The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1914-05-12

land light deserted II. and the Dixie ID
now maintaining 1t for the benefit Of
navigation. I understand that the de-
stroyers have occasional swimming par
ties ashore"
In basing his reply upon this dispatch.
Secretary Of State Bryan has replied to
Huerta, through the mediators. contend.
ing that the United States has not taken
possession of the island, and that there
has been no violation of the so-called
armistice with Huerta through the neces-
sary act of maintaining this important
light after the Mexican keepers had de-
THE Brazilian Minister A Mexico City
had advised the State Department that
he had made the strongest represents.
tons in behalf Of the release Of Consul
Silliman. who is stated to be still at
Saltillo under arrest.
His clerk. Marchini. has been set at
liberty. and left for Vera Cruz on Sun
day, the 10TH"
The sending of the forceful new de-
mands to Mexico City is believed to have
followed quickly after the receipt OF
Senior Cardoso's dispatch.
Grave doubt Is entertained here that
Silliman is imprisoned at Saltillo at all.
Because of the continued failure of the
government to get direct information re-
garding Silliman, fear has arisen that
either by the federal troops or the popu-
lace at Saltillo. and that the protesta-
tons that his release would soon be &C
complished have been made in the hope
Of concealing his fate.
Huerta's protest against the occupa-
ton Of the Island Of Lobon was received
through the South American mediators
yesterday morning. and Secretary of
State Bryan Immediately asked the Navy
Department to obtain a detailed report
from Admiral Mayo In regard to any
American operations at that island.
Notwithstanding the seriousness OF
Huerta's accusation In regard to Lobos
Island, Admiral Mayo's reply was greet
ed with smiles In some quarters here.
The belief was that the Mexican light
keepers would not venture out on Lobos
island again SO long as there was any
danger of the American sailors catching
them while in swimming.
Also it Is believed here that Admiral
Mayo will continue to maintain this light
so long as there is any likelihood that
the American war vessels may need II
in seekinS an entrance to Tampico Bay.
Coral Island.
Lobos Island Is beautiful tropical
coral island, about three miles long, be-
tween Vera Cruz and Tampico. but about |
fifty miles from the latter port 1t Is
about ten miles of shore. This island
was occupied by General Scott during the |
American war against Mexico in the '40s. |
and was used as a base in his operations |
against Vera Cruz.
The light on the island is of great i'm |
portance for navigators who are steer
ing a course among the coral reefs into |
Tampico Bay. 1t was contended here |
that the maintenance Of this light was |
the sole purpose Of the Dixie sending |
men ashore. 1t is also fact, however. |
that the island would make a splendid |
base in the event of operations against |
Tampico or other Mexican gulf ports.
1t was recalled that the monitor Ozark /
was ordered last week to sail from New /
York to Lobos Island. which Ii taken l
here as an indication that the Navy De- 1
partment has been considerably con-
,erned over this light