Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-05-06
American Lines About
Mexican Port City to be
at Once Extended.
EXPECTING AN ATTACK
Commander of Land Forces
Given Free Hand in Dealing
With the Situation.

Jefferson City. Mo, May 6.-Orders
- recruit five regiments of the Mis-
souri national guard to full strength
we're received today from the war de-
partment-
washington. D. C. March 6.-The
var department has authorized Cen
s-s1 Funston to extend his lines about
vsrs Cruz as far as in his judgment
:. necessary This gives the Amer
,csn commander virtually a free hand
IN dealing with the situation at Vera
cruz. and it is said the American lines
AZ once will be extended and heavy
Notifications thrown up.
Admiral Badger reported the con-
s,itutioualists made a sharp attack
Yesterday upon federals in the north
vssteru portion of the province OF
vsra Cruz and 20 the west of Tampico.
There was no decisive result as lar as
could be learned.
Admiral Mayo informed Badger OF
psrsisteut rumors that General Villa
vas on the way with reinforcements
for the constitutionalists and intended
10 take and burn the city There has
been no trouble recently in the oil well
district.
Funston reported today that he had
no definite information regarding
movements of Mexican troops, but he
thought it probable that the concentra-
ton the Mexican forces had made was
for the purpose of defending the rail-
ruzds % Merico7City- case the Unit
ed States troops advanced. Mexican
natives report the tracks of the Inter
oceanic railroad being torn up.
Go Ahead Without csrranza.
Washington, d. c. May 6.-The
South American mediators continued
their sessions today, expecting TO ad-
vance on various branches OF the work
pending the opening OF the conference
at Niagara Fails. Canada, May 1s.
The ENJOYS will leave here May IL
L was authoritatively stated that re-
ports that the mediators were trying
10 get Carranza TO reconsider his atti-
tude and come into the conference
were not correct. Their position is that
II Carranza comes back voluntarily,
well and good: they will be glad To
have the scope OF mediation thus en-
larged. The three ENJOYS called at the
state department at noon and went
into conference with Secretary Bryan.
Persistent reports from Tampico OF
preparations for a decisive conflict be-
tween the constitutionalists and feder-
aHsts attract the attention Of Ameri-
can officers here and at Vera Cruz. and
reports from Mexico City continue 10
pour in from many sources. Huerta
position Is growing worse.
In diplomatic circles dispatches re-
ceived stating that fear of attack on
Mexico City BY Zapata's forces causes
considerable alarm. Huerta's hold on
HIS soldiers IS weakening. It is stated
and possibility OF opposition TO Zapata' s
movement. # is declared, is decreasing.
Zapata has said he will get 10 Mexico
City before Villa.
After a short session with Bryan
the mediators announced they had
definitely decided to proceed without
Carranza
Bonneys Reported Safe.
American CounsuI Bonney, reported
under arrest at San Luis Potosi, ar
rived in Mexico City with Mrs. Bon
ney. both well. according TO the Bra
lillian minister, who added, according
TO last accounts all Americans in san
Luis POtOsi we're safe.
Big Order for Shells.
Philadelphia, Pa, May 6.-orders for
100000 threeinch shrapnell Shells 10
be completed before June. 1915, we're
Received at Frankford arsenal from
the war department. Colonel Mont
gomery. in command, expects TO MI tne
order before that date, and can run
tie plant "a hours a day.
Villa to Lead SsItiiIo Attack
TorreOn. Mexico. May 6-Prepara-
lions under way have made II eFloehs
that the plan OF campaign OF Genera
Villa provides a simultaneous aItacA
on Saltillo and San Luis Potosi- ne
himself has decided TO head the attacA
on Ssltillo. which is garrisoned Dy ~
900 federaIs. The attack on San LUIS
Potosi, which holds 5000 federais'
will have the effect practically OF ESQ
lating the SaItilIo garrison. Shouio
the federals under General j. Mas Ds
unable TO hold Saltillo. nothing Vouiu
remain for them but surrender OF
death by hunger and thirst h theS
were cut OF from San Luis Potosi Ds
an attacking force there. The country