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SUNDAY, MAY <5.
MEXICANS ATTACK U. S. TROOPS
MEDIATORS ASK FOR A
CONFERENCE: DELEGATES
0. S„ HUERTA, CARRANZA
Envoys Make Decisive Move.
No Announcement of Subjects
For Consideration. Result of
All Dav Session
Washington, D. C.—The three South
American envoys who have undertaken
the task of pacifying: Mexico by diplo
macy today made another decisive move
in their plan, by requesting the United
States government. General Huerta and
Carranza to appoint representatives to
confer with them in Washington.
Ambassador De Gama of Brazil and
Ministers Naon and Suarez, of Argen
tina and Chile, respectively, called on
Secretary Bryan, asking him to desig
nate the United States’ representatives.
At the same time they telegraphed their
reqlists to the head of the government in
the City of Mexico, as well as the con
stitutionalist chief.
Subjects Not Announced.
No announcement of the subjects to
he considered by representatives of the
three parties to the mediation, or of the
powers or functions of the new envoys
was made except for the following brief
statement issued through the state de
partment by the three diplomats:
“The mediators have delivered to this
government and are sending out to Gen
eral Huerta and General Carranza re
kuests that representatives be appoint
ed to confer with the mediators.”
The proposal to bring together spe
cially designated representatives was the
result of an all-day session of the South
American envoys. The suggestion had
been made to them from various quart
ers that much time would be saved and
the problem of exchanging views sim
plified by such a process.
Given No Authority.
While it is realized that representa
tives of all parties probably will not be
given authority finally to pass on points
brought up in the discussion with the
mediators they could sound out their su
periors so that before formal proposals
actually w r ere made, the mediators would
have an idea of their probable reception.
The envoys felt confident tonight the
step they had taken would meet with
favor by all concerned, believing there
could be no objection to a move cal
culated chiefly to facilitate the progress
of the work.
Thus far responses from General Hu
erta and C.V ral Orranzaz have not
been clear aJU'/o whether the differences
between the VnUed Ptats and Mexico
arising out of the Tamnieo incident
alone would he eons f dered by them or
whether they would consent to a general
discussion oV the Mexican problem. By
sending representatives here, it is point
ed out. such difficulties would' be bridged
over for in an informal conference with
the mediators everything pertaining to
Mexico could be discussed and even in
formally submitted before the stage of
formal proposals was reached.
Pacification of Mexico.
Incidentally it is known that the medi
ators intend to concentrate their atten
tion on the broad subject of pacifying
Mexico, hoping that differences between
the Huerta government and the United
States might become secondary in view
of a solution of the entire Mexican prob
lem.
Meanwhile although the United States
and General Huerta have agreed to a
cessation of hostilities, no word has
EKPECIED THAT GEN.
HUERTA MAY RESIGN
Sav That Huerta Accepted
Mediation Only “to Save His
Face”
City of Mexico.—The situation in
the City of Mexico today had every
appearance of becoming serious for
the administration and in well inform
ed circles, it was expected that Pro
visional President Huerta might re
sign at any moment.
El Paso, Texas. Several rebel
ieaders tonight declared Victoriano
Huerta was ready to step down and
out under the pressure of bis Cien
tlflco supporters, who, they said, al
ready regarded rebel success as in
evitable. The constitutionalist lead
ers said that on account of this be
lief they would make no concessions
whan mediation came up as a result
of the good offices of the Argentine,
Brazil and Chile diplomats.
Hebei leaders in El Paso said the
good offices of the South American
diplomats were accepted by Huerta
only as a means of "saving his face "
Out of the negotiations, the Huerta
supporters, according so the rebels,
hope to save for themselves what they
can of their vast properties in Mexi
co and possibly some of their privi
leges.
General Carranza will be represent
ed at the sessions of the board of me
diators at Washington Two of his
representatives will be Rafael Zuba
ran, now in Washington, and Buis Ca
bera, now i nhis way to the United
States from Strain. Cabrera was
president of the chamber of deputies
at the City of Mexico when Madero
was overthrown Two more may be
appointed in the persons of Jose
Vasconcelos. Mexico City lawyer, and
Francisco Urquidi. who is in charge
oT the rebel agency at Washington.
It is said here Huerta's representa
tives will be Frftncisco de la Barra,
federal ambassador to France, and
lose Castellot. If four, instead of
wo representatives are determined
on. Manuel Calero and Jose Llmnn
:our, the rebels believe will be added.
