New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-05-01
Nothing Like u. S. Soldiers
Ever Seen Except in
Figures of Bronze.
5000 BROGANS HIT
ASPHALT IN UNISON
Fit TO March to Mexico City,
but Every Day Strength of
Troops Will Wane.
Nv RICHARD HARDING DAVIS.

BY RICHARD HARDING DaNis'
Vera Cruz. April 30.-For the second
time in history at 3 o'clock this morn
ing the American army marched under
arms through the streets OF the capt
ured city Of Vera Cruz TO occupy inc
quarters the navy vacated. The iorihai
ceremonies at . o'clock this afternoon
were not more impressive than tho long
waves OF khaki that swept up Avenida
Independence.
Vera Cruz felt that the foeman's foot
was on her shore when 6OO0 hobnailec
hropans struck the asphalt with the
regularity of pile drivers. Already the
navy had accustomed them TO the slght
Of men as heavy with muscle as are the
biggest of their men with rat. so the
Mexicans' most impressive surprise
were the mounted officers. Already our
own eyes had grown used TO the rabDlt-
like ponies, so the cavalry horses
seemed not only another breed, but
snoc,es. The men on them lowered like
centaurs.
Except in bronze on monuments the
natives never had seen such supermeh
of such heroic aspect
To-day the rains began. and that the
fine health and splendid spirit OF these
men should be rusted by idleness and
fever seemed needlessly cruel lhls
morning they could have marched not
only from the wharf to the Plaza. but
from the harbor to Mexico city. Each
day of delay may make that march
more difficult, more dangerous. III VIII
bring TO these men greater prestige, but
will cost more lives.
Before the return Of the navy to us
ships a review by Rear Admiral tIet-
cher and General Funston was heio
on q square of made ground built out
into the harbor. like the aviation feid
on Governors Island. The reviewing
party faced the asphalt promenade on
the waters edge. Behind them IN
were the marines, who
guarded the north section or the CITY
and the 2Sth Regiment. Navy officers
I'm white gloves. side arms ana still-
necked tropic blouses, the army pelhs
on field service. made n striking con-
trast with the khaki and flannel shirts.
It was distinctly family party, IN
formal but heartily cordial Very rev
AJexicans were present. some OF those
when the colors passed, having had
their sombreros knocked off by the
refugees and not knowing
why retired to their cantinas. AS the
sun shone brilliantly on the white uni
forms, gold braid and national colors
the American spectators applauded
as passed the faVor-
lite officers and men OF the favorite
ships that had lost heaviest In the two
days fighting.
When the review ended the marines
lust arrived cheered their brother ma
rines of the landing party. Major
Lindsay. of the fsth Infantry, jumped
on a bench and led the cheers for the
navy bluejackets.
They cheered for the army and the
bands played AUD Lang Syne,' at
which the Mexicans, believing 1t to BE
the national anthem, hastily uncov-
cred. Then in launches towing the
gigs the navy men returned to their
ships for what those who have guarded
the sand hills called the big bath.
Since the men left the ships week
ago the navy has lost more men than
in the whole Spanish war, has ad-
ministered to foreign city of 10000
hostile people, has conducted the post
office, telegraphs, railroad and custom
house. closed the red light district
and all this without interference with
the personal liberty o. one law-abiding
person. In a town where every saloon
is open and the heat would drive
marble statues to drink, I have not
seen n single sailor OF any rank In
toxicated.