Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1914-05-04

STAFF FORMS PLANS.
Learns That Mas is Receiving Re-
Observation-Disclosures Still En-
gagged in Preliminary Work.

Washington, May 1T is still up to
Huerta. That is even more the posi-
ton OF the United States today than
it has been for more than a year He
retains the power to force drastic ac-
ton. If the activity on the part Of
General Mas troops at Vera Cruz
increases, the mediation conference
gill blow up with a loud noise, even
before they are well commenced. That
has been determined by the President
ard his advisers. They believe that
the demonstrations at Vera Cruz are
intended as a bluff. But if perSiste';
in, the bluff is to be called by the
rifles of the marine detachment ar
of the 'Fighting Fifth Brigade.
The three mediators here in Wash
ington have again been very flatiy
told that our continued participation
in the mediation negotiations deper.s
entirely on the immunity of American
troops ami Americans generally from
any 2ttack whatsoever by Mexicans.
The general staff has colrpleted its
plans fer reinforcements for Funston,
if they are needed. The transports
are ,.ue at Galveston today. They will
be reprovisioned and kept in readiness
with steam up to transfer another bri-
gade to Vera Cruz. The President
korss it vii! not De needed. Hc @s.f
Secretary Bryan think the pressure
placed on Huerta will influence him to
prevent attacks at Vera Cruz. But
the general staff has learned that
Mas is constantly receiving rein
forcements. And it would not take
mach time to start re2l trouble.
The mediators continual! today their
work of compiling the initial propo-
sails to lie submitted to the three par
ties TO the Mexican controversy. This
will be really as soon as the conferees
are named. The United States will
and announce it's selection very shortly
1t is stated on authority that it will
rot be any official Of the government.
This eliminates Secretary Bryan and
his chief assistant, Counsellor Lam
sing.
Bryan is said to be backing John
Lind for the post. Other high officials
opposed to the Bryan policy are sug-
gesting John Bassett Moore, adnit-
tedly the highest authority on inter-
national law in this country.The Pres
idert also has suggested to him half
a dozen more names and was expected
to announce his choice today or to-
morrow.
Officials here today refuse:I COM
ment on the report that representa-
tives of the various oil companies do
ing business in the Tampico district
are to meet in New York on Thursday
to petition the United States to land
marines as guard to the oil fields,
and if that is refused to make a simi
liar appeal to Great Britain. 1t was
made plain, however, that the Unite"
States will not lanG marines there un-
less some serious outbreak comes, and
the European powers have agreed to
uphold any action this country tai
Washington, May 4.-Huerta has
named two men who will represent
his side of the controversy in confer
ence between the United States and
the Huerta and Carranza factions in
Mexico to be held with the trio Of
South American mediators. He has
selected DR. E'nilo Rabasa, a famous
Mexican; -, ~ jurist, and -. Augustine
Prandoo, '3uder Secretary Of ustice.