Evening star., 1914-05-06
FUNSTON IS FREE
TOEXTEND LINES
Larger Authority Given Com
mander of U. S. Troops at
Vera Cruz.
NO THREAT OF ATTACK
BY MExICANS IN FORCE
Huerta's Soldiers Only Guarding the
Railroad Line Which Leads
to Mexico City.

orders have gone forth from the War
Department to Gen. Funston authoriz-
ing him to extend his lines about Vera
Cruz as far as "in his judgment is
necessary This, it was explained.
gives the American commander vir-
tually a free hand in dealing with the
situation at Vera Cruz. and It was
said that the American lines would at
once be extended and heavy fortifica-
tions thrown up.
It is practically certain that the with
drawal of American forces from Vera
Cruz will not be ordered until some
definite settlement of the whole Mexi-
can problem is in sight.
Gen. Funston reported to the War De-
partment today that he had no definite
information regarding movements of
Mexican troops, and said he thought
probable that such concentration as the
Mexican forces had made was only for
the purpose Of defending the lines of
railroads to Mexico City in case the
United States troops should advance.
Mexican natives reported that the
tracks Of the Interoceanic railroad was
being torn up.
Prepared for Hostilites.
A definite course of action has been
outlined in the event of a resumption
Of hostilities at Vera Cruz and the ex-
tension Of the campaign toward Mexi-
CO City In that event Maj. Gen. Leon
ard Wood will be in supreme command.
with Gen Funston directing the ad-
Charles J. Bailey OF the Coast Artil
lery assuming command Of the base at
Vera Cruz. This arrangement. how
ever, is wholly In the line of prepared
ness and signifies no present purpose
Of being put into operation.
While interest In diplomatic develop
ments overshadowed all other features
OF the international situatioA changes
in Mexico were not overlooked.
Huertas position excited speculation.
Observers who reached Vera Cruz from
the federal capital declared Huerta had
done little to indicate he expected an
American advance or intended to d6fer
| serious resistance II that happened.
However. numerous reports stated the
| federals were mining railway tracks
between the capital and the east coast.
Huerta Between Two Fires.
Tho military situation is being mater
| tally affected by the diplomatic status
\ Carranza is active against Huerta. while
Huerta has his hands full in watching
the United States forces In Vera Cruz
| The American forces will not advance
while hostilities are suspended. unless
attacked. but even with the truce, Huerts
| is hesitating to take his troops from
| Mexico City to mass them against Car.
rama. Strategically. Huerta has tht
/ United States forces marking time in hii
front. and the Carranza forces advancing
| in his rear
Huerta was said TO recognize the men
the chance OF Zapatista attack from
| the south. Bombs for use against botf
1 those leaders were Being turned out ir
the federal arsenals. Zapata's reported
| threat to attack Mexico City yesterda,
| did not materialize. 1t served however
to renew interest in the possibility thA,
Zapata may emerge as a figure to b,
reckoned with in future happenings. Som,
observers declare that even If the con
stitutionalists conquer Huerta's federals
they still would be compelled to face al
army of Zapatistas. The reported
agrarian policies OF the Zapaistas ar,
said TO be scarcely consonant with Car
ranza's political program.
Cordiality on the West Coast.
Admiral Howard reported today from
the west coast of Mexico that relations
with the Mexican authorities are more
cordial than would be expected unde,
the conditions All ships of the Ameri
can feet. he said, had been ordered tc
avoid hostile acts and jeopardizing lives
A late dispatch from Gen. Funstor
| stated that food IL not getting into Vera
: Cruz from the interior of Mexico. bu
| thar bainy brou.ht from shore vii