The attitude of Carranza's agents,
it is said, will tie defensive. They
said they regarded the whole sehemj
a designed to save for the Huerta
supporura ludvllvges which the rebels
come from either Huerta or Carranza in
response to the proposal for an armistice
between the Meixcan factions them
selves. The mediators, however, are
confident their work can go ahead de
spite this obstacle.
Should General Huerta and General
Carranza decide to send special envoys,
it may take at least ten days for them
to get here and in the interim, it is not
believed vital points will reached by the
mediators.
While the mediators spent the day
considering the proposals to bring rep
resentatives of all factions together, of
ficial Washington and diplomatic circles
were interested in the resignation of
Senor Lopez zPortillory Rojas, minister
of foreign affairs in the Huerta cabinet.
It was variously interpreted, some see
ing In it an indication of Huerta’s in
tention to brook no suggestion for his
own retirement, as Senor Portillo was
active in the mediation preliminaries,
and others suggesting that it might he
means of selecting the Mexican cabinet
officer as a special representative of
Huerta to confer with the Washington
mediators.
The appointments of Senor Esteva
Ruiz, under secretary of foreign affairs,
and a close friend of Senor Portillo, gave
many Mexicans and officials here the
impression that there was nothing om
nious in the change so far as mediation
was concerned, and that if Port-110 was
sored out of the cabinet, the incident
was personal rather than political in
significance.
More Direct Hand.
In well-posted diplomatic quarters
Ruiz’s appointment as Huerta’s foreign
minister was accepted as meaning that
Huerta would take a stronger and more
direct hand in the mediation negotia
tions. but not to the extent of letting the
mediation fail, as there was Reason to
believe Huerta now had come to recog
nize that a failure of mediation would
carry him down with it. It was defi
nitely known that as late as last Wed
nesday, after Portillo had given Huerta’s
acceptance of mediation, Huerta held a
conference with one of the European
ministers at the City of Mexico at which
Huerta expressed doubts on mediation,
and urged that European powders ought
to get together on some alternative
plan. His main desire was that they
should bring about arbitration, binding
on both parties, instead of mediation,
which is advisorv. No ation was taken,
however, hut Huerta’s views then ex
pressed indicated his keptical attitude
toward mediation.
Ruiz, who is comparatively unknown
in Mexican official life is expected to
closely reflect the Huerta views.
The Personnel.
Interest in the personnel of the rep
resentatives to advise with the mediators
was aroused in diplomatic circles.
For the United States, the names of
Counselor Robert Lansing, of the state
department. John Lind, personal repre
sentative of President Wilson in Mexi
co: John Bassett Moore and Henry
White, former ambassador to France,
were suggested in various quarters.
For the constitutionalists it is ‘most
probable that Rafael Zubaran Cattmany,
who arrived here today to become, con
fidential agent for Carranza in Wash
ington. will be designated.
For General Huerta. Senor Godoy, for
many years first secretary of the Mex
ican embassy; Senor Alagara, until Re
cently charge d'affaires of the embassy
here; and Senor Francisco de la Barra.
Meixcan minister to France, have been
suggested.
now feel assured they can capture.
They therefore will oppose any pdop
osition other than the unconditional
elimination of Huerta and the com
plete recognition of Carranza and the
party of which he is the chief.
The departure of Vilia from Chi
huahua for the front today and Car
ranzas impending departure for the
south indicate Che rebel intention to
prosecute the rebellion with renewed
vigor In the opinion of Samuel Bel
den, a legal member of the junta
here, the bederals have fought their
last real battle against the rebels.
RESPONSIBILITY
FIXED BY BOARD
Denver, Colo.—Responsibility for tho,
fatal battle of Ludlow, Monday, April
20th, was placed on the Creeks of the
strikers’ colony at Ludlow’ by the mili
tary board comprising Judge Advo
cate Major E. J. Boughton, Captains
W. C. Hanks and Philip S. Van Cise,
of the t’olorado National Guard, ap
pointed by Adjutant General Chase
with Instructions to report on all in
cidents of the battle, preceding and
subsequent.
The officers examined all officers
and prisoners, and "as many as pos
sible of the soldiers, deputies, mine
guards and townspeople of Ludlow
arid nearby ooul camps." They made
efforts to obtain testimony of strik
ers, but without success.
