Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-05-25
HUERTA|SDEF|ED
BY WAR MINISTER
Banquet Threatens to Quit if
Shooting of Prisoners
Is Continued.
RAILROAD TO VERA CRUZ
is TO RESUME SERVICE
Mexican Official Asks Gen. Funston
for Permission to Relay De-
stroyed Tracks.

VERA CRUZ, May 25.-Gen Banquet.
the Mexican minister of war. it is re-
ported here. has boldly defed Huerta.
informing him that if he desired his
further cooperation in the affairs of
government he would not pass sentence
of death upon any prisoners without
the minister's acquiescence
If this story is true, it indicates a
growing weakness on the part of Presi-
dent Huerta. as a few months ago no
member of his cabinet would have at
tempted to tllwart him.
From the same source it was learned
that Sepor Lozano. minister of COM
munications, had resigned because of
the discovery by Huerta of a. contract
which he had made with the tramways
company which entailed certain pre-
requisites to the minister. Huerta OBJ
Jected to such requisite
Spaniards Fear Americans.
Forty spaniards on their way here from
Mexico City yesterday stopped at Sole
dad. just beyond the break in the track,
fearing to venture to Vera Cruz before
a member of the party made a recon-
nolssance This Spaniard, who came in
on the morning train. said distorted re-
ports were reaching Mexico City. where
doubt was expressed that other than
English or Americans would be safe here
He appeared surprised to find the stores
open in the outskirts of the town and
train approached.
Later in the day, as he was about to
return to his comrades, he said that there
were in the capital a score of Spanish
families who wished to escape, but feared
to venture within the American lines
he hot
trouble is expected In the capital this
week. He said that many business houses
were kept shuttered all day, apparently
ready for an outbreak at any moment.
He brought the report that Huerta and
the war minister, Gen. Banquet had
clashed a few days ago over the ques-
ton of executing certain prisoners in the
penitentiary. the war minister having
countermanded an order given by Huerta
for their death.
To Repair Railway.
Apparently convinced that the United
States will adhere rigidly to the armistice
agreement. officials OF the Huerta gov
ernment are preparing to replace the
track along the line Of the Mexican rail-
way, torn UP by Gen. Gustav Mas.
The general purchasing agent Of the
Mexican national railways called at Brig.
Gen. Funston's headquarters yesterday
and asked if the American commander
objected to the restoration of the lines.
He was assured the Americans would be
glad to see the service restored. and was
told the Americans never were able to
understand why Gen. Mas destroyed sew
eral miles of line. The Mexican official
said that the work of replacing the track
probably would be started Immediately.
This action follows the decision to ar
range for the exchange of mail with
Mexico City and interior points.
American officers hope within week
or two to see full trains going through to
the capital without change. The most
rigid inspection of freight and baggage
will be sustained here to prevent arms
and ammunition from being taken into
the interior.