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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