davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1914-04-15
President Firm in Purpose
to Bring Mexico to Book
for Insult to U. S. FLAG

President Wilson has stood IN III" in
terests of peace all that hc proposes 10
stand from Mexico. Whether there shall
be war between the United States anu
Mexico now rests squarely with Cen
Huerta. The President made this an
nouncement today at a conference with
republican and democratic ranking mem
bers of the two congressional commit
tees in charge of the nation foreign
affairs
This conference was called that thesa
committees aud party leaders might b
Evening star., 1914-04-15

the harbor to bingham where ammuni-
ton was taken board from the naval
magazine Meanwhile naval officials. as
SiSted by the police. secured the city and
rounded up members of the cruiser crew
Who We're on shore leave.
The Tacoma is commanded by Com
mander Nathan c. Twining. and carries
40 men. At Newport she will take on
eighty ordinary seamen and coal passers.
Transport Off From New Orleans.
NEW ORLEAN NS. April 1.-The trans
port Hancock, with go marines aboard,
sailed from here today to Join the bat
tleship f"ct that viii concentrate near
Tarlriro
Evening star., 1914-04-15
Cites Knox Letter.

senator OGorman interrupted to say
that former Secretary of State Knox had
written to Great Britain expressing the
opinion that Great Britain should hasten
the ratification of pending arbitration
treaty in order that this tolls matter
might he arbitrated. He said that Great
Britain had never replied TO this Mr.
Straus said that was not his rccollec-
ton of the matter. bnt that Ea~i Grey
had suggested arbitration to Senator
Knox. and that knox replied the time
had not arrived. Senator OGorman then
read a letter from Knox suggesting arbi-
tration to Great Britain.
Mr.. Straus said the opinion abroad
was practically unanimous that the ex-
emption Of American coastwise vessels
from the payment of tolls was unjust
discrimination.
Mr.. Straus said he was trustee OF
the Carnegie Peace Foundation and a
member of the permanent court of arbi-
tration at The Hague.
In reply to questions from Senator Sim
mons, Mr.. Straus said that if the United
States refused 10 repeal the tolls ex-
emption. the matter should be arbitrated
and if the United States refused to either
repeal arbtrate il would be in a
humiliatinS position.
Evening star., 1914-04-15
Senator Works Statement.

Senator Works of California issued a
statement today on the Mexican situa-
ton as follows:
The sending of our fleet 10 Mexican
waters with threats of war at this time
discloses a peculiar phase Of human ma
ture and exhibits a singular brand of
pa patriotism.
Hundreds of American citizens have
been slaughtered. their wives and daugh-
tiers outraged and their property de-
stroyed and the government has not
raised its hand for their protection. But
because a few blueiackets from one of
our ships. who had much better have
been on shipboard. are arrested in city
engaged in civil strife. and Huerta re-
fuses to salute our flag. are To so
TO war or back down and make ourselves
ridiculous.
THE many American citizens who lost
their lives in Mexico We're as much en-
titled to the protection Of our flag as
these sailors. who We're not even injured.
and to have taken their lives was as much
an insult to our flag as this trivial in
cident that appears to be driving us TO
war.
III may he that We have been brought
10 this unfortunate pass by reason of the
fact that for the moment authority was
vested in an admiral of the fleet instead
of the President of the United States.
Evening star., 1914-04-15
May Establish Precedent.

lnasmuch as no government is recog-
nized in Mexico. but that state OF
anarchy exists the American govern
ment may establish its own precedent
in the case. 1t is not considered likely
that if marines actually We're landed
and the American flag taken ashore in
satisfaction for the affront occasioned
by the arrest of the bluejackets any
further measure would he Insisted upon.
Some officials pointed out that the
fIuerta commander might not resist the
landing of American marines. inasmuch h
as he is hemmed in on land by the con-
stitutionalSt forces. Should he consent
10 peaceful landing of the marines,
il is likely that they soon would be
wit hdraWn
Evening star., 1914-04-15
Charleston. W. Va, Wants Bank

CHARLESTON. W. Va. April 15.-The
Charleston clearing house association and
the chamber of commerce today began
sta ewide camapign In support of an
effort to have established here a branch
of the federal reserve bank to be located
in Richmond Va.
Evening star., 1914-04-15
Cites Arbitration Treaties.

