Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1914-05-14
GEN. FUNSTON ASKS
FOR $4,000 TROOPS
FRESH CRISIS AT VERA CRUZ
BRINGS URGENT CALL FOR
REINFORcEMENTS.
CABINET DIVIDED ON ISSUE
Gecretary of State Bryan Insists That
Sending of Additional Forces
Would Embarrass Mediators
Two Rrigades Get Ready.

Washington, D. c., May at the
conclusion of the cabinet meeting on
Friday it was learned Mexican affairs
have again reached perilous stage
This fact became known despite the
most determined efforts on the part of
administration officials to give an in
nocent aspect to what really amounts
to another crisis. The chief develop
ments which are symptomatic of the
acute tension that prevailed during
the day are as follows:
Huerta threatens to interpret the
order allowing Gen. Funston to extend
his lines around Vera Cruz as a breach
of the armistice agreement.
Funston Sends Appeal.
An urgent appeal from Gen. Funston
was received stating that he needs
from $4,000 to $4,000 men to hold Vera
Cruz as well as the outlying districts
which he has now garrisoned.
The high officers of the army recon-
mend the sending of at least $4,000 to
$4,000 men to Vera C.uz in prepare
ton for any eventuality.
Recommendations from Admiral
Mayo were to the effect that American
forces be landed at Tampico to pro
tect oil property which is in danger.
Inquiries have been sent out to the
governors of the several states to
ascertain the strength and condition
of the national guard troops.
VI. IL
ly divided over the question of send
ing additional troops to Vera Cruz,
Secretary of State Bryan in particular
insisting that such an act would en-
barrass the mediators.
On orders from Washington, the
Fourth and Sixth brigades of the I'm
tied States army at Texas City we're
made ready to embark for Mexico at
a moments notice
President Wilson Hesitates.
Friday night still found the presi-
dent wavering in the face of the grow
ing danger to the American troops at
Vera Cruz and the threatening atti-
tude of Huerta The official announce
ment under these circumstances, re-
manned the same as it had been for
several days, that the sending of adj
ditional troops would be lett TO the dis
erection of the war department" To
offset the alarming concurrence of
Gen. Funston's appeal and the army
boards recommendations Secretary of
War Garrison issued a formal an
nouncement that at is not contem-
plated to make any aggressive move"
In the same breath the secretary adj
mitted that vessels have been char
tered (which could be used to transfer
the balance of the second division to
Vera Cruz" but he insisted that these
measures are simply in conformity
with the war departments precau.
tionary attitude.
Funston's Lines Vulnerable.
Gen. Funston is understood to have
told the war department that with the
1000 men he now has his lines are
vulnerable at different points and
that sudden attack along the rail
road would necessitate the withdrawal
of forces from other points, which
informed the war department that
he will need at least 1900 to $4,000
men in order to hold Vera Cruz, as
well as the outlying districts which
he now has garrisoned.
Consul Siliman Missing.
Mystery surrounding the disap-
pearance of Consul Silliman of San
Luis Potosi, reported jailed by fed
erals at Saltillo, was another incident
pregnant with trouble. French and
Brazilian representatives at Mexico
City CURLY demanded, for the United
States, that Silliman be produced
That President Wilson and Carran-
"a understand each ohetr's policies is
believed to be indicated by a note
from the rebel chiefs secretary of the
interior, received at the state depart
ment. It was said to be a reply to an
administration note telling about the
occupation of Vera Cruz. Carranza's
reply was reported to be very friendly.