Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-05-02
Retirement of Minister
Will Not Affect Peace
Negotiations.
CARRANZA KEEPS MUM
Official Word From Rebel Chief
as to Position on Armistice
Is Awaited.


Mrs. Clara Beckmeyer. a German wo-
man, who. according to the uncon-
| firmed rumor, was mistaken for an
American. was killed by a mob in the
streets OF Mexico City April %, is
news brought here today by refugees.
President Huerta yesterday ordered
the immediate release of DR.. Edward
Ryan. an American Red Cross official,
who was threatened with execution as
a spy in Zacatecas. The release was
ordered after urgent, personal repre-
sentations to President Huerta by Will
liam w. Canada, the American consul
here.
Huerta telegraphed to Mr.. Canada
that he did not know that DR.. Ryan
was TO be put to death, but that he had
ordered the federal commander at IA
catecas to release him at once and
give him transportation to Mexico City
From the capital here Huerta prom
ised to send him to Vera Cruz.
Representations in behalf of DR.
Ryan also were made by Sir Christie
pher Craddock. commander of the Brit
ish naval squadron in Mexican waters,
through Sir Lionel Garden, British min
lister and by the Brazilian minister act
ing forthe United States. -
Washington, d. c., May 2.-Licenti-
ate Esteba Ruiz has been appointed
minister of foreign affairs in the HUI
erta cabinet to succeed Portillo Rojas,
retired. Ruiz was under Secretary
Rojas. He has assisted in the media
ton negotiations. and it is authorita-
lively stated the change will not affect
continued progress of the mediation
plans. Ruiz has been referred to as a
probable Huerta commissioner in case
the mediators proposed a commission
representing all parties to the contro-
yersy. Spanish Ambassador Riano car
ried the announcement of Ruiz's ap-
pointment to the Argentine legation.
The mediators were at once called to-
gether and a conference began, with
the Spanish ambassador taking part
The mediators stated that the retire
ment of PortillO Rojas would in no
way affect negotiations.
Awaiting Word from carranza.
After a conference with Secretary
Bryan, Brazilian Ambassador DeGama
with mediation negotiations as the re-
suit of the appointment of Ruiz. The
De Cana said. were still
awaiting a reply from Carranza to the
armistice proposal, but mo untoward
are expected in that di-
rection." It was learned that the medi- |
ating ENJOYS are expecting the arrival
In Washington of representatives of |
both Huerta and constitutionalists' |
Whether the Mexican |
factions would send representatives |
was problematical. but the diplomats |
hoped to have some one on the ground |
with whom they could confer.
Sailors and marines killed at Vera |
Cruz will be honored with funeral SER
vices of a national character on the
arrival of the bodies on the cruiser
Montana at New York, 1t is announced.
A. B. Emery, manager of the Eng
ish-owned mine, reported held for ran
som by federals at zacatecas. is safe
n Mexico City.
Refugees Return to Homes.
Two hundred refugees who fed from
he mining districts of Sonora have
TO their former homes there.
Reports tell of the safety OF many ref
Igees for whom inquiries have been
made of the state department.
Admiral Howard. on the west coast
II Mexico. reported fighting between
ederals and constitutionalists still
continues at Mazatlan, but that condi-
ions at Manzanillo are improved.
along the west coast has
been suspended.
Admiral Badger reported today that
he federal garrison at Tampico had
,een somewhat reinforced. but fighting
.eased yesterday, and had not been re-
umed at midnight last night.