The Washington herald., 1911-04-19
READY EOR ACTION.

READY FOR ACTION.
At the same time, however, it was
evident that Congress intends to prepare
itself for action in the event of an emer-
gency. Two new resolutions were intro
duced in the House yesterday calling for
ar investigation into conditions in Mex
ico. One of these was introduced by
Representative Flood. of Virginia, which
calls upon President Taft to forward to
the House all information in his possess
sion bearing upon the Mexican situation.
The other resolution was presented by
Representative Garrett, of Tennessee.
and directs the House Committee on
Foreign Affairs to make an exhaustive
investigation of the present relations be-
tween Mexico and the United States.
The news from Mexico City that the
Diaz government had promised to COM
ply with the demand of the United
States in regard to fighting on the bor-
der brought great relief TO President
Taft and other officials in Washington,
who had been very much worried ever
since the battle between the Mexican
federals and insurrectos began at Aqua
Prieta.
The news of Mexicos assurance came
in dispatch from Ambassador Wilson
in Mexico City to President Taft. The
message said that President Diaz had
promised "a definite restrictive policy
along the border
The informal reply by the Mexican
government was called forth by the So
called hurry-up suggestion conveyed to
the Diaz government at the direction of
the State Department.
President Relieved.
President Taft discussed yesterday with
Senator Shelby NJ. Cullom, of Illinois.
chairman of the Senate Committee on
Foreign Relations. the situation concern
ing Mexico in the light of its later de-
velopments in Douglas. Ariz
On leaving the White House the Senator
said that he believed the President
was a bit more optimistic yesterday than
before. and seemed more hopeful that
the crisis at Douglas would pass over
without more serious friction.
When the time comes for Congress to
act said Senator Cullom, President
Taft will let us know. l think that he
will send a special message to Congress
if he considers action necessary"
Leaders in Washington of the insur-
rectionary movement declared yesterday
the insurgents at Aqua Prieta, urging
them to avoid complications with the
United States, had had a good deal to
do with the decision of the revolution
lists to withdraw from the town under
cover of night
1t is suggested here that an effort will
be made by the Diaz government to es-
tablish a neutral zone of about five miles
along the border, in which there shall be
no fighting. The difficulty in regard to
this proposition is that II will require
the consent of the insurrectos.
The surrender to United States troops
of the insurgent general and other in |
surrectos who crossed the line makes It |
necessary for the United States to decide |
what they will do with these men. For |
tunately. there is a precedent to be |
guided by in this matter.
In 1877. in the course of an insurrec-
ton in Mexico, revolutionists crossed the
border and were taken and disarmed by.l
the United States authorities. At that |
time, as now. the belligerency of the revo-
lutIonists was not recognized. These |
prisoners were disarmed, kept in confine-
ment, and furnished rations until the
trouble was over. That is likely what
will be done in the present case.
Customs Office Opened.
The Treasury Department yesterday is
sued the following statement in regard to |
the custom-house at Douglas. Ariz.
I'm view of the fact that the federal
Mexican forces are now again occupying
Aqua Prieta and the custom-house at
hat place is under the control of the
Mexican government. and the further
TACT that the fighting appears to have
,eased in that immediate vicinity, the
SUPPORT of Douglas, Ariz., has been re-
opened for the. transaction of customs
Caution. conservatism, and forbearance
In regard to the Mexican situation will
be the policy of the leaders in the House
There was absolute absence yesterday of
excitement or furry, and everybody was
with deliberation and care.
Chairman Sulzer. of the House Com
mittee' on Foreign Affairs. was of the
opinion yesterday that Congress will not
act in any way upon proposed interven-
lion in Mexico without recommendation
from President Taft. and then only after
mature consideration.
Mr. Sulzer Is in thorough sympathy
with President Taft in his consideration
ror the 10000 or $1,000 American citizens
across the border and the billions of
dollars of property owned by Americans
there He thinks that Congress will act
only with calm judgment. Mr.. Sulzer
foresees the possibility of negotiating a |