El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1911-04-17

W lOIis T. - APA4I IL 0OA
cross the American Mexican border line
under any circumstances; if necessary
to communicate across the line do 1t by
civilians" was the purport of instruc-
tions teIegraphed by Maj. Gen. Wood,
commanding the army, to the army
command in Texas
This explains the use Of two civilians
in carrying a message to the Mexican
federal commander from Col. Skunk.
commanding the United States troops
al Aqua Prista.
Gen. Wood has telegraphed instruc-
lions that if either the federal or in
surgent troops of Mexico enter Amer
lean territory they are to be disarmed
and held sand that everything possible
must be done to preserve neutrality
He has sent through the army officers
warning to the people of Douglas to
keep away from the firing.
Anxiety over developments in Mex
leo endangering the lives and property
of Americans near the boundary line
was plainly evident in official circles
here last night.
Taft Receives Bulletins.
President Taft received bulletins at
the white house from the war depart
ment regarding the advance of the
federals upon the insurgent forces at
Aqua Prieta.
DR.. VasQueZ Gomez was in constant
communication with the insurgent junta
at FL Paso, Tex, which sent to him
messages from the insurgent army adj
vancing on JuareZ. Mindful of the in
cidents of last week around Aqua
Prieta. DR.. Gomez telegraphed a mes
sage of warning to his people to avoid
injury to Americans or their property.
He was advised that the insurrectos had
modified practically their entire army
in Chihuahua under F. I. Madero. jr.,
within striking distance OF Juarez-
Messages From Gomez Prevent Attack.
The messages that Dr. Gomez sent
to the insurgent forces in a manner
still unexplained here. prevented the
attack last night on Juarez. He at
tached much Importance to the pause
of the insurgents, and other Mexicans
drew much hope from the occurrence
DR.. Gomez was said to be arranging
for an armistice to take effect imme
diately by which peace negotiations
might be instituted near JuareZ-
Senior Oscar Breniff and senior Es-
quival Obregon, with two business men
Of Mexico City, who came here unof-
ficially to confer with DR.. Gomez about
peace, left last night for the camp Of
Francisco I. MaderO. jr. Both were in
conference with DR.. Gomez before they
left and received passports through the
insurgent lines and letters of intro
duction to the rebel chief They also
called on senior de ZomacOni the Mex
lean ambassador yesterday.
They declined to discuss the result
of their mission here, but it was learn
ed from other sources that they were
unable to obtain anything definite in
the way of peace conditions and de-
-ided to confer with the rebel chief
n person.
To Avert Life Loss in Juarez.
DR.. Gomez was in communication
with Mexico City in an effort to avert
1 great loss of life at Juarez. which /
he believes to be inevitable unless the /
federal garrison there is withdrawn or /
IN armistice arranged.
DR.. Gomez hopes that the serious |
situation at Juarez may be averted by /
from Mexico City.
The official Messages.
The war departments message on the /
Aqua Prieta situation follows:
Douglas Ariz.., April 16, 1911.
Authentic reports indicate action
0 miles south of here between the 4
dvance guard of federal troops, num-
,ering about 1900 and the insurgent I
couts In all probability considerable
will occur not later than
omorrow. The insurgent forces are
lolding Aqua Prieta and are at pres
mt engaged in digging trenches paral-
ell with the national line and about 200
ards south of the national line. 1 have
warned the insurgents about using
hese trenches in a manner subjecting
United States citizens on United States
erritory to danger. I have also sent a
Messenger, Charles Mexican, to the fed
raj commander transmitting to him
our instructions relative to the OBJ
CRYING of the neutrality laws and the
ndangering of American lives in
american territory. How far am I war
anted going under the circumstances?
(Signed) Skunk"
War Departments Reply.
The war department promptly re-
lied:
Replying TO your request for instruc-
ions as to what to do in case fighting
occurred which involved danger to
itizens of Douglas or vicinity you are
instructed as follows:
Under no circumstances allow any