents or ndiscreet acts on the part of any of the forces in Mexico should develop to cloud the horizon when the mediation conferences begin at Niagara Falls Mon day.
 Secretary Bryan, in a conference late in the day, explained at length to the three South American mcdiators that the lighthouse on Lobos Island had not been seized in any military sense; that the keepers were free to come and go. but that the American navy had undertaken to keep the lights burning as protec- ton to the worlds navigation. Mir. Bryan told the mediators also that the navy and war departments were seeking to learn tHt ldtlS tpnCtIDlnB tnt dlleSt pl tnc five south Americans accused of snip ing at American forces during the land
 ing at Vera Cruz and that report would be made probably tomorrow.
 'Shaughnessy Confers
 Nelson O'Shauahnessy conferred with President Wilson at the White House tonight It was the first talk he had had with the President since hls arrival from Mexico, and 1t was understood that some of the indignities, including the Tam pico incident, which led to the break with Huerta. were discussed as well as some details that might come up in the me diation conferences.
 Justice Lamar of the United States supreme court and Frederic w. Lehman, former solicitor general, who have been named as the American representatives at the mediation conference. spent tn. day studying data on Mexico and official reports, familiarizing themselves generally with the Mexican problem.
 One tense phase of the situation was relieved by news that J. R. Silliman, American vice consul at Saltillo, has been ordered released by the Euerta govern ment.
 The medlators were more occupied in considering the protests made by Huerta against the seizure of Lobos Island and the detention of the five South Americans than in the general subject of Mexican paciication. The mediators have had some misgivings about Silliman, but were con fident tonight that hs would get away unharmed.
 Silliman Under Guard
 Jules Jusserand the French ambassador, called on Secretary Bryan to convey to him information from Mexico City which indicated that Consul Slliman is still under guard in Saltllo. This preceded receipt of news. however. that Huerta had ordered Silliman released.
 Reports from the Mexican government to the French embassy did not specifically mention Consul Silliman, but said that 'al members of the American consulate in Saltllo are safe
 The last dispatches from the French charge in Mexico said that all was quiet in Mexico City
 From q military point of view the out standing feature of the day was a con iident report from General Funston on the situation at Vera Cruz. No attack on the city is apprehended. the general said. the federal forces have given no sign of intention to attack the outlying position at the waterworks. Movements of troops in this direction have not been noticed and even in case of an attack. the American position could not be taken by force. General Funston has rearranged his lines and posted sentries along the adueduct to prevent raiders from cutting 1t. 1t became known that President VIII sons sanction for the war departments activities extends merely to preparations for emergencies. Secretary Garrison has given permission to charter several transports and have big forces of troops in readiness to reinforce General Fun ston.