The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-08
General Staff of Army Con fers On Message From
 General Funston
COLLAPSE OF HUERTA
 REGIME EXPECTED
Believed Funston's Report Is to Ad- wise Washington As to Critical Situation-COnditiOn Likely
 to Become Desperate

| Washin ston, May 7.-Upon receiving long cipher cablegram from Gem ernI Funston at Vera Cruz tonight. Secretary Garrison called into confer- ence at the war department Major General Wotherspoon, chief of staff. and the entire general staff of the of the dispatch was made public.
 The conference lasted until nearly mid night and when Secretary Garrison final ly left his office he said there would be no announcement tonight He and the army officers wore grave faces, and it was no secret that news of importance had been received
 Later Secretary Garrison said General Funston had transmitted informatio refugees had brought from Mexico City as to conditions in the Mexican capital The secretary declined to comment on them. He said. however. that no aggressive movement by the American forces had been ordered
 Collapse Expected
 It was understood that the refugees from Mexico City had informed General Funston of the critical aspect of affairs in the Huerta regime; that collapse might be expected momentarily and that conditions of anarchy might -ensue
 The purpose ,of General Funston in making kn5wn these reports to- the war department was believed to be to ad- wise the Washington administration of the possibilities that might develop from fall of Huerta, in order that if the American army is compelled to rescue foreigners or restore order it may be fully equipped for such an expedition.
 Though not officially stated, it is known that high officials of the war de- partment are anxious to place at Vera Cruz or on transports within striking distance a large enough force, perhaps 50,000 or 60,0O0 men. to make an expedi- ton to Mexico City if it becomes neces- sary.
 Officials of the war department are known to believe that if an advance on Mexico City Is ordered. it will be neces- sary 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 a division of 15.000 men might be subject to sev- eral attacks along the route, with poss- ply big losses.
 Situation Desperate
 American army officers also regard the situation at Vera Cruz as likely to be- come desperate in the event that anarchy breaks out in Mexico City or the forces of General Maas should make an attack on their own initiative irrespective of the Huerta governments promise of a suspension of hostilities against the Uni ted States.
 A large number of bluejackets could be landed to reinforce the 1000 troops and marines in Vera Cruz, but to hold the positions outside of Vera Cruz, up to the waterworks, more infantry Is believed to be required by General Funston There have been persistent reports that he has asked for more men, but the war de- partment has not made an announcement on the subject.
 Tn view of the progress of mediation, army officers are anxious not to make any move that might embarrass the ne- gotiations and yet are desirous of being prepared for ahy eventuality.
 It is considered likely that Tt tomor- rows cabinet meeting the entire stua- tion will be discussed, though the Pres- dent and Secretary Bryan are believed t0 be firmly set against any military ac- tivity now unless crisis develops in Mexico City beyond control of the authori- ties there, and foreigners become endan- gered.
 Washington, May 1.-The unexpect- ed arrival at San Francisco of Maj. Gen. J. Franklin Bell who recently relinquished command of the Philip pine division and his hasty departure for Texas City to assume command of the remaining troops of the second army division. has created situation which may require recasting of plans recently perfected for the utilization of the second division in a possible Mex ican campaign.
 General Bell Is acting under orders
 tContinued om page Eleven)