Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1914-04-24
THE SITUATION IN MEXICO.


Washington, April %. United States
troops moved tonight to re-enforce the
American navy at Vera Cruz; the en-
barge on arms into Mexico was for
mally restored and troops were ordered
to the Mexican border primarily to re-
lieve uneasiness among border resi-
dents, but also as precaution against
hostile military operations along the in
ternational line.
Secretary Garrison announced that a
brigade of infantry and some artillery
under Briga der General Frederick
Funston had been ordered to emb irk on
the four army transports at Galveston
for Vera Cruz, to support the expedi-
tionary forces of marines and blue
jackets there. The chance that Gen
eral Mas, the federal general, might
make return attack on Vera Cruz with
re-enforcements, and the possible neces-
sity of a forward movement toward
Mexico City, to protect fleeing Ameri-
cans and the Vera Cruz railroad, were
the underlying reasons for the military
movement.
Both Nelson 'Shaughnessy, the
American charge d'affaires, and Senior
Algara, the charge d'affaires of the
Mexican embassy, have been given their
passports. This is not regarded by the
Washington government as pfesaging
war, but declaration of war by Huer-
ia would not be unexpected.
The United States has chosen Brazil
to look after its interests in Mexico.
Where there are no Brazilian consuls
French consuls will act for the United
States.
During the day a special reserve fleet
ranging from dreadnoughts to tiny gun
boats was orderC d to the Atlantic coast
off Mexico.
No lighting of any consequence was
reported from Vera Cruz, although the
American land forces pushed their way
three miles inland to some important
breast works to make their position
secure.
Rear Admiral Fletcher and Ameri-
can Consul Canada were occupied most
of the day in Vera Cruz in handling
hundreds of American refugees. Brit
ish and German vessels took off more
than l,2O0 refugees at Tampico and a
general exodus of Americans from
Mexican cities was reported.
The Senate in the meantime passed
the House bill appropriating $500, 900 tc
take care of American refugees. Sen.
ator Borah declared in the debate that
a condition of actual war existed be-
tween the United States and Mexico
Senators Lodge and Weeks urged thai
the embargo be replaced along the en-
tire border
Rear Admiral Badger requested per.
mission to capture all Mexican gunboat.
and vessels carrying troops or ammuni
ton for the aid of the Mexicans apoun(
Vera Cruz.
These were the outstanding develop
| HiSHIo WiHCIl Cdtllt III uTdIndtlc sequence
throughout day of extreme tension
The national capital was nervous will
excitement while the diplomatic re
lations of the Huerta government anC
the United States were being final,
severed and the army and navy con
tinued to put themselves on wal
basis.
Revelation of the purposes of Genera
Carranza and Huerta are being awaited
before complete military campaign il
developed. The United States intends
to take no offensive steps for tn,
present, preferring to hold Vera Cru;
until the situation crystalizes in Mexico
City and elsewhere in the southern re
public.
There were frequent conferences be
tween President Wilson and Secretarie
Bryan, Garrison, Daniels, Meade,
and Lane during the day. To-nigh
Secretary McAdoo and the other sec
retaries were at the White House dis
Guessing formal orders to customs of
ficials to hold up shipments of arms
which eventuated later in formal an
nouncement of the embargo.