The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-04-25

But outside of the diplomatic branch of the government, the army and navy con- tinued plans for holding Vera Cruz for the care of refugees, for the provisioning of American forces, and for the mainten- ance of strict border patrol, not only to prevent raids and uprisings, but to keep all factions in Mexico from obtaining mu- nitions, arms and ammunition. The war department continued its plan for mobil- 1zing regulars and volunteers, should the President call for them. Army trans ports, bearing infantry and artillery, sailed from Galveston to reinforce the naval forces at Vera Cruz
 The sporadic outbreak at Nuevo I.are- do, Mexico, where the evacuating federals burned the town and fired across the American border, was not unexpected, but 1t was significantly pointed out by off, clals here that the American troops re- turned the fire merely In defense of the international line and did not become the aggressors.
 Congress still talked about Mexico Sen ator Lodge read a long telegram from many prominent persons, urging an in quiry into the Mexican situation before war was declared Representative Fitz- gerald, chairman of the House committe ee on appropriations. asked the President if he wanted any war appropriation" and MT Wilson replied mot as yet
 Secretary Garrison is virtually without funds for the particular moves of the army now being made, out he is drawing on the future. It is violation of law for the war department to incur any obliga- tfon without authorization by Congress- but MT. Garrison smilngly said he had faced jail' several times in the last few days on this account. Leaders in Con- gress have assured him they would back him up in the present emergency The la ha Acff fnfa t> request for an emergency appropriation for the war department for fear it might be interpreted as forerunner of war
 MT. Wilson will affix his signature probably tomorrow to the volunteer army bill providing for raising a vol unteer army force in any time of emer- gency. The possibility that the militia might be needed at this time led to an appeal to the supreme court of the Unit ed States for decision of a pending case to remove legal obstacles in the use of the militia for volunteer service.
 Army officers estimates as to the number of men the President might call for in case of war range from 50,- U00 to 100, 900, but not syllable has come from the White House as to this point.
 While a spirit of optimism and hope fulness was apparent at the White House the three big legislative depart ments continued busy with their new burden of activity.
 At the state department Secretary Bryan talked to a procession of call CTS. The Spanish ambassador had a prief conference. presenting, 1t is be- lieved, an inquiry from his government about possible mediation. The German ambassador, 1t was understood, inquired about the status of ommercial ves- sells and their cargoes and told MT. Bryan about the uncertainty abroad as to whether blockade had been de clared or state of war existed. The American government holds that it's seizure of the customs house is in ac- cord with international precedent as an act of reprisal. No blockade had been declared and no interference with commerce will be attempted.