Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-05-08
NIGHT COUNCIL OF WAR
AGREES ON THE PROGRAM
Hurriedly Summoned, Following Re-
ceipt of Cipher Dispatches
From the Front.
TALK OF MARCH TO CAPITAL
Official Inquiry Made as to What
State Troops Are Ready for
Immediate Service
in Mexico.

immediate reinforcement OF the
United States army of occupation
III Vera Cruz to sufficient strength
for any expedition into the in
terror of Mexico that may become
necessary was determined upon
by the War Department today.
This plan of action. with the
immediate object OF protecting
the lives and property OF Ameri-
cans. was laid before the Presi
dent and his cabinet this morn
ing. The decision was reached
following a midnight conference
of war and navy officials. when
an appeal was received from Brig.
Gen. Funston, based ON reports
brought to him by refugees from
Mexico City.
Secretary Garrison and the gen
eral staff went over the entire
military situation at Vera Cruz
and other points in Mexico before
reaching this decision.
Cipher Dispatch From Funston.
Secretary Garrison called the confer
ence after cipher telegram from Vera
Cruz had been delivered to him at the
h..
wedding of the Presidents daughter. He
left the festivities hurriedly and sum
moned his aids to the War Department
Among DISPATCHES received was one
which reported the firing of two oil wells
at Tampico.
Though not officially stated, it Is
known that the high officials of the
War Department are anxious to place
at Vera Cruz or on transports within
striking distance large enough force.
perhaps $4,000 or $4,000 men. to make
an expedition to Mexico City IL ii be-
comes necessary.
Must Guard Railroad.
Officials of the War Department are
known TO believe that if an advance
on Mexico City is ordered it will be
necessary to guard every mile of the
railroad as the army moves forward,
and that a large force would show the
natives the futility of resistance.
whereas division of / 900 men might
be subject to several attacks along
the route with possibly big losses
Army officers feared the situation at
Vera Cruz might become desperate IN
the event of an anarchistic outbreak in
Mexico City or should the federal forces
lowering beyond Funston's outposts
launch an attack irrespective of Huertas
declaration of truce with the United
States.
Reinforcements From Warships.
Rluejackets could be landed TO reinforce
the 200 troops and marines under Gen.
Funston il there should be a federal at
tack They could easily hold the city
proper it is believed. but to protect po-
sitjous outside the town up to the site
of the waterworks more infantry is pe-
lieved to be required
II was understood that the refugees
from Mexico City had Informed Gen,
Funston of the critical aspect OF az
fairs in the Huerta regime; that col
lapse might be expected momentarilN
and that conditions of anarchy might
ensue The purpose of Gen. Funston
in making known these reports TO the
War Department was oelieVed 70 pe I"
advise the Washington administrator
OF the possibilities that might develop
from a fall of Huerta in order that u
the American army is compelled 10 res
he fully equipped for such an expedi-
tion.
Use of State Militia.
In connection with the military prepa-
ra tions for q possible forward movement.
4, be,am. t,iown that the officials Of the
War pepa nent have been in long-dis-
tance telephone communication with the
Governors OF New York, Pcnnsylvan'a
.,nd ohio in an effort to determine how
soon m. militia organizations of those
states could be nobilized and sent to the
seaboard for shipment in transports TIE
1.nartment has been energetic IN ITS e
forts TO make all preparations for the
nossible mobilization of the National
Guard for some time
Latest inquiries Of the department We"
directed toward ascertaintng how soon
the New York Peunsy wanna and Ohio
troops could be put in motion. in their
present condition. without delay that
would be necessitated by recruiting them
up to full war strength. IN the theo-
retical organization of the militia, Penn
sylyania and New York each, makes up a
full tactical division. They are the only
states supplying d full division quota
Ohio combines with Michigan to I'LL a
division. and the other divisions are made
up of several states each
The transport San Marcos. which ar
rived in Galveston last night with ref
urees from the east coast of Mexico,
has been chartered to return with
army supplies according TO a dispatch
received at the War Department today
from the army headquarters in Texas
City
..rool Trucf'' prohe 0rdere