We've been making treaties with all
the world he said. under which ma
tions pledged themselves to refer to aroi
traton any question that might arise
tending to invite hostilties."
He declared that American citizens had
been insulted. browbeaten and their lives
and property destroyed. and that there
had been appeals in vain to the bands
of cutthroats in command of the alleged
army of the revolutionists. but that to-
day the fleet is steaming for Tampico
under forced draft to make showing
because of what was not an assault on
the flag. He suggested that the action
came now, after the destruction of the
property of the Standard Oil Company
and that Lord Cowdray's British prop
erty had been threatened by the firing
of Mexican shots.
Mr.. MondeIl referred to Secretary BRYAN
as the "evangel of peace.
Evening star., 1914-04-15
THE DAY IN CONGRESS
Senate:

senate:
Met at noon.
Foreign affairs committee dis
cussed the Mexican crisis.
Canals committee continued hear
ings on repeal of the Panama tolls
exemption.
House:
Met at noon.
Miscellaneous bills were consid-
cred under the calendar Wednes-
day rule.
Advocates of the Hobson prohibi-
ton amendment were heard before
the Judiciary committee.
Evening star., 1914-04-15

| fidence in the principle, al least, of the
bill under considera tion.
/ 1T may be urged in opposition to this
| bill that regulation of such public utii-
| ties should first be tried under the law.
enacted year ago. creating a public utl-
| tiles commission for the District of Co
lumbia But it should be pointed out in
! addition to what has already been said
| in this connection. that there exist in
! the District two street railroad systems
which for considerable distances parallel
each other and needlessly duplicate much
| of the service each system renders. This
condition Will undoubtedly render more
difficult and perplexing such regulation
as the commission may be able to effect,
and increases the -comp1exttI or the prob
| lens involved in dealing with the sub,
| ject and it FORMS in the judgment of
the Commissioners, an additional reason
for the enactment of the bill into law.
Referring briefly to the structure of
| the bill it may be said that it has the
merit of brevity and clearnesS. Perhaps
the requirement in section >. that the
Commissioners shall institute by petit
ton, before the utilities commission
proceedings of condemnation, is unneces
sary. and the matter might be smplified
by directing the commission to proceed
to condemnation of the railroads for
| the purpose of their acquisition by the
municipal government
1T is suggested also that authority
should be given to the commissioners to
raise sufficient money. by the sale OF
bonds as proposed in addition to the
amount required to pay for the proper
ties acquired, to provide fund avail
able for current expenditures during the
first months of municipal operation.
| The report was written by Commis
sioner Siddons.
Sees Municipal Ownership.
Commenting upon the report sent by the
| Commissioners to Congress today on the
| Crosser bill providing for municipal
| ownership and operation of local street
| railways Conrad II. Syme corporation
| counsel of the District and legal adviser
of the public utilities commission, this
| afternoon said:
| ..The question of the municipal owner
ing companies cannot be ignored with
| impunity II is a question not Of
| pedency, but of public right and its
| correct solution must rest upon a true
| principle. 1t may be safely assumed that
! the people have right to secure the
transportation at the lowest possible
| cost, without paying a dollar of profit
| or a cent of tribute to any person
corporation.
| Private ownership of these utilities
essential to urban life has not proved its
adequacy as the best instrumentality of
public service. Such bodies as the public
utilities commission would have been un-
1 necessary had rates been proper and
service satisfactory under private owner
| ship
Municipal ownership is coming in the
District of Columbia, because of all cities
Washington is the one in which it is
most practicable. where it involves the
/ least risk and where it can be established
| without injustice
Evening star., 1914-04-15
Other Marines Landed.

The American government has landed
marines in Santo Domingo and Nicaragua.
but has held that permission was grant
ed in each case. In Nicaragua, Ameri-
can marines kept railroad from fall
ing into the hands of a rebellious force.
Actual war or intervention could not
be undertaken without authorization Of
congress ana even the landing of
marines has at times raised a question
IN the Senate, though it has led to no
change in the attitude of the executive
hranch OF the government III consttut-
ing itself as the Judge of such cases
Evening star., 1914-04-15
Foreign Action Not Expected.

