The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-04-20
EXCITING SCENES AS
 NEWS FROM MEXICO
 SPREADS OVER CITY
Causes Animation in Milf tary Circles and One Man Volunteers Services to i.
 General Scully

An Age-Herald bulletin, announcing the
 fact that Dictator Huerta had refused to
 salute the American flag read last even- ing in the cafe of the Birmingham News
 paper club, in which were dining 200 men and women, precipitated demonstra- ton.
 When the bulletin was first pronounced there was moments silence. Then some one cheered. This cheer was contagious. And eventually the cafe reverberated with applause. The orchestra caught the pa tiiotic spirit, and 1t rendered Dixie" ," 1 There was more applause. And then there followed the animated conversation In which the excited guests expressed their opinion of the dictator of Mexico. and the probability of war between that coun- try and this.
 In that way the news of the critical situation reached Birmingham. Later. downtown. there was wild excitement.
 Men fingered about the street discussing
 the situation. There seems to prevail s spirit Of general satisfaction. not neces-
 surily that war is imminent. but that there promises to be cessation of con-
 ditions in Mexico the result of which more than one American has been hu- initiated.
 The news that in the event of war vol Alabama may be expected to furnish 50o0 soldiers. has caused general anlma ton in military circles, Already one man has volunteered his services. Capt. Charles H. Mandy of the Age-Herald stan last | night sent the following message to Gen
 Joseph B. seully, in charge of state [, oops:
 ;, "Tt Is said that the pen is mightler tfan the sword. Nevertheless, I draw my
 sword and offer 1t through you. to the I country"
 ] u is generally believed that if volun-
 tcers are called for. there will be a gen
 eral rush of officers and men to offer
 their services. There Is little question
 military men aver. but that there will
 be more to volunteer than can be
 equipped, or more than can be used. 1 Much activity was manifest yesterday
 in local military circles account of
 the Mexican situation and the local com.
 msnding officers were busy getting thelr respective commands fin readiness to take | the field. It Is understood that the off
 cers were instructed some days ago te
 recruit their companies to war strength | and this Is being done It Is also ru | mcred that there is possibility of ar | entire regiment being recruited in tn, | Birmingham district, but nothing authen tic could be learned fast night. | Capt. J. D. Carlisle. commander O Company K, and Capt Carl Seals O I Company R. called meeting of thei | respective commands yesterday, both O which were promptly responded to. Abou half of the men who reported yesterda, spent the night at their respective ar mories in anticipation of probable i'm mediate call to arms. The two batterie of the field artillery also held meeting l which were largely attended. the mel displaying much enthusiasm at the pros pect of active service.
 Captain Carlisle stated last night tha his headquarters at the city hall woul, be open day and night for the next fev
 days for the purpose of receiving re cruits. There Is much enthusiasm amoni the militlamen of all branches of th
 service at the prospect of taking tn field and many officers and men wh. ale on the retired list have offered thei
 services in the event of war.