The Washington times., 1914-11-23
PANIC IN VERA CRUZ
AS FUNSTON SAILS
Carranzistas lust Outside City,
While Villa Masses Forces
Near Capital.
CONTINUED from First Page

months occupation of the city, will be
taken to Galveston. Tex.
General Funston also stated that he
was bringing back with him 800. 90
collected at the Vera Cruz custom house
since April n The marines will he
AIKEN to Philadelphia and the infantry
y Galveston.
Secretary Garrison said that an eN-
ecutive order will be issued transferring
the marines from the army to navy
control as soon as they reach United
States territory.
Funston for Chicago.
Major General Funston will be placed
in charge of the central department at
chicago. according to present plans.
Secretary Garrison said that Funston
probably would be given leave of alb
sence after his arrival at Galveston.
1t viii then be determined whether
Funston should return TO the Texas
border temporarily to relieve Major
General Bliss, who has been appointed
assistant chief of staff or whether
Bell, now in charge of the troops at
Texas City, and Funston should be
sent direct to Chicago as head of the
central department
The permanent disposition to be made
of these officers, according to present
plans, is to place Funston n charge at
Chicago, Bell in charge of the Southern
division. and bring Bliss to Washing
ION. But temporary arrangements may
be made while the Mexican situation
along the border remains acute.
No adViceS were received at the War
department from the Mexican border
today. and no details of the evacuation
of Vera Cruz were received o.her than
General Funstons s report that he would
be ready to leave Vera Cruz at noon.
No decision as to the distribution OF
the troops after they return to the
United States has yet been reached
Secretary of War Garrison said. They
will be Quartered temporarily at Texas
City, and the length Of their stay there
will be determined largely by events
on the Mexican side OF the border
Garrison said.
Situation Confusing.
Official advices regarding the Mex
lean situation continue confusing. Re-
ports from State Department agents in
dicate that fighting is in progress at
several points and that Villa is still
miles away from Mexico City. The
capital is in control of Gen. Lucio
Blanco and the official reports declare
that the city is absolutely tranquil.
At the War Department 1t is care
fully explained that no orders what
ever had been issued to the general re-
Carding details Of the evacuation. He
Las been told to get out: has the
transports. and Secretary of War Gar
rison has sufficient confidence in him
not to hamper him with instructions.
Brings Funds Here.
Just who the city is to be turned over
to Is for Funston TO say. But the more
than Sl,00O,000, some reports place the
figure at & 100000. collected from Gus
toms revenues will not be left there. II
Is realized here that this sum would
prove serious temptation to any
Mexican force, and the cash will be
brought to the United States to be held
until stable government has been es-
"a dDllshed and there is a President in
mexico City to receipt properly for the
cash. And at the same time an assur-
anGe VIII be required that these duties
VIII not be collected second time
According to the belief about the
State Department, General Blanco NAV
attempt to reconcile the factions He
remains in Mexico City with ample
Soops TO protect all foreigners and to
prevent rloting. And, according to the
information sent here by Consul John
r. Silliman. he has taken the position
that he will support neither Carranza
nor Villa, but will recognize the one
VINO is able to make his authority su-
preme.
Checkmate To Zapata.
But in remaining in Mexico City
Blanco has checkmated Zapata and his
bind who Were reported to be planning
10 loot the city as soon as all of the
rCguiaT Mexican troops were withdrawn.
The Administration believes that the
Mexican factions will get together once
the American troops arc out OF the
country. In the meanwhile, the war
ships now in Mexican waters will re-
main. The feet is small. Rea~ Admiral
Howard has five cruisers on the west
coast. on the east, there are two battle
ships, supply snip, d gunboat. and a
cruiser al Vera Cruz, and monitor at
Tampico.