The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1914-05-12
TO INCREASE FORCE
HOLDING VERA Cruz
More Men Likely to Be Sent to Fore
stall Possible Attacks by Nexi-

stall POSSIBLE ATTACKS DE MeAl-
cans.
Washington. May S.-High tension
marked ne Mexican situation today
bath On the military and diplomatic
sides.
The war department was the chief
centre OF activity and while no au h
critauve statement was made beyond
Secetary Garrison's formal reply thai
"ao orders for aGy national troop
movements have been sent" it became
known tat the admins ration was
considering sending additional troops
to Vera Cruz and probably would do
so.
Tais step would not be intended as
an aggressive measure but as a pre-
caution. An evidence of seriousness
of conditions was contained in re-
! port today that TWO German merchant
ships were about to arrive at Puerto
Mexico with arms and ammunition for
Huerta. 1t was realized that this, if
true would present an incident similar
to the arrival of the Ypiranga at Vera
Cruz, which led to the American oc-
cupation of Vera Cruz.
Huertas protest to the mediators
that the United States had broken the
armistice by landing additional troops
at Vera Cruz was considered by the
cabinet and laer Secreary Bryan an
nounced hat the reply to this stated
that no aggressive steps had been TAX
en- by the United States forces d
that nothing had been done 10 violate
the suspension of hostilities. The
American reply was delivered 10 the
mediators late today.
MediatOrs Agree.
The mediators themselves also took
the view that the question raised by
Huerta over the observance Of the
armistice could be cleared away, and
that Huerta could be convinced that
the United States had not violated in
spirit a. least the armistice.
The cabinet meeting brought out
general discussion of the situation.
1t was said after the meeting that
there was little doubt as to the send
ing of additional forces, wholly for
precautionary purposes. 1t also be-
came known that inquiries had been
made of tie governors Of several
States to ascertain the condition OF
the Natien Guard and how soon
they could be prepared fer active ser
vice. This also is a precautionary
measure. Indications are that if the
National Guard is called on, it would
rot be sent out of the country but
would be sent on the Texas border.
The discussion of the question of
reinforcing Gen. Funston a. Vera
Cruz has developed marked differ
ence of opinion in the cabiaet. Some
take the view that mediation nago-
tiations might be embarrassed by
such an act; others believe it a neces-
sary precaution. Gen. Funston is un-
derst3od to have told the war depart
ment TIA: his lines are vulnerable at
! different points and that sudden at
i Jack along the railroad would neces-
state the withdrawal of forces from
other poin:s, which would be left I'M
protected. He has informed the war
department that he will need $4,000
10 $4,000 men to hold Vera Cruz and
outlying districts.
No Orders Issued.
/ Secretary Garrison today said no
! orders had been issued for any troop
movements, but it became known au-
tlori atively that contracts had been
closed for the chartering Of several
merchant steamers and that within
a day or two formal orders would be
issued.
I: was understood that within two
weeks at Least nine transports will
have been secured. SECRETARY Gar
rison declined to discuss the charter
ing of steamers. The only thing
he would say was:
There is no contemplated aggres-
sive movement at this time"
This is in line with the attitude OF
other hign officials Of the adminisrra-
ton, who contend that The send
ing of reinforcements to Gen. Funs-
ton is not an aggressive act, and does
not violate the arrangement for a
suspension of hostili'ies.