The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-07-20
Boat From U.S.S. Cheyenne
Attacked Without Prov
OcatiOn.
SITUATION is SERIOUS
Protest Sent to Both Mus
nicipal and Federal
Authorities.
DANIELS ASKS FOR FACTS
Part of Pacific Fleet Could
Be Diverted Unless Act
Is Disavowed.
DANIELS ASKS FOR FACTS
Special Despatch TO THE Sun.

Special Despatch 10 THE suN.
WASHINGTON, July 19.-An unpro-
voked assault on American bluejackets
and an affront to the Stars and Stripes
by bandits under Carranzista control
rear Taenpico has caused a grave turn
In the Mexican muddle. Both the
State and Navy departments have
been officially notified Of the incident.
In response to inquiry acting Secre-
tary of State Phillips made public the
statement:
THE Department Of State has
Just been advised that on July
a boat from the L. S. S. Cheyenne
and occupied by enlisted men OF
that vessel who were on a fishing
trip Vas held up on the Tamesi
River, near Tampico, by armed
men. The sailors were robbed of
personal effects
Urgent representations have
been made by the Department Of
State to both the local Mexican
authorities at Tampico and to the
Federal Government at Mexico city
and the authorities there have
promised to investigate at once"
Secretary OF the Navy Daniels has re-
ceived a despatch from Commander Earl
Peck Finney, commanding the U. s. S.
Topeka, stating that bandits held UP .
motor sailing launch from the u. s. S.
Cheyenne with fishing party aboard
about nine miles from Tampico and
M A rtn
pair OF shoes were reported by the en-
listed men as among the articles taken
by force.
Daniels Asks Facts.
Mr.. Daniels believes the motor launch.
in accordance with naval regulations.
undoubtedly flew the American nag.
since II was on official duty.
Secretary Daniels cent the following
message to Commander Flnney:
Wire fuller report and result of
investigation of robbery of motor
sailing launch of L. S. S. Cheyenne.
Have parties been identified or ap-
pretended?
At the State Department the incident
was described as the most grave which
has recently occurred, so far as affect
ing the relations between the United
States and Mexico are concerned. It
was an affront to American sailors in a
navy launch near Tampico which caused
the trouble between the two Govern
ments in 1914 and eliminated in the IA.
NOUS Vera Cruz expedition and the de-
mand for salute to the flag which Mex
leo has never yet acceded to.
There are phases of this present in
cident which President Carranza will
find difficult to explain. according to
officials here. In the first place attack
has occurred at a place where there
have never been anti-Carranzista BAN
dts during the last few years and the
circumstances apparently preclude any
excuse that they were Nillstas or others
not under Carranzas control. No men
in this area are permitted to carry
arms unless they are known to be loyal
TO Carranza. This fact doubtless pre-
cluded the possibilities OF defence which
the American sailors would have had
against the MeXicans had the Ameri-
cans been armed
Tho presumption in naval circles IN
that there were fifteen or twenty Ameri.
can jackies in the launch when thew
found themselves objects OF attacks by
the MeNicans. Whether the Mexlcans
fred at the flag or at the party is not
disclosed but the official reports state
specifically that the Mexicans were
armed.
Old Vessels There.
Commander Shoenfeldt, L. S. N, is
in command OF the Cheyenne. which is
an old monitor, formerly the Wyo-
ming, The navy has few other vessels
In these waters which are more or less
OF an unserviceable type but would be
well able to give protection to Ameri-
cans In case OF emergency. No mention
is made of measures taken by the rank
ing American naval officer Commander
Finney, 10 obtain redress for the Amer
lean sailors robbed or 10 force apology
for the affront to the flag and pre-
sumaoly word from Washington will be
awaited by tho American naval authori-
ties.
In case It should be necessary 10 ex.
ert pressure upon Carranza to give
prompt redress. the Pacific fleet is nowi
on It's way to the Panama Canal and
II would be a comparatively simple mat
ter for Admiral Rodman to despatch a,
few vessels to call at Mexican ports,
rhere are also some $4,000 American
uooPs ON 'ne porueV capahlA or taking
care OF any show OF anti-American feel
ing that might develop there.
The impression is that Carranza will
not force the United states to resort
to more than the usual diplomatic meth
DDS in settling this AFFAIR, but the char
scter Of the incident may call for appre-
hension OF the men responsible and
their prompt punishment in addition to
suitable apologies and expressions OF
regret on the part OF the Mexican on
cials.
There was some oomment,h