The board found that the "remote"
cause of this, "as well as all other
battles lies with the coal operators,
who established In an American in
dustrial community a numerous class
of ignorant, lawless and siivage South
European peasants. The underlying
cause was the presence near Ludlow
In dally contact of three discordant
elements-- strikers, soldiers and mU"
guards—all armed and fostering an
increasing deadly hatred which soon
er or later was bound to find snipe
such expression. The Inmiedy te
cause of the battle was an attack on
the soldiers by Greek Inhabitants of
the tent colony, who misinterpreted a
movement of troops on a neighboring
hill.'’
THE AUGUSTA HERALD, AUGUSTA, GA.
©(BBS- jPorngfoia fewsrag Cadi' Viara Crag
Map of Vera Cruz and Surrounding Country , Showing Route Funston’s Army
Would Traverse in Marching to Mexico City
ATTEMPT TD TAKE AN
AMERICAN OUTPOST
Mai. Russell Was Ordered to
Surrender the Waterworks,
and He, of Course, Refused
BELIEVED MEXICANS
WERE ONLY BLUFFING
But a Few Scattering Shots
Were Fired—l,2oo Men Were
Rushed to Aid of Russell.
Vera Cruz.—A considerable force of
Mexicans attacked the American ouf
posts at the water plant, nine miles
out at 11 o'clock this morning, ac
cording to a wireless message receiv
ed here which asked for aid.
Supporting troops were at once or
dered forward by train from Vera
Cruz to SI Tejer, where the water
works are situated. No intimation
was given in the wireless message as
to the size and identity of the attack
ing force.
What promised to be the first fight
ing between the United States army
and the Mexican troops ended in the
exchange of not more than hall a
dozen shots.
The Mexicans threatened to "at
tack immediately unless the Ameri
cans surrendered their position at the
waterworks at E! Tejer with ten min
utes," but failed to fulfill their men
ace.
The Mexicans are still holding their
position beyond tlse waterworks and
the American troops have received
no orders to advance.
At 11 o’clock this morning a Mexi
can force estimated at from :)0« to
500 men appeared a mile bevond the
waterworks station As Major Hus
sail, of the marines had received or
ders not to assume the offensive and
Ills men watched the Mexicans with
much interest.
Suddenly a Mexican lieutenant and
non-commissioned officer bearing a
white flag advanced and presented a
demand for the Americans to surren
der within ten minutes.
Major Russell's reply was:
Hurry right back and do not waste
any of the time your commanding of
i <t has stipulated.”
Major Russel] theu made prepara
tlons to resist any attack at the same
time sending a message ts lieadquur
ters in Vera Uruz that his outpost
was threatened
Back at headquarters Brigadier
General Funston and his staff had
been conscientiously warking out the
details of the new government which
the brigadier general had been In
structed to establish The wireless
message from the waterworks station
from El Tejer brought about a quick
change from the comparatively pro
saic vork to that of active army duty.
Within a few minutes headquarters
had notified Major John Russell, that
reinforcements were on the way to al!
him and in little more than an hour
Instead of the 210 marines compris
ing the command of Major Russell at
i the outpost of El Tejer there were in
position to support hitn more than
1,200 men, while the entire garrison
of Vera Cruz was ready for any move
ment that might be ordered.
Seven companies of the Fourth In
fantry Regiment were sent forward
under Col. Robert C. Van Vliet as
well as two battalions and three
companies of marines, commanded
by Col. John Archer Lejeune.
All these troops had been taken from
various stations In the outskirts of
Vera Cruz, the men of the infantry
regiment entraining for the short run
to El Tejar from lx>s Cocos, the first
station on the Mexican Railway. The
battalions were commanded by Major
Charles G. French anti Major Paul A.
Wolf.
When Colinel Van Vliet and Colo
nel LeJeune, with their supports, ar
rived at the waterworks station Major
Russell and his men were not hard
pressed. The Mexicans had content
ed themselves with a scattering fire,
consisting of not more than four or
five shots, at a range of i,500 yards.
From Major Russell's lines only
one shot was fired.
The waterworks station at El Tejar
forms the most advanced iiost in the
American lines and was placed there
because the authorities regarded it as
essential to protect the city’s- water
supply.
