File No. 812.00/15680.
[Untitled]
Mexico City, July 29—6 p.m.
693. I beg to inform you that on July 25, dominated by the fear of some approaching forces which afterwards proved to be Villistas, the Zapatistas again evacuated the city, including therefore the building of the Mexican Herald. Foreseeing their return, which occurred immediately, I caused the American seals to be placed on the building, Mr. Hudson its director remaining inside at his own request. Things are in such a state that publication of the paper is suspended notwithstanding the assurances and orders of President Cházaro and his Minister Quevedo. The Conventionist Government remains at Toluca and Cházaro fails to reply to my last communication relative to the Herald.
In addition I have been confidentially and very reliably informed that the Zapatistas are planning to make a search of the Legation for arms and food supplies which they suppose exist here in large [Page 732] quantities. As to arms there are a few in deposit belonging to Americans who had to turn them over to the Legation by virtue of previous decrees of all factions. As to food, we have nothing. All this and the horrible lack of effective authority, guaranties and food in the city cause great suffering and extreme irritation to every one including foreigners especially Americans even against me as if I were responsible, as they hold the United States for what is happening. It is really an unbearable situation for all. It is impossible to foresee what may happen shortly unless immediate steps are taken for the renewal of telegraphic and rail communication and the solution of this dreadful state of affairs.