The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1914-09-18
WILL REMOVE TROOPS
FROM MEXICAN PORT
President Wilson Orders the EVacua-
ton of the City OF Vera
Cruz.

Washington, Sept. 15.-Evacuation
of Vera Cruz was ordered today by
President Wilson
American soldiers and marines, un-
der Gen. Funston, who have held
Mexico's principal seaport since it was
seized by the fleet, April q, last, will
embark for home as soon as trans
ports can go after them and shortly
afterwards all of the war fleet except
a few light draft vessels will be with
drawn.
The evacuation was announced at
the White House today, after long
cabinet meeting. 1t is the conclud-
ing chapter of the second armed con-
fict between the United States and
Mexico, in which a score Of Ameri-
cans lost their lives, nearly hundred
were wounded and upwards Of 300
Mexicans were killed or wounded.
The reasons for the step were set
forth in the following statement from
the White House:
''The troops have been ordered
: withdrawn from Vera Cruz. This ac-
ton is taken in view of the entire
removal of the circumstances which
were thought to justify the occupa-
ton. The further presence of the
troops is deemed unnecessary.
: While no mention was made OF the
feet it is understood in official cir
cles that with the withdrawal of the
troops most of the warships in Mexi-
can waters will be ordered home. ..
u Specifically, the American forces.
were withdrawn at the urgent appeal
of Gen. Carranza, frs, chief of the
constitutional army. Through Paul
Fuller, personal representatives Of
!. President Wilson in Mexico, Gen. Car
~ranza set forth that the presence OF
troops, instead of being a
safeguard against further revolution
and peace with the United states,' con-
istituted a constant menace to friend
ly relations. The Mexican chief con-
tended-and he was supported by
Gen. Villa and Gen. Obtegon-that
the Mexican people would not under
stand the continued presence Of
American troops on Mexican soil and
, would cherish resentment no matter
how we'll intentioned the American
government was.
Until today the Washington gov
eminent had not decided on any fixed
time for the withdrawal and awaited
negotiations with the new govern
ment. At first the president believed
it desirable to keep American forces
at Vera Cruz for salutary effect, hop
ing a constitutional election would be
conducted fairly and the troops
brought back after a constitutionally
elected executive was in power. The
constitutionalist chief argued, how
ever, that no election could be free
with a part OF Mexican territory con-
, trolled by American forces.
Secretary Garrison today asked Sec
retary Bryan to designate competent
Mexians to take over the Vera Cruz
customs house and city government.
An inquiry on this subject was sent
to the Carranza government by Secre-
tary Bryan, but no answer has been
received.
The troops at Vera Cruz are ex-
pected to begin departure in about
Two weeks. Orders were sent to
transports at Newport News today to
prepare for the movement.
j Rafael Zubaran, head Of the con-
-stitutionalist agency here, informed
tonight Of the order for the with
drawal of American troops, said:
'fThis is an act Of justice that the
Mexican nation and Venustiano Car
rama confidently expected from the
fairminded administration Of Presi-
dent Wilson"
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