The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-04-17
Don't Cross Boundary

| the American Mexican border line un- der any circumstances; If necessary to communicable across the line do it by 1 civilians" was the purport Of 1nstruc- tions telegraphed today by Major Gen | eral Wood, commanding the army, to the army command in Texas. This ex- lains the use of two civilians in car 1 rving a message to the Mexican fed eral commander from Colonel Shunk, commanding the United States troops at Douglas, Arizona.
 General Wood has telegraphed in- 1 structions that if either the federal or 1 insurgent troops of Mexico enter Amer l ican territory they are to be disarmed and held that everything possible must | be done to preserve neutrality. He has sent through the army officers. warn | ing to the people of Douglas to keep away from where the firing is going en- Advices received here say 1t is re- ported that the insurgents have built | trenches close to the American border.
 The war departments messages fol- | low:
 Douglas, Ariz., April 1e. 1911. (6:11 D. m.)
 Authentic reports indicate action 10 miles south of here between the ad- vance guard of federal troops number ing about 1900 and the insurgents scouts. In all probability an engage ment will occur not later than tomor- row. The insurgent forces are holding 1 Agua Prieta and are at present engag- ed in digging trenches parallell with the national line and about 200 yards south of the national line. l have warned the insurgents about using 1 these trenches in manner subjecting American citizens in American terri tory to danger. I hay also sent mes senger, Charles McKean, to the federal commander, transmitting to him your 1 Instructions relative to the observing | of the neutrality laws and the endang- ering of American lives on American | territory. How far am I warranted going under the circumstances? (SignedD SKUNK"
 The Reply
 | The war department promptly re- piled:
 | Replying to your request for instruc- l tions as to what to do in case fighting occurred which involved danger to cit | izens of Douglas or vicinity, you are instructed as follows:
 "Under no circumstances allow any of your men to cross international boundary. Prevent as far as possible any violation of the International laws through crossing of armed troops or 1 individuals from that territory to tha t | Of Mexico. In case either federals or | insurgents enter American territory oisarm them and hold them pendiny l further orders. Advise the citizens of Douglas to a void exposure to fire from Mexican territory and repeat through civil messenger your previous protest against firing into American territory by either federals or insurgents" l At 355 the following reply was re- ceived
 "Your message concerning danger to the people of Douglas delivered to fed 1 1,.x- -1.<x spect your wishes. Will do all in his States territory. He reports that he Statees territory. He reports that he will attack very soon."
 (Signed) "SHUNK, | Commanding" | At 10:15 D. m.
 | Your wire received About 1000 in- surrectos holding Agua Prieta have in- trenched in several places Some of their intrenchments within 100 feet of boundary line. A federal force said to | be about 400 strong is advancing upon Agua Prieta from the south Advanced troops of hostile parties in contact for last hour Engagement highly prob able by tomorrow. ~ e
 (signed) SKUNK, | Commanding" Opposing Forces Wait , After a number of small skirmishes be- l tween the rebels and the advancing fed erals today, in which it cannot be learned that there were any fatalities, the oppos- Ing forces tonight were awaiting another | day. The federals were wearied from their long march and at dusk halted. The rebels tonight were busy fortifying Agua Prieta and vicinity.
 l Much excitement prevails in Douglas and Agua Prieta tonight over the pros- poets of another battle tonight.
 Diaz and his staff sent word to Lieuten- ant Colonel Shunk that every precaution would be taken against firing across the line.
 Diaz said
 "If Americans were killed in the battle of last Thursday it must. have been be- cause of their failure to observe care. If in our attack on Agua Prieta. any shots cross into the United States territory il will be because we are unable to pre- vent it. a1t
 The rebels have. dug trenches between Agua Prieta and Douglas at right angles to the United States line to prevent Q