Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1914-04-30
MED|ATORS LABOR
DURING PAUSE IN
MEXICAN WAR ZONE
Bryan Says to be Generous and
Fair But No Retraction
from Stand.
REBELS REPORTED
TO BE FIGHTING
By Siezing Port of Vera Cruz
u. S. May Be Responsible
for War Loan.

Washington, April 3O-The Ameri-
can situation marked time today while
the mediators worked. 1t was learned
that the first step in the mediation
program was a fairly conducted presi-
Dental election in Mexico.
Secretary of State Bryan told the
mediators that the administration
wanted to be generous as well as fair
to Mexico but would not take any
backward step until order there is
guaranteed as well as promised.
1t was intimated from Mexico City
that President Huerta will consider
no proposition which involves his ex-
pulsion from office by the United
States.
Though General Carranza had ac-
copied mediation the rebels were march
ing on Saltillo.
Fighting between Mexican federals
and rebels was in progress at Tampico,
Mazatan cmd Acapulco
Interests Endangered.
Reports that the fighting was en-
tdangering oil properties near Tampico
were received and British and German
interests suggested pressure to get the
zone neutralized.
That the Americans had bombarded
Manzanillo- OF landed at Salina Cruz
was denied.
Rebels occupied Piedras Niegras.
Troops landed from the transports
at Vera Cruz, the bluejsckets were re-
called aboardship and General Funston
took over the town from Admiral
Fletcher.
Vera Cruz was oppressively hot anC
an epidemic threatened.
1t was suggested that by seizing the
port the United States might have as
sumed responsibility for paying $l2,
100000 interest ON national loan Sc
cured on the customs receipts.
Refugees continued arriving al
United States ports from Mexico.
No Request for Armistice,
Up to this afternoon the administra
tion had received no request from the
mediators in the Mexican matters fo
the declaration of an armistiee. i
was stated, however, that President
Wilson took it for granted hostilitie'
would cease, however, while negotia
tions were in progress.
Secretary Bryan confirmed United
States dispatches to the effect tha
the plan was to preserve the statu
quo except in the event Of unseen oe
currences. "The ENJOYS" he added
"have considered the armistice propo
sition but have not actually aisked TO
one.
1t was known, however, that thC
mediators were thinking of an effor
to persuade General Carranza anC
President Huerta to suspend fighting
temporarily.
Outline Prepared.
The GA. B. c." mediators betwee
the United States and Mexico had il
i their possession today rough oatlin
of the Washington administration s at
titude toward the Mexico City govern
ment.
1t was this:
The United States is sufficiently BIZ
and powerful and ought to be qenerou
enough not to insist on Illuminating con
ditions from Mexico
But it can recognize neither Presi
dent Huerta nor his government.
However, it will be glad to do al
in its power to aid the mediators j
netting up either commission or a
individual administration to manag
Mexico's affairs until a really repre-
sentative election can be held and
new president and congress chosen.
The mediators had so far cleare
the ground that they were ready t
begin drafting proposals. They did no
expect either side would accept a
the conditions likely to be named q
first but by gradual modification
eliminations and concessions it wa
hoped compromise would be agreed o
finally.
Secretary of State Bryan would nc
discuss the progress of mediation negt
tiations.
No Bombardment of Manzanillo.
Presidential Private Secretary Tun
ulty officially denied a report that
United States warship had bombarde
Manzanillo. He said he thought th
1umor was due TO en- incendiafy fiji
which destroyed number of building
ON the Manzanillo waterfront.
Tumulty added that there was n
question concerning the correctness {
his information. Admiral Howard hin
self having wired specifically that tb
bombardment story was baseless.
The report that United States force
had landed at Salina Cruz was ais
said Tumulty, entirely untrue.