Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-11
THINK MEDIATION
WILL YET SUCCEED
Peace Negotiators' View Re-
flected in Secretary Bryan's
Statement.
PLEA TO MOVE U. S. LINES
AT VERA CRUZ TAKEN UP
State Department Opposes Such Ac-
Observation-Disclosures Mill.
tary Activities Watched.

LdIy ACClVlCleS W6LCQeQ.
While the mediators and the Huerta
and American missions at Niagara Falls
struggled today to find a way out of the
diplomatic maze. President Wilson and
Secretary Bryan kept in close touch
with the proceedings over a private tele-
graph wire. Statements OF one of the
mediators that he felt confident the men,
acing obstacles would be surmounted
were reflected in the assertion Of Sec
retary Bryan that the deliberations were
proceeding satisfactorily.
Rafael Zuburan. chief Of the constitu-
tionalist agency here, still awaited Car
ranza's note outlining his attitude to-
ward mediation. He was prepared to
forward It Immediately to the medators.
1t was not expected the note would
materially change the situation because
Carranza was not expected to agree to
q truce. condition which the ENJOYS
have demanded as precedent to his par
ticipatton in the conference. 1t was be-
lieved. however, the note might reveal
to what degree the constitutionalists
would be willing to participate in pro-
posals for the establishment Of pro-
visional government once the basis for
American missions.
Would Extend U. 8. Lines.
Brig. Gen. Funston's repeated recon-
mendations for moving the American
lines further inland from Vera Cruz to
better protect the city and the water
and food supplies are being considered
anew by officials here. who are confront
ed, however, with the insistence Of the
State Department that the present posi-
tions be maintained during the Niagara
mediation conference.
No decision has been reached and Of
ficials feel the responsibility put upon
them by Funston's recommendations and
recurring reports Of possibilities of fed
erals cutting the long unprotected water
supply line between the city and the
farthest marine outpost at Trejar, nine
miles out
| The possibility Of fighting between fed
erals and constitutionalists adds to the
.desirability, from a military viewpoint.
Of extending the lines somewhat.
News of Battle Awaited.
Benewed; miitsrysseperations by the
constitutionalists In their campaign to-
ward Mexico City aroused keen interest.
Results Of the siege of Zacatecas by
carranxa's men eagerly were awaited
here after receipt of first reports that
the federals were giving way in the
face Of bitter rifle and artillery fire.
Rear Admiral Howard reported to the
Navy Department today that continuous
He says the German consul at that port
expresses appreciation Of services
rendered by the American forces. From
Manzanillo comes a report that Alamillo
commander Of the Annapolis, at Quay
mas. says Santa Rosalia, across the
Gulf of California is Unusually quiet
Would Sell Food at Vera Cruz.
Movements of constitutionalist troops
about the American positions on the out
posts at Vera Cruz are expected to re-
lieve the pressure on the food supply
there. which continues short. Consul
Canada today recommended that the gov
ernment send quantities of food to Vera
Cruz and sell it at normal prices. Brig.
Gen. Funston had been considering such
plan for some time.
More wrecks on the railways between
Vera Cruz and Mexico City are report
ed Various causes have been ASSIGNED,
but most officials here incline to the belief
that they have been caused by the ex-
plosion of mines laid for the American
advance.
Gen. Funstons report that the consti-
tutfonalists threatened to cut railroad
communication between Huerta's capital
and Vera Cruz led to statements by
friends Of Carranza that the campaign
was aimed to capture Huerta and his
advisers in case they suddenly deter
mined to quit the capital
Disposition of Rebels.
The constitutionalists said their forces
in Vera Cruz state were SO disposed as
to be able to cut the line from Mexico
City to Vera Cruz and also that connect
Ing the capital and Puerto Mexico. They
claimed that railroad communication be-
tween the capital and Pacific coast points
had been interrupted, and that at the
first report of any movement by Huerta
the east coast lines would be severed to
prevent any possible attempt by the
dictator to reach a port. 1t was said the
movement in Vera Cruz state had been
under contemplation for six months. and
was not impelled by any recent advices.
The troops are under command OF Gen.
Aguilar. and his chief Of stan ts Col.
Manuel Perez Romero. a brother-in-law
of the late President Madero. Some of
the constitutionalist troops already had
clashed with federals who were said to
have been beaten near Papantiia.
Kink in Customs Situation.
Mexican law has presented another
kink for the lnlteQ states TO unfav6l IN
adjusting customs collecting at Vera
Cruz Complaining that the eventual
delivery of their goods is uncertain.
many American and foreign shippers
have demanded that they be allowed to
withdraw their property now held at the
customhouse in Vera Cruz awaiting de-
livery to interior points. Mexican law
forbids the re-exportation of goods with
out an arrangement between the con-
siRnee and the government
To solve the difficulty the State De-
partment has decided to require a depos-
it of customs on all goods returned, ex-
cent in instances where the law makes
exemptions. Perishable goods have been
returned without deposit.
Riano Confers With Bryan.
Senior Riano.. the Spanish ambassador.
today held a conference with the Secre-
tary of State and the counselor Of the
State Department In regard to a COM
promise which the Spanish cotton owners
in Mexico are trying to effect with the
AZ the Spanish government Is not IN
with the constitutionalist
the United States has profered
Its good offices In the attempt to adjust