The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1914-05-13
WARLIKE ACTIVITY
RD1CATES LARGE FORCE Will
REINFORCE VERA Cruz
TRANSPORTS CHARTERED
Past Few Days View Active Prepa-
tons to Send More Troops to Vera
Cw-Funston Cables He Cannot
Hold Outposts With Forces He Has
If Attack Is Made.

Hold Outposts With Forces He Has
If Attack Is Made.
High tension still marks the Mex
lean situation both on the military
and diplomatic sides. The war de-
partment has been the chief centre
OF activity and while no authorita-
tive statement was made beyond Sec
retary Garrison's formal reply that
mo orders for. any national troop
movements have been sent" it be-
came known that the administration
was considering sending additional
troops to Vera Cruz and probably
would do so.
This step would not be intended
as an aggressive measure but as
precaution. An evidence Of the ser
fousness Of conditions was contained
In q report Friday that two German
merchant ships were about to ar
rive at Puerto Mexico with arms and
ammunition for Huerta. It was
realized that this, if true, would pre-
sent an incident similar to the arri-
val of the Ypiranga at Vera Cruz,
which led to the American occupa-
ton Of Vera Cruz.
The cabinet meeting brought out
o general discussion Of the situation:
It was said after the meeting that
there was little doubt as to the send
lag Of additional forces, wholly for
precautionary purposes. 1t also be-
came known that inquiries had been
made Of the governors Of several
States to ascertain the condition OF
the National Guard and how soon
they could be prepared for active SER
vice. This is also precautionary
measure. Indications are that If the
National Guard is called on, it would
not be sent out of the country, but
would be usedson the Texas border.
The discussion on the question Of
reinforcing Gen. Funston at Vera
Cruz has developed marked differ
eoce Of opinion in the cabinet. Some
take the view that mediation nego-
dations might be embarrassed by
such an act; other believe is neces-
ssry pfecaution. General Funston IS
understood to have told the war de-
partment that his lines are vulner-
able at different points and that a
sudden attack along the railroad
would necessitate the withdrawal Of
forces from other points, which
would be left unprotected. He has
Informed the war department that he
will need $1,000 to $4,000 to, hold
Vera Cruz and outlying districts.
Secretary Garrison Friday said no
orders had been issued for any troop
movements. but it became known au-
shoritatively that contracts had been
closed for the chartering of several
merchant steamers and that within
a day or two formal orders would be
issued. It was understood that with
IN two weeks at least nine transports
will have been secured. Secretary
Garrison declined to discuss the char
tering Of the steamers. The only
thing he would say was: There Is
no contemplated aggressive move
snentS at this time"
This is in line with. the attitude OF
other high officials Of the administra-
xion, who contend that the sending
Of reinforcements to Gen Funston is
not an aggressive act, and does not
violate the arrangement for sus-
pension Of hostilities.
The fact that the army officers had
recommended the sending Of at least
10000 to $4,000 men to Vera Cruz
became known generally in official
quarters. A number Of officials ad-
mitted that the administration was
confronted with the problem Of de-
Gliding whether it's military activities
would be limited to protecting the
forces already at Vera Cruz or a suf-
acieut number OF men would DC
placed in readiness at Vera Cruz fol
q living expedition to Mexico City II
case the Fuerta regime collapsed eno
irresponsible bands threatened the
lives Of Americans and other foreign
ers in the capital.
Preparations for dispatching rein
sorcements to General Funston a
Vera Cruz, should such a movemen
become necessary. went forward yer!
steadily Saturday, work on y trans
oorts to carry troops, horses and sup
plies being pushed, but no warhk'
development occurred. The militar!
apparently is being held back II
leash to avoid embarrassing the me
diators.
A threatening cloud "isoppeare'
from the diplomatic horizon whei
the German steamer Kronprinzessln
Cecellie, reported to be carrying arm
and ammunition for Huerta. return
ed to Vera Cruz. with dischargino ne
war stores at Puerto, Mexico. an /
was announced that the mrnltlon
on this and a second German steam
Or. the Vavaria. would he rtturne'
70 Germany. The possibility elthe
OF q seizure or blockade OF Puerto
Mexico. or Of an act. perhaps inter