The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-06-02
GERMANY MAY FIGHT
PAYMENT OF FINES
Penalties Levied on Vessels at
Vera Cruz Likely to
Cause Friction.
MEXICAN LAW AT ISSUE
ITuerta Modified Statute Under
Which Funston Acted
No Protest Yet.
MEXICAN LAW AT ISSUE

WASHINGTON. June 1.-The imposition
q, fines on the German vessels which
landed arms at Puerto Mexico by the
United states military authorities at Vera
Cruz Is likely to bear fruit in the creation
Of an unpleasant situation between this
country and Germany.
The matter has not yet reached the
point of a diplomatic exchange. but such
a result seems to be inevitable. Further
more. the United States Government IL
likely to be embarrassed by the raising
Of a question involving the recognition
Of the Huerta Government.
Secretary Garrison confirmed to-day the
reports from Vera Cruz that the Col
lector of that port appointed by Gen.
Funston had imposed a fine OF s94, $50
pesos oaoout S447,0oO) on the Yplranga
and fine OF lis.6S5 pesos (about
$4,000 on the steamship Bavaria.
Neither hne. however was levied be-
cause Of the Hck of a manifest in the
possession Of the master of the vessel.
The Ypiraugd was charged with falling
20 correct her invoices and with the dis
charge Of her cargo at "A port other than
that which was designated IN the papers.
violations of Mexican Inv.
The Bavaria, 1t appeared. discharged a
portion Of her cargo at port other than
that to which IL was consigned and cor
rected her manifest after arrival at Vera
Cruz All Of these acts. so the War De-
par'ment authorities declare were viola
lions OF the Mexican law, which the
United States has taken upon itself to
enforce at Vera Cruz.
Right here. though. is where n ques-
ton arises that is likely to prove en-
barrassng to this Government. 1t Is
pointed out that Il Mexican law was
passed soon after the seizure of the port
Of Vera Cruz by the United States. which
provided that shipments to the Govern
meut OF Mexico might be landed at other
ports in the event that the port to which
the goods were COM Gned was in the
hands Of any other nation
When United States officials we're aues-
toned to-day In regard to this law they
animated that its validity could not be-
recognized because the United States re-
fuses to recognize the Huerta Govern
ment
At the same time however. Germany
may take a different view. The Kaiser's
Government already has recognized
Huerta and undoubtedly will regard as
valid any laws which his Government has
passed.
In the event OF a protest by the steam
raised a question between the Unl.Ol
States and Germany as TO the validity a.
this statute. which In turn involves to
recognition OF the Huerta Government by
the United States.
No Protest Made 10 Funston.
Bond has been furnished to guarantee
tn payment of the fines on the German
vessels In the event payment Is finally
necessary. No protest was made to Gen.
Funston by the captains OF the German
vessels but II Is understood that the mat
ter will be taken up through the German
Foreign Office with the State Department
here.
1t Is not believed by officials here that
Germany will submit to paying the fines
when the officers of both vessels relying
on the Mexican law for the landing of
their cargOes We're evidently under the
impression that their actions had been
correct.