Preparing At Galveston.

New York Times 100 years ago today, February 14, 1913:
Steamship Lines Warned That Their Vessels May Be Wanted.
Special to The New York Times.
    GALVESTON, Feb. 13.— Major Robert H. Rolfe of Fort Sam Houston was here to-day, malting arrangements whereby steamships can be obtained to take troops to Vera Cruz if they are needed. He held long conferences with agents of the Mallory and Southern Pacific Lines, and gave them to understand that any of their vessels must be ready to sail for Vera Cruz on short notice, regardless of passengers or freight. He also inspected railroad facilities, to ascertain their capacity to transfer men, live stock, and equipment direct to ships.
    Major Rolfe says that his troops and equipment would probably be the first moved. His forces number 1,300 men and 1,000 horses, with field equipment for light artillery.
    Local army officers and coast defense men stationed here believe that if any troops are moved, the first will go through Galveston, and also think action will be taken within twenty-four hours if at all.