The Washington times., 1911-05-12
Wickersham to Decide
The Customs Problems
Along Mexican Border

The decision was reached at the
Cabinet meeting today to refer the
question of shipping arms and other
munitions of war into Mexico through
the ports of entry held by the revo-
1utionists, to Attorney General Wick
ersham. He is to examine the law
on the subject and confer with the
President as to the future course of
this Government.
Secretary MacVeagh, after talking
the whole matter over with his ad-
visers in the Treasury, decided that
while the customs law on the point
seemed plain to them and permitted
the shipments, there were matters of
policy which should be worked out
and questions of international law
which must be settled.
The Secretary therefore came to the
Cabinet meeting with the recommen-
ldation that the Attorney General be
called in and that policy be agreed
upon which is to govern all the de-
partments, including the War Depart
ment and the troops now on the bor-
der.
Rebel Attitude.
A further statement was made to-
day by the Madero junta here bearing
on this important phase of the revo-
luton. The revolutionary representa-
tives in Washington contend that as
long as the arms are consigned to
Jaurez through the customs house at
El Paso and move through the chan
nels of international commerce and
under its regulations, this country has
no right to stop them, regardless of
hands into which they fall on the
Mexican side of the line.
Should theh American troops again
Interfere with the movements of sup
plies and munitions therefore. the
United States courts will be appealed
TO, 1t was suggested by the junta to-
day for an injunction. 1t was pointed
out this morning that the United States
Supreme Court had time and again de-
cided that such shipments as are now
in question could not be intercepted.
A number of official dispatches were
received at the White House through
the State Department today from Mex
leo. The most important was that from
Ambassador Henry Lane Wilson al
Mexico City, which refers to the con-
terenceS yesterdaya between the for
eign diplomats aand Minister de la
Barra for the protection of foreigners
IN the city.
Attack Expected. I
These foreign colonies undoubtedly
expect an attack upon the Mexican
capital within a short time. and great
apprehension is felt not only on ac-
count of the fear of an attack from
the revolutionists from the outside, but
on account of possible uprisings in the
city itself
The ambassador said that measures
had been agreed upon for the protection
of the foreign colonies in Mexico City,
4 but he did not confirm the report that
they had been authorized to carry arms.
He said the Mexican government had
approved of the whole plan, and would
support II as far as possible
II was stated in todays dispatch that
the foreigners had volunteered their
services to the Mexican government in
case of disorders in the city. and that
these services had been accepted.
All clerks and government employees in
the city have been armed and organized
to resist any attack from the outside, or
to put dwon any rioting in the city.
They are TO aind the army and the
Mexican police.
Restoring Order.
Consul Edwards. at Jaurez, reported
to the State Department today that the
insurgents were taking steps to organize
a city government to take care of the
local conditions there. He said that
traffic on the railroad had been work
ing in harmony with the American resi-
dents for the establishment of law and
order.
A telegram was received from the con-
sui at Tampico, stating that about forty.