Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 109, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 May 1914 — GENERAL FUNSTON ASKS FOR ARTILLERY [ARTICLE]

GENERAL FUNSTON ASKS FOR ARTILLERY

War Department Startled and Held Night Session—Condition of Anarchy Feared. Galveston- Tex, May 7.—Rush orders from Washington were received through second division headquarters at Texas City today tn send a large quantity of permanent field equipment to Vera Oruz. Work of loading the converted transport Satilla was commenced immediately. The Satilla will also carry a month’s supply of rations lor Gen. Funston’s troops and will sail either tomorrow or Saturday. Washington, May 7.—Uipon receiving a long cipher cablegram from General Funston -at Vera Cruz tonight, Secretary Garrison called into conference at the war department Major General' Wotherspoon, Chief of staff, and the entire general staff of the army. The conference lasted until nearly midnight. Secretary Garrison and the army officers wore grave faces when the conference was finished and it was no secret that news of importance had been received.

Later Secretary Garrison said General Funston had -transmitted some information which refugees had brought from Mexico City as to conditions in the Mexican capital. The secretary declined to comment upon them. He said no aggressive movement of any kind oy the American forces was ordered. Lt was understood the refugees from Mexico City had informed General Funston of the critical aspect in the Huerta regime; that a collapse might he expected momentarily and that conditions of anarchy might ensue. Though not officially stated, it is known that the high officials of the war department are anxious to place at Vera Cruz on transports within striking distance, a large enough force, pethapw fifty thousand or sixty -thousand men, to make an expedition to Mexico City if it becomes necessary. Officials of the war department are known to believe that if an advance on Mexico City is ordered, it will be necessary to guard every mile of the railtoad as the army moves forward, and that a large force wotfld dhow the natives the futility of resistance, whereas a division of 15,000 men might be Subject to several attacks along the route. The American army officers also regard the situation at Vera Oruz as likely to become desperate in the event anarchy breaks out in Mexico City, or the forces of General Maas should make an attack on their own (initiative, irrespective of the Huerta government’s promise of a suspension of hostilities against the United States. A large number of bluejackets could be landed from the watehdps n reinforce the seven thousand troops and marines in Vera Cruz, but in order to hold the positions outside of Vera Oruz up to the water works, ntore infantry is beieved to be required by general Funston. Jit is considered likefly that at tos morrow’s cabinet meeting the entire Situation will be d focussed, though the president and Secretary Bryan are believed to be firmly set against any military activity at the present time unless a crisis develops In Mexico City beyond control of the authorities there, and foreigners become endangered.