Norwich bulletin., 1914-05-09

Washington, May s.-High teneion marked the Mexican. situation today both on the military and the diplomatic side.
 The war department was the chief center of activity and while no author itative statement was made beyond Secretary Garrison's formal reply that mo orders for additional troop move ments have been sent,eS it became known that the sending of additional troops to Vera Cruz was under consid- eration and probably would be carried out. This step would be intended, not as an aggressive measure. but as a reasonable precaution to support the force already there in case of any un- toward event.
 Of equally serious portent was the report late in the day that two Gfr- man merchant ships were about to ar rive at Puerto Mexico with large sap plies of arms and ammunition for Huerta- It was realized that this, if true. would present an incident similar to the arrival of the Ypiranga at Vera Cruz with her cargo of munitions. which led immediately to the American occupation of that port. huerta Claims Arnnisfies E .Niolatsd.
 Huerta's protest to the medfators that the United States had broken the armistice by landing additional troapS at Vera Crux was considered by the cabinet and later Secretary Bryan ar-
 
 ment stated that no aEgfessivo steps had been taken by the United States forces and that nothing had been done in violation of the suspension of hos tilities. The American reply was de- fvered to the mediaters late tpday. The mediators themselves also took the view that the question raised by Huer- Ia over the observance of the armisttce could be cleared away and that Hnerta could be convinced that the United pn st tU . least, the armistice which ha dbeen agreed upon-
 The cabinet meeting brought out a general discussion of the Mexican sit that the matter of troop movements had previously been left with th0 war department and there was little doubt es to the sending of additional forces, wholly for precautionary purposes.
 Availability of National Guard.
 It also became known in this con- nection that inquiries had been made of the goyernorsi of sattss to ascertain the condition of national guards and how soon they could be prepared for active service if conditions required. This again is . precautionary meas 6re.
 The fndicat ations are that if national guards were called upon they would not be sent out of the country, but would be used on the TexsS border, re- lfeving regulars there. who would thus be available for reinforcing the troops now in Vera Cruz.
 The discussion of reinforcing Gen eral Funston at Vera ,Cfa1x has. devel- oped . marked difference of opinion in the cabinet. Some Of ethe members take the view that the nlsdi ation neso- nations might be enlaoarrassed by silch an act. while others believe it to be . necessary precaution Agafnet a sudden attack on the American forces stretched along the raiifoad to the WatGworhN.
 Funston warts Msrs ; Men.
 General Funston is understood to have told the war departmsnt that with the 1000 men he now has his lines are vulnerable at different points and that sudden attack along the rall- road would neceseitete the withdrawal of forces from other points which would be left unprotected.
 He has informed the war depart unent that he will need at least 16,o00 b 1S.9e0 men in order to hold. Vera Cruz ag we'll as the outlying districts Nhfch he now has eerrfsoned
 chartsrins Transports.
 The deefsdcn as to the number of troops te be giyen General Funston has been left, it is understood, ts the Judgment of the general staff. It bs- came known authoritatiyely that con tracts had been closed for the charter 3pE of several merchant steamers and GA2f W1Ln1n 02y or TWO IOktndI or Gers for troop movements would Do issued
 It is understood that some of the transports which have been chartered are not available at once. but that within the next two weeks at least nine transports win have been obtain ea by the war department.
 Secretary Garrison dectined to dfS- eusg the charterfnG of the steamers. The only thing he would say vas:
 There is no contemplated aCgres- a4ve movement at this time"
 This Is in line with the attitude of ether high officials of the adnninf1tra- tan, vino contend thaf tho sending of achievements to General Funston is not an aggressive act. but ni6fafy . Vsra Crus, and does nok vsSs6te the ar<anDsment for . aceGsAt1on of hDstiR- t1.s entered into between sthe United Stntes and the mAdfators. The fact that the htgh cAcers .of tho army had recommefrdsA the ssilA,- ing ef af least SO,6et to e6,e6a man to Vera CrsHz in preparation for afi event sna2sties bocams kpown during the dRy 0eaeFaAy in executive q,sAftezs
 number of ofIlciAle admitted. that the administration was now confront ca with the problem of deciding whether it would limit it's military ae- 0xitiee to pROtectiAE the efoncAs sa1seadys = Vera Crsas from attack. ef whether
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