Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 5, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 April 1916 — U. S. FACES CLASH WITH CARRANZA IF ARMY REMAINS [ARTICLE]

U. S. FACES CLASH WITH CARRANZA IF ARMY REMAINS

“First Chief” Unable to Control Civilians. ARMY TOLD TO AVOID TOWNS

American Commanders Ordered Not to Paas Through Cities in Mexico —Believed Troops Will Remain In Mexico Despite Protests. Washington, April 14.—A situation of extreme tension, involving, among other things, the possibility of an armed clash with the de facto government of Mexico—or the withdrawal of American troops from Mexican terri-tory-faces the president and the American people. This situation has been produced by two grave developments. The more Important is the battle which took place at Parral between an American force of 150 men and the‘people and Carranza garrison of that city. While General Obregon, the strategist of the Mexican army, has given instructions to prevent further fighting, General Carranza declares “the excitement is so great among the people that I fail to know whether the struggle can be stopped.” The second development grows out of a lengthy note, presented by direction of General Carranza, charging President Wilson with bad faith in entering Mexico and closing with the statement that it is already time to tre: t about the withdrawal of the American troops. * Demand Troop Withdrawal. This statement has been re-enforced by a dispatch presented to Secretary Lansing Insisting on the necessity of directing the return of the American forces from Mexican soil.

The Mexican ambassador, Senor Arredondo, was authorized to "make use of any argument be deemed advisable to put an end to the situation created by the presence of American troops In our territory."

Both General Carranza and hia representative in command of Chihuahua Insist that the outbreak was caused by the action of the commander of the American troops in entering Parral without permission. The governor of Chihuahua had not been asked in advance to give authority for the passage of the troops through the city. Had such a request been made it is stated instructions would have been sent to Parral and the incident would not have occurred. Commanders Are Warned. Secretary Baker gave instructions to General Funston to institute an investigation. The general further was directed to advise the commanders in Mexico to observe the greatest care in avoiding towns hereafter. In defense of the action of the American column in entering Parral it is stated that the peculiar mountainous configuration of the country in which that city is situated necessitated the attempt on the part of the troops to pass through it. The administration holds that this was specifically contrary to the orders issued. The orders to General Funston required the avoidance of all towns. The purpose ol these orders was to prevent such outbreak as took place at Parral. The situation is such that the president and his advisers are gravely concerned. In view of what has happened, however, the president and his advisers are reluctant to recall the troops and thereby give the impression that the United States is afraid. The moral effect of such a move would be extremely bad. On the other hand, to stay in Mexico means to bring about the situation which Villa’s raid on CoIfimbus was intended to produce—the creation of a state o" war between the United States and the Carranza government.

Gives Funston Free Rein. Secretary of War Baker has tele* graphed General Funston to take all necessary measures to protect the American Arces and to avert further trouble. Although the secretary did not reveal the text of the order he sought to create the impression that General Funston has been given unlimited authority to re-enforce the Pershing expedition and make its operations effective. Secretary Baker's order permits General Funston to setae the Mexican railroads he needs, to throw across the border to the relief of the Pershing expedition every one of the 18,500 men on the border if need be, or to do anything else with the forces at his disposal to prevent the annihilation of the expeditionary force beset by Mexican bandits or hostile forces of any character. "Go to Church; Sunday/’ April 16.