Officials do not believe other foreign
governments will send ships to Mexico in
view of the American demonstration. The
affair is regarded AS one solely between
the United States and the Hucrta gov
ernment and not involving any other for
eisn governments. though serious even
Qualities might cause European nations
TO seek further protection for their ma
tionalS. Diplomats here took an active
interest i'll the developments and cabled
their home governments the news. While
the consensus of opinion of those best
informed was that SO serious a step as
military Intervention may not be required
to force Huerta to yield from his posi-
ton on the question of a salute they
recognized that the situation is closer to
real hostlities than it ever has been
during the three Years of turmoil in
Mexico.
Evening star., 1914-04-15
PARTY LINES WIPED OUT
IN DEALING WITH CRISIS
Democrats and Republicans Alike
Assure Administration of
Their Support
HUERTA MUST FIRE SALUTE
Refusal Probably Will Result in
Blockading of His Ports and Pos
sibly the Landing of Ameri-
can Marines

President Wilson is through tenn
porlzlng with Mexico. He is pre-
pared TO furnish all the war
Huerta wants.
He intends 10 insist upon an un-
qualified national salute OF the
Stars and Stripes at Tampico.
In this position he has The
hearty support ot Congress.
promised today by leading demo
Gratis and republicans in both
Senate and House.
The Mexican government. a.
represented By Gen. IIuerta. will
be allowed until the Atlantic fleet
reaches Iampico. about week,
TO decide whether this salute shall
be given without resort 10 force.
Evening star., 1914-04-15
Scenes of 1898 Eaualed.

the activities III Hampton roads today
almost eq'ialeG some of the exciting
scenes preceding the departure of Rear
Admiral Schleys flying squadron from
Hampton roads during the Spanish
American war.
In addition TO the other ships leaving
Hampton roads for Mexican waters the
repair ship Nestal. the ammunition ship
Lebanon and the naval tugs Patapsco.
Patuxent. Sonoma and Ontario are hasti-
~ preparing for sea.
The Patapsco and Ontario have al
ready left the Norfolk navy yard for
Hampton reads.
II is said the Lebanon and tugs would
prove especially available for iandiu.;
parties. owing 10 their comparatively
light draft which would enable them TO
rIn close IN sJoar and send men To the
beach in ship cutters and steamers
The battleshIp Delaware viii not he
able TO get a~av. She viii bn al the
navy ward for repairs and overhauIing
until IulN
Evening star., 1914-04-15
Completely Meets Test.


Tested by amy theory Of what con
stituteS public. municipal function.
this means of transportation completely
meets the test.
Examine the nature of the service it
renders and it is at once seen to be mo-
nopolistic in character-as much so as is
the supplying of water. the carrying of
the mail. And when to this is added the
consideration that it requires special and
exclusive privileges in the occupation and
use of public streets. avenues and high
ways. for which special privileges in the
District of Columbia neither the federal
nor the District of Columbia has ever
received any compensation, and they are
likely TO be made the basis of large
claims of alleged franchise character, its
monopoly features become even more ap-
parent These are offensive to modern
thought upon the subject and the irri-
tating cause of an ever-increasing volume
of criticism and complaint.
TO leave to private individuals. as a
source of private profit. the performance
of such a public function, resting, by
necessity, as it does. upon special privi-
leges. and possessing the monopolistic
characteristics to which allusion has
been made is to insure the maintenance
Of a struggle between public duty and
public needs on the one hand and private
interest and profit on the other, that IN
the nature of things grows sharper with
the passing years. and in the opinion of
the Commissioners no amount of 'regu1a-
ton by public authorities, accomplished
only after the laws delays are over, viii
end the irrepressible conflict that neces-
sarily arises when the aVarlce of man is
set against public duty that is laid upon
him to perform
Saw Desire for Dividends Rules.
..--,;- oenac+ If tho matter NAV he
stated In homelier phrase. The manage
ment of a street railroad privately own
ed and operated is chiefly concerned in
collecting as many fares and at as low a
cost to the company as possible and this
for the obvious purpose of making the
largest dividend returns for its stock
holders-that is private profit.
The passengers are chiefly concerned
in securing the largest number of rides
and the best service for the least amount
of money-that is the most efficient pub
lie service. If this public service is per-
formed by public authorities they can
have no other motive than to do those
things that the travelling public demands.
They have but to maintain proper rela-
tion between efficient service and the
cost thereof
| ",The municipal ownership and opera
tion of street railroads is no longer in
the experimental stage. The old world
has long since demonstrated the wis
dom and great practical advantages of
the municipa lization of these public
utilities. and at least one large city in
this country. New Orleans, has for a
number of years shown with what
notable success it can be accomplish ed
Furthermore, the present Congress has
within a few weeks enacted law un-
der which the national government will
build and may operate railroad for
Alaska, thus evidenciDg it's own con-
Evening star., 1914-04-15
Meaning of Treaty.

