The Washington herald., 1914-04-27

may be court-martialed on a charge OF
piracy, on the ground that no flag was
displayed.
Merry Transport Enters.
Several hours later Admiral Fletcher
sent McCandIess out in a launch to stop
the Progresso, Mexican transport.
which had the audacity TO come into the
harbor with 1000 federals intended as re-
endorsements for Gen. Maas. The troops
had been sent from the town of Progresso
by Minister Banquet when Admiral Mayo
first made his demand on the Mexican
government to salute the American flag.
After the commander Of the Progresso
had visited Admiral Badger, he was per-
mitted to leave the harbor with the trans
port.
Because of the attitude OF the Washing
ton government in daily impressing on
admiral Badger that the United States Is
lot at war with Mexico. the admiral
fearec that he would overstep his au-
thority in capturing either the Gober-
natiora or the Progresso. Despite the
critical situation in Vera Cruz and Tam
pico. Admirals Fletcher and Mayo have
endeavored, but with little success. in
convincing the Mexicans that the United
States Is not at war with them.
Admiral Mayo is becoming quite impa
tient at Tampico. however, and on Thurs
day he sent a wireless message to Ad-
miral Badger asking the direct question
as to whether a state OF war existed.
Mayo Is vcxed.
The commandments of the fleet
sent a diplomatic reply In which he tried
TO make clear what is termed In Vera
Cruz as the Bryan grape juice policy"
Admiral Mayo came back with this re-
tort:
Il want no flexible answer. Give me
direct reply. II / make a move here, /
must fight"
In addition to his other troubles. Ad-
epidemic to deal with at Tampico. He
has asked the Navy Department for l.O00
vaccine points.
Admiral Fletcher's proclamation has
been accepted in good faith by some of
the best citizens OF Vera Cruz. and be-
fore ] left there some of the stores had
opened for business Unless reinforce
mems reach Gen. Mas. who is fifteen
miles out. there can be little further re-
sistance to Aperican occupation. Those
who were carrying on the guerrilla war
fare have been either killed. wounded. or
made prisoners.
Fletcher is ruling with a firm hand.
and that pleases some of the Mexicans.
who love a dictator. Those associated
with Fletcher are Capt. Henry Mel =.
Huse, the noted linguist Of the navy.
who is Chief OF Stan Of the captains:
4. Anderson. who was promoted
for extraordinary heroism in the Spanish
war: John II. Gibbons. who brought the
Louisiana here from New York at full
speed. and Edward Simpson. who until
was naval attache in the Amer
lean Embassy in London
Huerta Defiant.
Those, i'm Vera Cruz and Tampico who /
are conversant with the situation. insist
that nothing short of a march on Mexico |
Iity by American troops will dislOdge |
Huerta. The refugees from the capital |
report Huerta as determined to fight to !
the bitter end. Banquet is even said |
10 be confident that the Mexicahs will |
in the end.
Vera Cruz was without water from |
Tuesday night until Friday and water |
and ice was supplied by the battIeships |
The street cars and electric lights were |
N operation Thursday night Few Of |
he inhabitants ventured into the streets |
Until Thursday evening, when bands from |
hree OF the warships gave a concert in |
he Plaza. Music did more in restoring !
'rder in Manila. naval officers say, than /
bullets or diplomacy.