The Raymer enterprise., 1911-12-14

that the Dominican republic and Haiti
were about to enter upon hostilities
because OF complications growing out
of an acrimonious boundary dispute
which the efforts OF many years had
failed to solve. The government of
the United States. by friendly inter-
position of good Offices, succeeded in
prevailing uopn the parties to place
their reliance upon some form OF paci-
lc settlement. Accordingly. on the
friendly suggestion OF this govern
ment, the two governments empow-
cred commissioners to meet at Wash
ington in conference at the state de-
partment in order to arrange the
terms Of submission to arbitration Of
the boundary controversy.
chamizal Arbitration Not Satisfactory.
Our arbitration Of the Chamizal
boundary question with Mexico was
unfortunately abortive, but with the
earnest efforts on the part Of both
governments which It's importance
commands, 1t is felt that an early
practical adjustment should prove pos
sible.
Mexico.
The recent political events In Me1i-
co received attention from this gov
ernment because Of the exceedingly
delicate and difficult situation created
along our southern border and the ne
cessity for taking measures properly
to safeguard American interests. The
government of the United States, in
Its desire to secure proper observ-
ance and enforcement Of the so-called
neutrality statutes of the federal gov
ernment. issued directions to the ap-
propriate officers to exercise dill
gent and vigilant regard for the re.
quirements Of such rules and laws. AL.
though condition OF actual armed
conflict existed, there was no official
recognition OF belligerency involving
the technical neutrality obligations OF
international law.
On the 9th Of March last, in the alb
sence OF the secretary of state, had
personal interview with Mr.. Wilson
the ambassador OF the United States
to Mexico, in which he reported to me
that the conditions In Mexico were
much more critical than the'pre dis
patches disclosed; that President Diaz
was on a volcano Of popular uprising;
that the small outbreaks which had
occurred were only symptomatic ol
the whole condition; that very large
per cent. Of the people were In sym
pathy with the insurrection; that q
general explosion was probable at any
time, in which case he feared that the
100000 or more American residents ir
Mexico might be assailed. and thai
the very large American investments
might be injured or destroyed.
After conference with the secre
tary Of war and the secretary Of the
navy. thought 1t wise to assemble ar
army division Of full strength at Sar
Antonio. Tex, brigade Of three regi
ments at Galveston, brigade Of in
fantry in the Los Angeles district O
Southern California. together with ,
squadron Of battleships and cruisers
and transports at Galveston. and ;
small squadron Of ships at San Diego
At the same time, through our repre-
sentative at the City Of Mexico. ex
pressed to President Dlaz the hop'
that no apprehensions might resul
from unfounded conjectures as Il
these military maneuvers, and as
sured him that they had no signifl
cance which should cause concern Il
his government.
The mobilization was effected will
great promptness. and on the 18th o
March, through the secretary Of wa
and the secretary of the navy. In let
ter addressed to the chief Of stat.
Issued the following Instructions:
ut seems my duty as commando
in chief to place troops In sufficien
number where. IL Congress shall dI
rect that they enter Mexico TO saw
American lives and property, an ef
fective movement may be prompt,
made. Meantime. the movement Of tn,
troops to Texas and elsewhere nea
the boundary, accompanied with sin
cere assurances Of the utmost good
will toward the present Mexican gov
ernment and with larger and NOR
frequent patrols along the border t
prevent insurrectionary expeditions
from American soil, will hold up tn,
hands OF the existing government ant
will have healthy moral effect to pre-
vent attacks upon Americans ant
their property In any subsequent gen
eral internecine strife. Again. tn,
sudden mobilization Of division o
troops has been great test Of ou
army and full Of useful instruction
while the maneuvers that are thu
made possible can occupy the troop.
and their officers to great advantage
THE assumption by the press tina
| contemplate intervention on Mexican
soil to protect American lives or prop
erty is Of course gratultous. because
seriously doubt whether have sucl
authority under any circumstances
and II had ] would not exercise 4