General orders had been given for
the American troops not to assume
the offensive and not to Tire unless
attacked. It Is not regarded here at
hli probable that General Gustavo
Maas, former federal commander at
Vera Cruz, has any Idea of attempting
to retake the city, hut he Is tighten
ing his long, irregular lines about the
city, apparently in an effort to pre
vent the entrance from the country
districts of supplies. In this he bus
been partially successful and truck
gardeners have gound it almost im
possible to reach the Vera Cruz mar
sets with their products.
it is generally assumed that the
Mexican threat today to take El Te
jar was little more than a bluff, and
it Is thought the Mexicans perhaps
hoped the American outpost at that
place, which was onl little more than
half their number might surrender or
that they might defeat the Ameri
cans before reinforcements could ar
rive.
The Mexican troops were In uni
form and consisted mostly of infantry,
bjit there were some cavalrymen evi
dently belonging to the regulur estab
lishment.
While army officers here do not
fear that, the Mexican troops will
make a serious attack, It is realized
that considerable inconvenience soon
will he created unless something Is
done to open roads Into districts
where garden and dairy products
come from. The supply of any but
Imported articles is getting smaller
and the small amount of foodstuffs
brought in from the outskirts Is not
enough to supply the demand. Prices
are increasing as the volume of pro
ducts decreases. Little may be ex
pected to arrive here from other
por s of Mexico, as no ships are clear
ed Tor Vera Cruz, which Is a closed
port so far as th<> Mexican govern
ment is concerned.
FUNSTON IS
GOVERNOR OP
VERA CRUZ
Change of Governments Was
Purely Formal, Robert J. Kerr
Retirinq As Civil Governor
Vera Cruz.—The RovernoiHhip of
Vera Cruz wan handed over late today
by Hubert J. Kerr, who was recently
appointed civil Kovornor, to Hritfadier-
General Frederick FunHtan. The cere
•inony connected with the change of
Kovernment wuh purely formal.
The military government, of the city
is, it is understood, to follow closely
the lines of tin* civil government hith
erto in existence and as many Mexican
officials as desire to accept or continue
office will be employed in tire admin
istration. The law courts have been re
quested to continue their functions in
the same way as that to which they
have been accustomed and all their
acts are to lx- its nearly as possible in
accord with the Mexican law.
Every branch of the city administra
tion, however, will be under military
supervision. Much military and naval
officers as held office under the civil
government probably will be retained,
especially Commander H. O. Hticney,
Inspector of the port, and David Pot
ter, paymaster of the Minnesota, who
has been acting as collector of cus
toms.
l-ieut. Col. John It. Porter, of the
judge advocate general’s department,
will come from Washington to assist
in the capacity of legal advisor.
Robert J. Kerr, retiring civil gov
ernor, may it is thought be identified
with the new form of government to
give legal advice and information.
Ac cording to a number of rorelgnsrs
mostly American citizens, who left the
City of Mexico yesterday and arrived
here today, the federal capital was
quiet,
E. Raker, manager of the Amer
ican Smelting and Refining Company,
who had been a prisoner at Aguas
Calientes, was among the passengers.
He was released and taken to the City
of Mexico with a number of employes
of the company, some forty of whom
were sent to Coatzaeoalcos.
Passengers on the train declared
that 600 or 600 Americans remained in
and abotit the Federal capital with the
intention of staying there unless they
were compelled to depart.
Ernest Richter, an employe of tin;
tube works in the City of Mexico and
an American citizen, was taken from
the train by Mexican soldiers at Hole
dad yesterday and held prisoner be
cause H pistol and ammunition were
found in his possession.
Georgian Balks at More
Chaplains For the Navy
Washington—Provision In the naval
it|,|<ro|iriation hill for additional naval
chaplains was stricken out in the
I house today on a point oT order by
Representative Tribble, of Georgia,
Iwlio Insisted there was no need for
chaplains at shore stations, where the
men could attend churches.
ROCKEFELLER, JR., CALLED
ON FOR SAKE HUMANITY
TO END STRIKERS' WAR
Correspondence Made Public
Askinq For Arbitration. Futile
Efforts So Far. U. S. Cavalry
Leave For Scene
Chattanooga, Term.—ln accordance
with orders from the United Hlute/i
war department, three squadrons pi
the Eleventh Cavalry, under command
of Colonel James Lockett left Fort
Oglethorpe Saturday afternoon and
Saturday night for Trinidad, Uolo. The
troop goes fully equipped with arms
and rations for ten days.
In Possession.
Trinidad, Colo.—Troop M, Fifth U.
S. Cavalry, 70 men, under Captain
Foerster, Saturday took possession of
Ludlow. The militia force which has
been in occupation of tin- Ludlow dis
trict moved out.
