The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1914-04-12

and Torreon were the danger spots in
the Mexican situation tonight. At
either place it was admitted here any
sudden change in the situation might
precipitate crisis that would force
the hand of the United States. So
grave was the general outlook that
Secretary Bryan remained at his desk
until late hour and Secretary Of
Navy. Daniels left orders with Rear
Admiral F1ske, chief Of the bureau Of
information, that all dispatches bear
ing on Mexican affairs were to be
sent to his house as soon as received.
While Provisional President Huerta
iapologized for the unwarranted arrest
of an officer and enlisted men from
the gunboat Dolphin, the incident was
far from being closed tonight. Huerta
is conducting an Investigation. Pend
ing it's conclusion. the demand that
the American flag receive a salute Of
twenty-one guns from the federal
forts at Tampico is held up. At least
that is the understanding OF high
naval officials here. Bnt it Is believed
Ito be certain that 20, NOON ns-the In
iquiry ends, Rear Admiral Mayo will
insist that the salute be accorded.
Naval precedent demands this. And
there is little doubt felt in naval cir
cles that the Mexican federals will
agree to do it of their own accord.
This incident, however, has served
to emphasize On how slender thread
hangs trouble for the United States.
=, r,t1
disayowed and the apology made.
Mayo would have been compelled to
raze the federal forts at Tampico.
And there are grave fears entertain
ed by officials in close touch with the
situation, that another such incident
may soon come where the outcome
will be more serious.
But it is not alone from Mexicans
that danger is threatened. The inter
national aspect Of the Mexican mud
die was far more clouded tonight than
in many weeks. Spain demanded,
through Ambassador Willard at Mad
rid that it's nationals everywhere in
the constitut.onalist territory be pro-
tected. This government Is asked to
use its good Offices to see that this is
done. And Carranza has absolutely
defied Secretary Of State Bryan. The
latter has made two peremptory de-
mands that Carranza force villa to
respect the rights Of Spaniards in the
territory that he conquers. But the
demands have been ignored. not even
been accorded the courtesy OF re-
ply. Secretary Bryan tonight admit
ted that he had no reassuring infor-
nation on this subject and for the
first time it was evident that the
Spanish ENHANCEMENT was troubling
the premier.
England and Germany have put
protection Of their enormous f1nan.
cial interests at Tampico squarely up
to this country. Secretary Bryan in
sisted today that he was doing every
thing he could to force both sides
to direct their fire away from the for
eign section. Admiral Mayo's de-
mands on the command on both
sides have been peremptorv. But
there is real fear that should the
federals be forced to evacuate lamp
leo, they may decide to demoiish all
of the foreign property there. before
doing so. in hope the hands OF the
United States will be forced.
On the other hand there is positive
here that constitutiona!ists
look uron the British almost as much
as the Spanish as their enemies And
they may demand some good reasons
why Great Britain or even German
property should not be confiscated II
they take the city. No word OF the
final outcome of the savage fighting
near San Pedro, fifty miles northeast
of Torreon, has reached here. Secre-
tary Bryan admits that his advices
show that the battle is even more
bitterly contested than at Torreon.
But he has positively declined TO make
public the text Of his messages from
Consul Hamm. who is at Torreon as
an observer for the state department.
John Lind Is due in Washington
probably Monday night or Tuesday
Al