The Washington herald., 1911-04-18

Il ordering 5000 troops to the Mexican
border.
DfaE Mny Fall.
Official Washington awaited news Of
the battle at Aqua Prieta yesterday with
intense interest. It is regarded in WASH
ington as a possible turning point in
the Mexican revolution. Certainly, IL
the insurgents succeed in holding this
port OF entry against the federal troops,
II will be an impetus to their cause
which, in the opinion of many officials.
will result in the quick downfall Of the
Diaz administration.
Secretary Knox sent Instructions to
Henry Lane Wilson, American Ambassa-
dor at Mexico City, directing him to find
out as soon as possible what the nature
of the Mexican governments reply will
be TO the representations made last week
by direction of President Taft, in regard
to firing across the border.
The State Department has directed
Mr.. Wilson to find out as speedily as
possible what assurances the Mexican
government will give and what measures
will be taken by 1t to prevent a recur-
renee of the firing upon American terri
tory.
This action is unusual. and would not
have been contemplated except in a cri-
sis. 1t amounts to a hurry-up sugges-
tion to President Diaz 1t will oblige the
Mexican President to take immediate ac-
tion in this matter, without the usual de-
lay consequent upon the exchange of
diplomatic notes.
President Taft's original warning to the
Mexican government was delivered by
Ambassador Wilson Saturday. The Am
bassador reported to the State Depart
ment yesterday that he had informed the
Mexican foreign Office on that occasion
of the request OF the United States that
drastic measures be taken to prevent
further firing across the border.
Diaz to Report.
In diplomatic circles the second step
taken by the United States to force Mex
ico's hand in this matter is regarded as
somewhat strenuous. but no more so
than the situation demanded. 1t is ex-
pected that Ambassador Wilson will be
informed within a day or two OF the
measures taken by Mexico to prevent the
further teopardizing Of American lives
and property.
That Great Britain is fully alive to the
seriousness of the situation in Mexico is
indicated by a long conference at the
Wnlte House last evening between PreSl-
dent Taft and Ambassador Bryce.
1t is understood that the question Of
the protection OF British property in
Mexico was one of the subjects discussed
at yesterdays White House conference
Up to this time. the British government,
except in one instance, has remained in
the background. upon the understanding
that the United States would prefer to
handle the situation in regard to foreign
without outside assistance.
The visit of Ambassador Bryce to the
White House led to rumors that the
United States and Great Britain might
cooperate in the event of Intervention
being necessary. Such cooperation would,
however. be entirely at variance with
the attitude that the United States has
previously assumed OF its ability to in
sure the protection of foreign property
in the republics OF the American conti-
nent.
1t is within the range of possibility
however for the United States and Great
Britain, which countries have the prin-
cipal commercial! interests in Mexico, to
join in a formal request on the Mexican
government that the questions at issue
between the insurgents and the govern
ment be submitted to arbitration. II the
situation becomes worse, President Taft
will undoubtedly lay the question before
Congress, but that will be the extent of
executive action.