The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1914-04-29

HcHt WoIo 10 inc navy department
that it had been difficult for him to
get information about conditions in
the city, all his vessels having been
withdrawn to the roadstcad.
Discussing Rear Admiral Fletchcr's
declaration of martial law. Secretary
Daniels said every effort had been
made to restore order under civil mu-
nicipal authorities.
''The president and l." said Mr..
Daniels, have every confidence in
Admiral Flctchcrs judgment We feel
that in declaring martial law he has
exhausted other means of keeping or
der"
Rear Admiral Fletcher cabled un-
der date of 10 p. m, last night as fol-
lows:
Again conferred with mayor and
local officials relative to the renewal
of shooting at our men and informed
them that it had to stop and that
orders had been given for extreme
measures to be taken tonight if a sin
gle shot is fired; also of the prOcla-
nation requiring every one in Vera
Cruz to hand in all weapons before IL
o'clock tomorrow (Sunday) under Sc
we're penalty"
The admiral also endeavored to re-
establish the municipal government.
The mayor announced that the city
council had met and the departments
of health and education, water, street
cleaning and lighting would resume
their operations. He said, however,
that the department of police can
not consistently resume it's functions
under present conditions"
Secretary Of State Bryan said that
reports from the Mexican border
were encouraging. He said in rebel
territory there were no anti-Ameican
demonstrations and that northern
Mexico appeared friendly.
The war department refused to
give Gov. Hunt of Arizona munitions
to arm border citizens against posi-
bic invasions. and telegraphed the
governor that the brigade of in
fantry due in Arizona today from the
Pacific coast would suffice for border
guards.
Secretary Garrison announced that
he would not reveal the orders tc
troops en- route to Vera Cruz until
their arrival, that the First Battalion
of the Fourth field artillery had got.
ten away today on the transport Sal
tillo and That the rest would go soor
on the San Marcos.
While the beginning of peace par,
leys did not affect war and navy dc.
partment activities, it did introduce /:
hopeful feeling into the situation
Administration officials feared Huerta
would not listen to peace proposals.
now, but there was a unanimity o
feeling that the period of negotiation
would be a life saver for American
trying to reach points of safety.
Officials realize. too, that ever
though the first efforts of the SOutl
American envoys may not succeed
the means of communication which i
opens for the discussion of peace a
any future time would be invaluable
The three ENJOYS admit the deli.
cacy of their task, but are optimistic
They believe Huerta will accept the
first steps. They are anxious tha
their effort may include settlement
Of the whole Mexican problem. They
take the view, however, that they
have not been committed in advance
to any line of procedure. In par.
ticular they resent published report.
that the underlying purpose of thcil
good Offices was to bring about tho
elimination of Huerta.
Thus far their efforts have beer
directed solely to adjusting differ
cnces between the United States and
the Huerta government. They have
opened no negotiations with the con
stitutionalists, but the latter have
been informed by their junta here oi
the developments in the parleys.
incidental ', the proffer by Brazil
Argentina and Chile of their goot
Offices and its prompt acceptance by