Major W. A. Ilolbrnok said that
Captain Foerster would have full au
thority In the Ludlow district. Ho
Intimated the troops after establish
ing camp might be divided, small de
tails being sent to any point where
they were needed.
Turn Guns Ovsr.
The major was shown a despatch
telling of Secretary Garrison’s procla
mation calling on all parties to sur
render their arms. lie declined to
make any comment. John 11. Luwaon
said:
“If the proclamation really mentis
the guards will he disarmed and the
militia kept out of the district, our
men will turn over their guns with
out hesitation.
"If It should turn out that the order
does not apply to mine guards and
the militia, I could not say al tills
time what will he the attitude of the
strikers.”
Futile Efforts.
Washington.—Messages telling the
story of the so fur futile efforts at
Washington to bring about a settle
ment of the Colorado coal mine strike
Including a telegram from John D.
Rockefeller, Jr., saying mining com
pany officials in Colorado "were the
only ones competent to deal with the
question,” were made public Saturday
night. Representative Foster, chair
man of the house mines committee,
who gave out Ihe telegraphic corre
spondence, had been attempting to get
Mr. Rockefeller, operators and officials
of the mines which the Rockefeller
party controls, and the striking opt t
stives together, following a White
House conference.
"In my conference with Mr. Rocke
feller ut his New York office," Mr.
Foster announced, "I urged on him
the importance of submitting the
strike differences to a neutral board
of arbitration, believing tho troublo
could he peacefully settled.
Not in Tan Years.
"I spent February In Colorado as
chairman of the committee on mines
and mining, Investigating conditions.
Mr. Rockefeller has not been there In
ten years. I have been over the prop
erty and have examined men on hoik
sides of the controversy. There Is
nothing In the differences which cap
net he settled by arbitration.
”! understood fro rrithe statement of
William Green, secretary-treasurer of
tho International Mine Workers'
Union, the demand that tho union he
recognized Is not the Issue. The great
question now confronting the strikers
and owners is ‘Will yo uagreo to sub
mil the matter to adjustment by arbi
tration''’ Mr. Rockefeller cannot evado
his responsibility. Ho cannot r>e.t
forth the excuse that he. will not ar
bitrate the recognition of the union.
The great anthracite strike In Penn
sylvania and the recent West Vir
ginia strike were settled by men on
both shies agreeing to abide by tho
decision of umpires.
Demands It.
"National sentiment and every In
stinct of humanity demand the prompt
settlement of the Colorado strike.
Nothing should prevent both strikers
and Mr. Rockefeller from placing the
case before a neutral board."
Dr. Foster telegraphed John Ik
Rockefeller, Jr., last Wednesday, Buy
ing:
"Will Green, secretary-treasurer of
the International Mine Workers’
Union, makes public a statement that
mine workers will waive any recog
nition of the union or unionizing
camps. Are you willing to enter ne
gotiations for settlement of the strike
on that basis and stop the killing of
men, women and children? I strong
ly urge you to do so and believe the
strike can he ended without recogni
tion of the union and all other dif
ferences can he amicably settled. II
my Judgment It Is your duty to do
so."
Only One* Competent.
Mr. Rockefeller, replying the next
day, said:
"Your telegram of last night is re
ceived. 1 am forwarding It to the of
ficers of the Colorado Fuel and Iron
Company In Denver, who, with the
officials of the other mining
hies In Colorado, are the only ones
competent to deal with the question
therein referred to.”
Mr. Foster replied to this Thursday
with u sharp message to Mr. Rocke
feller, which the latter up to last night
hud not acknowledged. Mr. Foster
telegraphed:
"Your telegram somewhat of a dis
appointment; we were In hopes that
you would deem the situation so grave
and serious that you would give your
personal efofrts to prevent further
klllng of men, women und children,
and we renewed the hope that you
will reconsider and resolve to use your
perHoriad Influence und authority to
tills humane end."
Operetors Reply.
The reply of the Colorado mine op
erators, stating their position, was re
reived from Denver the same day. It
was signed by eighteen companies,
and recited what had happened >n
the strike zones since the attack »n
the militia at Ludlow, April 20th. The
lawlessness, they said, was commit
ted "with the tacit consent, active co
operation and under the personal di
rection and control of offlecra und,
paid agents of the United Mine Work
ers of America."
It you want to get a Hull at half
profit see F. G. Mertins.
THREE