The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-05-13
RELAxES
Several Bits of News Drift Into
Washington Today
to Relieve the Anxiety
of Department Officials.

Washington, May 13.-With plans for
the Mexican mediation conference at
Niagara Falls. Ontario. next week.
rapidly maturing tension Of the inter-
national conflict was relieved some
what today by the several important
developments.
Assurances reached this government
that no ammunition had been landed
at Mexican ports from German ships,
a matter that had been somewhat in
doubt, since the departure of the Kron
Prinzessin Cecilie from Puerto Mexico.
several days ago.
From the French legation in Mexico
City came positive information that the
vice consul, John r. Silliman, who had
been held prisoner by Mexican federals
at Saltillo, was actually on his way to
Mexico City, under guard, to be turned
over to the Brazilian minister there.
who would guarantee his safety until
he reaches Vera Cruz. The state de-
partment had insisted that Huerta re-
lease Siliman.
Concern was aroused, however over
the reported execution by the Mexican
federals of Samuel Parks. an Ameri-
can orderly, who disappeared from Vera
Cruz several days ago and is believed
to have been deranged owing to ,ex-
cessive heat. Unofficial reports persist
that Parks was executed but General
Funston has communicated nothing Of
fetal concerning him, except his dis
appearance.
rected General Funston to ask the
Mexican commander, General Mas.
for information about Parks. In some
quarters 1t was said serious complica-
tions might arise if it proves true that
Parks was executed.
Akrv n S~Io tod 6aV
that this government would welcome
a return of Mexican lighthouse ten
ders to the light on LobOs island
which had been abandoned and which
American naval forces seized for the
benefit of navigation. This govern
ment, it was reasserted, did not con-
slider the manning of the lighthouse
an act OF war, but would continue to
operate the light unless Huerta sends
a Mexican force back there
Another development which aroused
interest in official circles was the re-
port that Nelson O'Shaughnessy had
Informed President Wilson that Cen
eral Huerta, realizing that his fall
must come eventually, was preparing
to make a last stand against internal
enemies at Puebla. which now was be-
ing fortified against attack.
partment that H. Percival Dodge, for
mer minister to Panama, had been Sc
lected as secretary to the American
delegates at the mediation conference.
Mr.. Dodge is a Harvard man, "A
years old, born in Boston, and a grad
uate Of Harvard law school.
The South American mediators re-
sumed their session today with plans
being matured, not only for the ad-
justment of the LObOs island and 9TH
er incidents which have arisen, but
on the merits Of the main question of
how to bring about a solution of the
Mexican conflict. A provisional COM
mission representing all the elements
in the conflict to carry forward Mex
icos governmental affairs in an or
derly way until an election can be
held, has been tentatively suggested
but has met strong opposition from
the constitutionalist leaders.
The opening session Monday will be
mainly to determine methods of pro-
cedure; the arbitrators will sit togeth-
er comforting with the parties separ-
ately so as to develop their views and
both sides.
Secretary Daniels today reiterated
his determination not to utilize the
naval forces at Tampico as a police
guard to permit the resumption of op-
erations in the oil district.
I'VE are not taking any one back
to TampicO," said Daniels. I'VE have
brought away all except those who
have made up their minds not to
leave"
Repeated requests have been made
by representatives of the oil interests
to have American warships sent back
up the Panuco river SO work could
be resumed at the oil wells.