Norwich bulletin., 1914-05-08
Huerta's s Reign
 Nearing End
REFUGEES FROM MEXICO CITY
 REPORT CRITICAL ASPECT
CABLE FROM FUNSTON
Believed to have Asked for Large Force of Infantry to Show Natives tn. Flu. tility of Resistance.

VdShunBton, May I-UpOn receiving a long cipher cablegram from Gener- al Funston at Vera Cruz tonight, Sec retary Garrison called into conference at the war department Major General Wotherspoon, chief of stan, and the entire general staff of the army. No lntimation as to the nature of the despatch was made public
 The conference lasted until nearly midnight and when Secretary Garrison finally left his office he said there would be no announcement tonight. He and the army officers wore grave Iaces and it was no secret that news or importance had been received
 Later Secretary Garrison said Gen. eral Funston had transmitted some information which refugees had brought from Mexico City as to con- ditions in the Mexican capital. The secretary declined to comment upon them. He said, however, that no az gress1ve movement of any kind by the American forces was ordered.
 1t was understood that the refugees from Mexico City had informed Gen eral Funston of the critical aspect of affairs in the Huerta remime; that a collapse might be expected momentar- might ensue. The purpose of Gen. eral Funston in making know these reports to the war department was be- lieved to be to advise the Washington government of the possibilities that might develop from a fall of Huerta, in order that if the American army is compelled to rescue foreigners ol restore order it may be fully equipped for such an expedition.
 Larger Military Force Advocated.
 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 with in striking distance a large enough force, perhaps fifty thousand or sixty thousand men, to make an expiditior to Mexico City if it becomes necessary Officials of the war department are known to believe that if an advance on Mexico City is ordered it will bt necessary to guard every mile of ths railroad as the army moves forward and that a large force will show tn, natives the futility of resistance and men might be subjected to severa attacks along the route, with possibl, big losses.
 The American army officials also rs gard the situation at Vera Cruz a. likely to, become desperate. if anarch. should break out in Mexico City, ol the forces of General Maas shoult irrespective of the Huerta govern ment's promise of suspension of hos tilities against the United States.
 A large number of bluejackets coult be landed from the warships to rein force the 1000 troops and marines il Vera Cruz, but in order to hold tn, positions outside of Vera Cruz, up t, the waterworks, more infantry is be Heved to be required by General Fun ston. There have been persistent re ports that he has asked for more men but the war department has not mad any announcement on the subject.
 In view of the progress of media ton. the army officers are anxious no to make any move that might em barrass the negotiations and yet ar desirous of being prepared for an. eventuality.
 It is considered likely that at to morrow's cabinet meeting the entfr situation will be discussed, thoAgh tn president and Secretary Bryan are be lieved to be firmly set against an, military activity at present unless crisis developes in Mexico City beyon, the control of the authorities ther and foreigners become endangered.