The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram., 1914-05-08
By W. N. TAFT.

\SRSStdI TS0POu0VuI u IHC
national News Service at the White
WASHINGTON, May s-Mediation
occupied second placerin the minds OF
Official Washington today and a new
crisis Of sudden development in the
Mexican situation occupied the atten-
ton of President Wilson and his ad-
vfsers. ----~.-~'
Following long despatch from Cen
eral Funston at Vera Cruz which con-
tanned such important news as to
cause Secretary Of War Garrison to
summon a hasty midnight war coun-
cil' at the department., cipher mess
age was received from Admiral Badger
at the navy department. Strict
secrecy was maintained at both de-
partments relative to the latest de-
velopments, and Secretary Garrison,
after his conference with the entire
General staff, would state only that
no further orders to the army had
been issued. .~., ....
SHIPS WITH AMMUNITION.
1t was learned uncfficially, however,
that the report of Admiral Badger
stated that two German ships off Vera
Cruz harbor with munitions of war for
General Huerta and asked for instruct
ions as to what to do.
1t also is rumored that adviees have
reached the state department and
White House that q crisis is impend-
ing in Mexico City.
Today's cabinet meeting and a con-
ference between President Wilson
and Nelson 'Shaughnessy, the charge
d'affairs just returned from Mexico
City, are expected to play large part
in determining the future course Of
this government
The continued absence of informa-
ton concerning vice consul John r.
Stillman, at Saltillo,. believed to have
been taken prisoner by the Mexican
Federals. added to the seriousness of
the situation.
Foresees War.
One high government official sum-
med up the state of affairs with this
remark:
There is going TO be war in Mexico
unless Silliman is found soon''
There were hints about the capital
of march on Mexico City following
the conference at the war department,
but army officers generally showed
tendency not to make any move that
might embarrass the mediators. Yet
there is no secret of the fact that they
are prepared for any eventuality.
<ahIoA6 tlOSS ODScI vel . vi Tic SlIud-
ton and in official circles the opinion
is almost general that the prospects
OF mediation are ra pitlly fading away,
but everything possible is being done
to help the "A-B-C" ENJOYS.
Funston Wants Men.
Funstons despatch is understood to
have warned the administration of the
necessity of large reinforcements
Badgers despatch added another
complication. 1t was a German ship,
the Ypiranga, loaded with war mu-
nttions consigned to Huerta that pre-
cfpftated the occupation of Vera Cruz
by the United States naval forces
Just what will follow what is said to
be the latest attempt of Huerta to
arm himself against the United States,
Is conjectural, as no official action yet
has been taken on Admiral Badgers
despatch, but that it will be severe
blow to mediation is taken for granted
by army and navy officials who see
in 1t forecast of actual fighting be-
tween Huerta's forces and those of
this country.
The manner in which the dispatches
from Vera Cruz were received by the
administration and the strict enforce
ment of the censorship here indicated
that the situation at the Mexican port
held by General Funston has grown
critical.
Funston In Predicament.
Army officers say Funston's lack of
artillery actually invites attack They
declare that Funston has not a single
mobile field piece Of importance and
has to depend for artillery support
upon the field guns sent ashore from
the fleet. These guns are designed
only for landing operations and not for
extensive field work His position,
should the Huertistas attack in force
would be most uncomfortable, it is
believed here. He would have no
difficulty in holding the town, backed
by the ships guns in the harbor, but
If the Mexican Federals should cap
ture the waterworks, the American
forces would be in a serious predica-
ment
1t was admitted by officials at the
war department., that although no
mobilization orders have been issued
there Is no likelihood of this being done
soon. 1t Is understood that the gen
eral staff in the conference in the
early day upon Secretary Garrison the
necessity of sending artillery and cav
airy to Funston and organizing a large
field force to enter Mexico from either
Vera Cruz or Tampico.