The Washington times., 1914-05-03
REASONS FOR ARMY
RULE MADE PUBLIC
lstructions to Funston Explain
Abolition of Civil Govern
ment at Vera Cruz.

he reasons that actuated President
SON and Secretary of War Garrison
converting the civil government of
Cruz into military government.
RI the civil authorities had acted
a few hours, are made clear in the
-uctions sent to Brigadier General
ston, in command.
bert ]. Kerr. lawyer, OF Chicago
Mexico City. was governor for but
comparatively few hours. when the civil
government was overturned and a mill
tary government instituted instead. 9th
er civilian officials went out with him,
including Administrator Of Justice Will
liam T. Buckley, lawyer Of Austin.
Tex. and Mexico City; Treasurer
Charles H. Stewart of Indianapolis.
Ind, and Cordoba Mexico.
When General Funston reached Vera
truz he reported that the civil gov
eminent instituted by Admiral Fletcher,
who was in command up 10 that une'
WAS working excellently. All the meas
ures taken by the admmiral Won appro-
baton from the President and Secretary
l,anieis. 1t was largely to set clear
the oddity of the situation created by
the change that this letter OF lnstruc-
ton was made public:
.-C;eneraI Funston, Vera Cruz, Mexico:
Il have just had conference with
the President about the administration
OF civil municipal functions at Vera
cruz. Wherever the Mexican official
refuses 20 continue to exercise his func-
ton. we think 1t unwise to place an
American civilian In charge. ana want 4
military government carried on by the
officers Of the army ana marine corps
under YOUR comman nd.
y have read the proposed regula-
lions for establishment OF civil gov
eminent, dated April %. 1t would be
simpler and better to take the system
which was in vogue when the MeNicans
ran the city. and TO put army Officers
a. the head of the various departments,
bureaus and other official positions,
with duties similar to those that had
been performed under tae Mexican ad-
Ininistration. This will appeal to the
citizens, because it will be what they
nave always been accustomed to. II
will be better for US than to have Ameri-
can citizens who happen to be on the
ground injected into a military admins
tration.
Pleas acouaint yourself as soon as
possible with the method of administra-
ZION Of the city government; t.iat is,
of all the civil government under your
Jurisdiction, and act thereafter in ac-
cordance with instructions above set
forth Follow as nearly as you can the
method pursued by US in the Philippine
islands when the military TOOK over the
civil functions from Spain. You may
state as your reason for taking this
course that since the territory within
your Jurisdiction is now, and while 1t
remains under your jurisdiction viii be,
subject to a military government. / de-
eide 10 have persons directly RESPONSE
Die to my orders and subject 10 my
Jurisdiction In all places.
1t would be helpful 10 you to obtain
, copy. IL possible, OF the general orders
!ssued AT time OF military government
in the Philippines. Inquire among your
sfficers to see II any OF them have
copies. l would suggest that you in
"uire among all your officers to learn
which OF them took any part in the
military government in the Philippines
or Cuba, as their experience will be
very useful 10 you in this connection.
ia administration OF military govern
ment in the Philippines II was fOunH
,~nvenient TO utilize services OF naval
,,Glcers In certain positions In the civil
government, and the office of captain
Uf the port was always filled by nava!
officer. the admiral readily furnishint
Officers on suggestion OF commanding
general. You should avail yourself Of
tuis opportunity.
'LISDLEY 81. GARRISON.
Secretary of Wal"