Mr. Straus discussed the Hay-Paunce-
fote treaty. declaring that the meaning
of it clearly included the ships of the
United States with those OF all other
nations in the provision that all should
be treated alike.
There might have beer a time in the
remote past" said Mr.. Straus. when
nations were so isolated and the inter
national conscience was SO blunted that
might was considered as right, but that
was never the attitude of America.
"A decent respect to the opinions of
mankind was Incorporated in our first
state paper, the Declaration of Independ-
ence, and because we have through all
our history upheld this respect has made
us a power for righteousness in interna :
tional affairs second to no other nation in
the world. We coined the phase. Dollar
diplomacy in order to discredit the sac
rifcing of principle. of justice and of
equity. IN international relations for COM
mercal gain.
Are we now to east aside all of our
secrated by uniform practices for the
last century and quarter for a paltry
sum of S2.oo0.Up0 almost annually,
which in the last analysi will be taken
largely from all of our people and given
IL a shipping trustn Are we to sacri-
fire the decent respect for the opinions
Of mankind for this miserable mess of
pottaEcg
Mr.. Straus said that several members
of Congress. when the subject of the
repeal of the free tolls provision of the
that il Was not subject for arhitra-
an
Evening star., 1914-04-15
j. S. BATTlESH|PS
OFF FOR MEXICO
Four With Dispatch Boat Set
Sail From Hampton Roads
for TampiCo.
OTHERS READY FOR TRIP
DOWN ATLANTIC COAST
Michigan to Leave From Phlladel-
phia, Louisiana From New York
and Tacoma From Boston.
BY W1NGRovE BATHoN.

rTULApELPITIA. IA. April 1|.-trrn
early dawn the League Island navy yard
has been a scene of the greatest activity.
rs the United States battleship Michigan
has been prepared for sea. 10 join the
Atlantic feet in the demonstration that
is to be made at Tampico. She finished
coalinS and taking on stores mt noon to-
day. and will head full speed for the
south shortly after 3 O'Clock.
The Michigan has but Just returned
from Mexican waters. and her officers
are we'll acquainted with the details of
the situation there. Hurriedly recalled
from the shore leave to which they We're
entitled after six months service off the
coast of Mexico they trooped through
the navy yard today to the ship. envied
hy officers and men alike of the reserve
fleet stationed there who have not yet re-
ceived orders to sail
The Michigan belongs TO the Sd divi-
sion of the Atlantic fleet. and she
IN the only one at the League Island
ward. of all the battleships there. that
does belong to that feet. her officers
and men are considered lucky by the
compliments of ships still ted up at
the locks.
Evening star., 1914-04-15
The Tacoma Leaves Boston.

BOSTON. April 1J.-Preparatio ons were
hurricdly made over night for the do
parture OF the third-class cruiser Ia
coma. which ordered yesterday to
proceed to Tampico, Mexico. with pre-
liminary stop at Newport. X. l. Navy
yard officials announced she would sail
at about 10 am. to-day.
During the night the Tacoma crossed
Evening star., 1914-04-15
The Louisiana in Readiness.

NEW YORK. Nrrjl t5-Nu prepsr ra-
lions for the departure Of the battleship
Louisiana for Tampiro were completed
early this morning. Fresh vegetables
were put aboard during the night and
with these II was said that the great ship
y as amply provisioned FOR Il month $
cruise
Throughout tn" m2hi waito lights
Giimmered AT the Louisiana : tnasthcads.
sITuiuouing TO the ship the men on shore
leave. The police assisted ia the work by
hailing eN cry sailor With louisiana on
his cap. capt. Gcoret Cooper comma nds
tnc shin. She came here bprl =:
he new superdreaduought New York
one OF the two largest battleships in the
world. was placed in commission today
~ the BROOKLYN navy yard Capt r :
Rogers Is IN command.
" necessary the New York could steam
mt to sea in twelve hours. Other bat
tlcshipS at the ward are the superdrcad-
ucGShts Texas and Wyoming. the dread
roUShts North Dakota and Ohio and
thc arinored cruiser Washington. All OF
these could JOIN the fleet at few hours
upfI1,-
Evening star., 1914-04-15
Plans Appeal to Congress.

