Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-04-27
Admiral Fletcher ProcIaims
Martial Law in Vera Cruz

Refusal of federal officials in Vera Cruz
10 resume their duties under direct con-
troll Of the American forces-resulting in
confusion over the city's administration
has caused Admiral Fletcher to proclaim
martial law.
Martial law was not proclaimed by Ad-
miral Fletcher In Vera Cruz until he was
positive no other move would adequately
protect the United States interests there
The Navy Department was fully advised
of the situation, and President Wilson
was fully confident that II the admiral
determined to declare martial law in eff
feet 1t was because all other means had
been exhausted. At the Navy Depart
ment yesterday IT was said that the full
est confidence of the administration rests
upon Admiral Fletcher
Admiral Fletcher reports that proposed
provisions for regulation of the new es-
tablishment at Vera Cruz contemplated
that otficials to be appointed might be
Americans. Mexicans, or any other ma
tionality. 1T being the intent and purpose
to extend to the inhabitants Of the ter
ritory as large participation In the gov
eminent as may be practical with due
consideration for the ends to be hereby
accomplished" Federal and local taxes,
it Is proposed, will be levied under pres
emit arrangements. There will be no addi-
uonal fmposts except when required by
unusual exigencies, and if any surplus
been paid. 1t will be intrusted to a treas
urer. Rules for the ultimate disposition
OF any surplus will be made later. 1t is
proposed In the administration of the
Mexico be followed as closely as possible.
Created No Excitement.
Renorrs 70 tho Nayy nurartynant MAN,
admiral Fletcher today stated that the
that people had resumed passing freely
about the streets and were attracted to
the parks and plazas by the playing OF
bands from American warships
The text of the proclamation. given on,
by the Navy Department, follows:
The officials of the Mexican federation
and Ct the state of Vera Cruz who were
in Office in Vera Cruz at the time of the
landing of the United States forces unde,
my command have informed me Of thei,
inability to continue in the discharge OF
the functions of their respective offices
Although the municipal authorities of tn.
city, with fine consideration for the in
terests of their fellow-citizens. have IL
reply to my request resolved to continu,
in the performance OF their RESPECTIVE,
duties, there is no provision In the mu
nicipal laws and ordinances for the per
Torrance of many important function.
of government.
Conditions Required It.
These facts have created a condit,o,
which requires the adoption of difreren
measures than those proposed in IN,
proclamation OF the 22d instant There
fore. in order to afford 10 the inhabitant
of Vera Cruz and of the other territorie
hereafter described the privileges of
government exercising all the function
necessary for the establishment an,
maintenance of the fundamental right
of men. do hereby. under my authorit,
as commanding officer OF the miIitar
forces of the United States of America
proclaim that martial law exists in III
city of Vera Cruz and the territory con
tiguous thereto now occupied by tn
forces under my command, and that sue
law shall be hereafter extended to sue
additional territory as may hereafter b
occupied by my forces.
7 further proclaim, in accordance wit
the laws of nations and the usages Gus
toms and conventions of my own an
other governments. that am vested wit
tho power and responsibility OF govern
ment in all its functions and branche