The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-04-21

in passing the resolution all the members of that body
refused to make any after the meeting
Secretary Daniels would neither affirm deny the report
concerning the orders.
q can say nothing now" he declared as he left the
Executive Offices eve can make nothing public until
after the joint resolution is passed"
The reported instructions to Fletcher created intense
excitement around the White House and the State War
and Navy Building Wild reports of all kinds freely
circulated One of these to the effect that Vera Cruz
had actually been taken Secretary of the Navy Daniels
urged to affirm or denyit.
'As far as the Navy Department is concerned" he
said there has been up to the present change in the
situation at Vera Cruz"
Secretary Garrison said orders have gone out to
the United States army forces the border These orders
ready for execution, however and submitted to
the President last nig ht for his approval
During the Cabinet meeting today John Lind, the
Presidents representative for many months in Mexico,
was summoned and went before the President and his
advisers The seal of secrecy firmly placed on his
lips upon those of the Cabinet members.
FORCED TO ACT QUICKLY.
In directing that the cargo of ammunition be held up,
President Wilson moved by the fact that unless steps
taken at once the weapons would be in the hands of
Huerta's soldiers by the time Congress acted.
Several days ago he Informed of the shipment,
and for that urged leaders of the Foreign Affairs
Committees of both branches of Congress to expedite the
passage of the resolution Early this morning he learned
that the German vessel nearing Vera Cruz and would
reach there today Without further hesitation the Pesi
dent took things in his hands and directed that the
orders be sent.
Meanwhile Secretary Tumulty sent up to the
Capitol by the President with instructions to urge the
Democratic majority in both houses expedite in every
wav possible the resolution which would permit the Presi
dent to act.
As result of the anxiety displayed by the President
and bis advisers have the resolution passed Congress
Immediately became evident that number of serious
questions had addition that of preventing the
German shipment from reaching Huerta.
.-- THE SITUATION EXPLAINED.
President said he believed the actual situation at Vera Cruz
was this:
Because Congress has not acted the President has
been unable order enforcement of blockade There
fore Fletcher his initiative. He has, how
ever eived positive orders that this shipment of
reach Huerta. How he shall prevent is left to
his initiative. it is believe it is-that
the shipment has yet reached Vera Cruz Fletcher does
not have to do anything. the shipment has arrived
Vera Cruz then he must decide just when it will be
sary for him occupy the customs house in order to pre-
the German and ammunition passing inland from
that port"
Huerta it is understood ordered the munitions spe-
cGcay ~ hold and defend the railway from Mexico City
Vera Cruz The seizure of this line the very step
contemplated by and navy strategsts follow
patton of Vera Cruz and the initial ware measures. If
Huea gets defend the task the United States
would be infinitely increased.