.
II reparation has not been made
by that time President Wilson
will appear before a joint session
OF the House and Senate and ask
TO be empowered By Congress to
take such steps as MAY be ncces-
sary.
The authority will be granted,
probably before the sun Set, on
the day il is asked.
The subsequent move nl this
government would be to block
ade MeNican ports. The ulti-
mate result expected from that
action would be The crushiu. ot
Huerta and reorganization oi
Mexican affairs al Mexico City.
Ready to Blockade Ports.
Rear ADMIRAL Charles l. Bad
ger. with authority to uphold the
honor and dignity Of the United
States a. he deems best in cmcr-
sency. i sailing with tho Atlantic
tlcet today from Hampton roads
FOR 1ampico. With formidable
force OF marines
The fleet i prepared to block
adc ports on the cast coast oi
McNico, il such q course is fol-
lowed.
Preparations Ia blockade The
west coast a well as the cast
coast OF Mexico were made IN thc
Navy Department today.
Orders we're issued tor III,
cruiser Cleveland. now al san
Francisco. 10 sail to the Mexican
coast at once. and for the cruise
Chattanooga. now at Bremerton.
w ash, to sail as soon As possible,
which will be in about two weeks
Summoned to Conference.
The President today made
known the tlrmneSS OF his posi-
lion at 4 White House conference.
10 which he had summoned Scna
tor Shively. acting chairman. and
Senator Lodge. ranking republi
can member, of the Senate foreign
relations committee. and Repre-
sentative Flood. chairman. and
Representative Cooper. ranking
member. nf the House
foreign affairs committee.
That the Iucrta regime had
no ground upon whicn
to quibblc over the arrest =
American blucjackets AT 1ampilo
was brought out at the " hite
House conference by the dis
closure that two OF the Americans
arrested actually were taken from
an American boat. which constr
tuteS American soil
Evening star., 1914-04-15
Sail From Hampton Roads.

NORFOLK. Va. April 15.-The battle
ships Arkansas u1agship,. Vermont New
Hampshire and New JERSEY and the dis
patch boat Sankton sailed frcm Hampton
roads shortly after noon todav FOR Tam
pico. Mex. They Will proceed at full
speed. The New Hampshire was the first
Ia get under way. having sailed from the
Norfolk navy ward this forenoon after
the filing of her bunkcrs and the taking
"u Of final stores. In Hampton roads the
New Hampshire dropped anchor to await
the complete prepa aredncss for departure
"f the arkansas, Vermont and New Jer-
soy.
NanV OF the officers and mclI Of the
SHIPS this morning sent teIecraphic mes
sayes TO their wives and others advising
thoS" at homo of the changed plans OF
m" fleet. and the prospective departur,
of the ships this afternoon.
The New Hampshire attracted much
attention as she passed out of the har-
hor. NJ Of the ships but tho Yankton
arc in the usual war color of gray. The
Nankton - stil painted white.
he guns Of all the ships Immediately
Prccedi nStheir departure were put in
shape for action should this become
Evening star., 1914-04-15
Ask Authority to Issue Bonds.

They urge that authority be given
them to raise sufficient money by the
sale of bonds as proposed, in addition
TO the amount necessary to pay for the
property acquired. to provide fund for
expenditures during the first months OF
municipal operation.
The report. reviewing the reasons
which the Commissioners think are
sufficient to justify favorable action on
the bill is as follows:
This bill is an important one. having
for it's object. as it's title indicates, the
acquisition. ownership and operation by
the municipal government of all the
street railroads located and operating
wholly within the District and those
partly within and partly without the
District of Columbia; in the latter case,
of the part located and operating within
the District.
I'VE approve the object of the bill and
recommend its enactment into law, and
proceed to state the more cogent rea :
sons which prompt our approval, in prin-
ciple. of the measure.
Adequate means of transportation,
such as is supplied by street railroads,
are vital to the life of a city. to its pro-
grcss;ve development. and generally to
the welfare of its people.
The furnishing of such transportation
is as essentially the performance OF a
public function is the supplying of
water or lights to the people of CITY,
to the furnishing of police and fire pro-
lection to them. to the carrying of their
mail Today no city of the size of the
National Capital could long survive the
deprivation of this form of tranSporta-
ton. Nothing more surely retards the
growth and development of such a city
as .the failure of its street railroads to
keep pace with the increasing needs of
its peoplc in this respect.