Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-05-13
POPE To SECURE
FACTS ON MEXICO
Two Churchmen Reach Vera
Cruz on Way to Rome to
Explain the Situation.
PONTIFF EAGER FOR PEACE
United States Army Chaplain Greets
ENJOYS, Who Are Later Re-
ceived by Funston.

Vera Cruz, Mexico. May 13.-Most
Rev. jose Mora del Rio, archbishop of
Mexico, and Right Rev. Jesus Maria
Escbavarria, bishop of Saltillo, reach
ed here yesterday on a train aboard
which were so American refugees, IS
of vhorl came from SaltillC. Most
Of the refugees had spent two or three
weeks in prison.
The archbishop and bishop are on
their way TO Rome TO lay before the
pope the facts in the Mexican situa-
ton. 1t is intimated that the arch
bishop has been summoned by the
pope Whether he will recommend
TO the pope any line of action is con-
sidered doubtful, but he is convinced
that the pontiff would use his high
Office to effect q lasting peace.
The archbishop let it be known here
that he has grave fears regarding the
fate of thousands of loncombatants
in the capital, and he expressed his
belief that should the Zapata forces
enter the city there would be riot
OF IootinE. especially of the cathedral
and the churches. which are popularity
supposed to be filled with treasure
Greeted by U. S. Aid.
Chaplain John F. Chenoweth of the
Fourth United States infantry intro
duced himself as the prelates alisht-
ed from the train and assured them
that he had been instructed by Cen
eral Funston to extend TO them what
ever courtesies he was able.
When escorted to the headquarters
of General Funston they were as
sured that the general wished to ex
tend to them all possible courtesies
while they remained here. The arch
bishop told the general that until
Nav 16 they would be guests at the
home of Jose Marin, business man
of Vera Cruz. and would then sail
direct for Europe.
The archbishop's efforts in the capt.
tai for months past to induce Huerta
TO retire from the presidency are well
known. and, according to reliable re-
norris. he has said on more than one
occasion that he favored Intervention.
The alleged determination OF Villa
to deal severely with the dignitaries
of the church is said to have for a
basis the financial assistance which
the church has extended to Huerta.
Early I'm Huerta's campaigns against
the rebels the church contributed 4
600 900 pesos, and the amount is saio
now to have reached 20,00O.00O pesos
No HostiIitIes Expected.
While the Mexican commissioners
are en- route to attend the Niagara
Fails. Canada, peace conference and
during the sessions of the conference
there will be no inauguration OF nos
tiIitfes by the American forces here
and no reason to believe that the
MEXICAN federals will advance their
lines.
The recent charge by General
PIanouet that the Americans were
Iraaking the armistice caused Gen
araI Funston to confer with his legal
adviser, Colonel Porter. General run
ston and Colonel Porter agreed that
while actually no armistice' nor truce
either implying hostilities, which none
but President Huerta admits exists
there is a tacit understanding tnat
neither side will inaugurate hostiites:
po,b declared that the Mexican and
American forces had the right 10 move
troons within their own lines.