The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-05-02

by the refusal of Carranxay rebel chief, formally to agree to the estab- lishment of a neutral zone in the oil fields about Tampico, the South Amer dcan envoys today resumed negotia- tions aiming at a settlement Of the Mexican crisis
 Carranzass attitude in the Tampico situation was not unexpected. Cs,ea- ton of neutral zone there materi- ally would handicap the rebels inves- the river along which the oil tanks are built, while rebels occupy the field on Tampico's outskirts. That situa- ton, it was believed. practically pre- vented restricting the field of fighting operations.
 the state department sand the British ambassador that his men had been warned to employ. every precaution against destruction of the property largely owned by English interests.
 NO TRUCE FOR REBELS : Although the South American en- voys again were in communication with Carranza over their proposal for suspension of hostilities between I1glerta and the rebels pending nego- tiations, word yet was to be received from him today.
 Reports of anti-American outbursfs brought by refugees from Mexico to Atlantic and Pacific ports were tenn pered with the explanation that in many instances the police and sol- diers had exercised all their resources to prevent fatal rioting. News that there were 1,500 citizens of the United States in Mexico City, gathered from loutlying states caused scarcely any apprehension It was believed they would soon be taken to Vera, Cruz
 Unofficial news from Vera Cruz that he. e,{k, acute unless there was speedy relief were partly offset today by a report from General Funston that nine hun dred tons of staple food supplies held in warehouses for speculative pur-' poses would be communicated and distributed to citizens if necessary. General Funston reported that condf- tions had improved so much outside the city that the way now was open for trade in vegetables and cattle
 News of the resignation of Jose Lopez Porti11o Rojas, Mexican minis ter for foreign affairs and his under. secretary, was regarded in some quar- ters here today as partially confirm ing the late reports of dissention among Huerta's supporters.
 It was said the ministers quit after the cabinet voted down the proposal of Porti1Io that an official commission be sent to Washington to act in the attempt to settle differences between Huerta and the American govern. ment.
 RUIZ COMES AS SURPRISE
 Senor Ruiz, newly appointed foreign minister in the HuertaL Cabinet was under secretary of PortilIo He has assisted in the mediation negotiations. Ruiz had been referred to as probable commissioner in case the nediators proposed a commission rep resenting all parties to the controver- sy. The Spanish am mbassador, MT Riano, carried the cable announce ment. of Ruiz's appointment to the legation. The mediators were at once called together and conference begun, the Spanish ambas- sador taking part. The announcement came as surprise to all.
 The medfators stated, however, that the retirement of Portillo would in no way affect the negotiations
 Outside the mediation conference, the bearing of the Ruix appointment caused widespread speculation
 Tn some quarters it was felt that Huerta himself was directing affairs with a strong hand and that Ruiz was
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