Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-05-12
Secretary Garrison Holds Conference
Following Dispatch From
Funston.
GENERAL HUERTA WEAKENING.
Grave Concern Believed Result Of
Refugees Tales Concerning
Usurper.
GENERAL HUERTA WEAKENING

receiving a long cipher cablegram
from General Funston at Vera Cruz
last night, Secretary Garrison called
into conference at the war depart
ment Major General Witherspoon,
chief of staff, and the entire general
staff of the army. No intima ton as
to the nature of the dispatch was
made public.
The conference lasted until near
ly midnight. Secretary Garrison
said there would be no announce
ment last night. He and the army
officers wore grave faces and it was
no secret that news of Importance
had been received.
Later Secretary Garrison said
General Funston had transmitted
some information which refugees
had brought from Mexico City as to
conditions in the Mexican capital.
He said that no, aggressive move
ment of any kind by the American
forces was ordered.
1t was understood that the refu-
gees from Mexico City had Informed
General Funston of the critical as
pect of affairs in the Huerta regime,
that collapse might be expected
momentarily and that conditions of
anarchy might ensue. The purpose
of General Funston in making
known these reports was believed to
be to advise the Washington admin
istration of the possibilities that
might develop from fall of Huerta
in order that if the American army
is compelled to rescue foreigners or
restore order it may be fully equip
ped.
Although not officially stated, it is
known that high officials of the war
department are anxious to place at
Vera Cruz or on transports within
striking distance a large enough
force, perhaps $4,000 or 10000 men,
to make an expedition to Mexico
City if it becomes necessary.
Officials of the war department
are known to believe that if an ad-
vance on Mexico City is ordered it
will be necessary to guard every
mile of the railroad as the army
moves forward and that large
force would show the natives the flu
tility of resistance, whereas a dill
vision of 1900 men might be sub
ject to several attacks along the
route with possibly big losses.
The American army officers also
regard the situation at Vera Cruz
as likely to become desperate in the
event that anarchy breaks out in
Mexico City, or the forces of Gen.
eral Mas should make an attack on
their own initiative irrespective of
the Huerta governments promise of
a suspension of hostilities against
the United States. A large number
of bluejackets could be landed from
the warships to reinforce the 7,O00l
troops and marines in Vera Cruz,
but in order to hold the positions
outside of Vera Cruz up to the wat
er works, more infantry is believed
to be required by General Funston.
There have been persistent reports
that he has asked for more men.
In view of the progress of media
ton, the army officers are anxious |
not to make any move that might
embarrass the negotiations and yet
are DESTROYS of being prepared for
any eventuality.
It is considered likely that at to-
days cabinet meeting the situation
will be discussed although the presi-
dent and Secretary Bryan are be-
lieved to be finally set against any
activity at the present mo-
ment unless crisis develops in Mex
leo City beyond control of the au-
thorities, and foreigners endanger-
I'd.