Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1914-05-08

Washington, May Sit has been
learned on high authority that the war
department had under consideration
today early an adequate reinforce
ment of the command of General Fun
ston at Vera Cruz, to carry out any
move that might be necessary into the
interior of Mexico. The question Of
placing force of Americans in Vera
Cruz that would be strong enough to
defend that port against any attack or
to undertake q possible campaign
against Mexico City was later laid be-
fore the president and his cabinet by
Secretary Of War Garrison.
Decide More Men Are Needed.
war department officials, it was
stated. decided that reinforcements
were needed ut Wera Cruz. at the late
conference OF Secretary Garrison and
the general staff last night. The Sec
retary and his advisers went over the
entire military situation at Vera cruz
and other points In Mexico before
reaching this decision.
Secretary Garrison called the con-
ference after q cipher telegram from
Vera Cruz had been delivered to him
a + the White House, where he was at
tending the wedding of the presidents
daughter. He left hurriedly and sum-
moned his aides to the war department.
Among dispatches received was one
which reported the firing or two OF!
wells at Tampico. The protection OF
American lives and property. 1t was
stated, was the prime motive oehlnu
the determination Of army and navy
officers that the American forces III
Mexico should be reinforced.
Garrison Wthholds Comment.
Secretary Garrison declined to dis
cuss the situation nor would ne COM
ment on his conference with the stan
officers last night further than to say
that he laid before them report from
General Funston. In this report II
was said. General Funston had embod-
led accounts brought to Vera cruz py
refugees arriving from Mexico Clty
concerning the situation in the capital.
Mr.. Garrison would not reveal the
character Of these reports.
"All l can say is that no additional
troop movements have been ordered,
said Secretary Garrison. adding that he
would make no prediction concerning
possible future orders.
Cabinet in Session.
In the midst Of the military prepara-
lions came definite word that the me-
dating ENJOYS had received from Gen.
eral Huerta and submitted to the
United States government complaints
that new landing Of American troops
and war material at Vera Cruz
amounted to breaking OF the ar
mistice which had been arranged by
the South American diplomats after
their good offices in the Mexican crisis
had been accepted by General Huerta
and the United States. This also was
one of the subjects before the cabinet.
May Call Out Militia.
In connection with the military prep
arations for a possible forward move
ment it became known the officials OF
the war. department have been In long
distance telephone communication with
the governors of New York. Pennsyl-
vania and Ohio in an effort to deter
mine how soon the militia organiza-
tions of those states could be mobilized
and sent to the seaboard for shipment
In transports.
The department has been energetic
In its efforts to make all preparations
for the possible mobilization of the ma
tional guard for some time.
Apparently in Hurry.
Latest inquiries Of the department
were directed toward ascertaining how
soon the New York. Pennsylvania and
Ohio troops could be put in motion in
their present condition without delay
that would be necessitated by recruit
ing them up to full war strength. In
the theoretical organization of the
militia, Pennsylvania and New York
state each make up a full tactical divi-
sion. They are the only states sup
plying full divisional quota. Ohio
combined with Michigan to fill a divi-
sion. and the other divisions are made
up Of several states each.
Oil Men Rsnsw Protest.
"A delegation OF Tampico oil men
yesterday conferred with Secretary Of
the Navy Daniels today visited Secre-
tary Bryan and urged measures for the
protections 0f the OIL properties In the
Sdlnkn1had 06ction around Tampic0. The