New-York tribune., 1911-04-17
u. S. WARNS COMBATANTS
Told Again Not to endanger
American Lives at Aqua PrIeta.
"DoN'T CROSS BORDER LINE"
General Wood Telegraphs Ex'
plicit Instructions-Civh-
ians Garry Warning.

| ldu0 O0AAy w ~>0
Aqua Prieta, Mexico. April Is tvia Doug
las z)-After a number Of small SKIM
,sbes between the rebels ani the advancing
federals to-day. in which 1t cannot De
learned that there were any fatalities the
opposing forces tonight we're awaiting an
other day. The federals were wearied from
their long march and at dusk halted Inc
rebels tonight were busy fortfying Aqua
Prieta and vicinity.
Much excitement prevailed in Douglas
and Aqua Pr!eta tonight over the pros
poets OF another battle tomorrow.
Lieutenant Colonel William A. Skunk
commanding the lst United States CAVIAR!
in Douglas sent James T. Williams.
newspaper man Of Tucson. and Charies
Mexican, former army man, with mes
sage to Reynaldo Diaz, commanding the
advancing force OF federals. The message
was similar 10 that delivered TO the reDei
chiefs in Aqua Prieta, that battle plans
must be so arranged that no bullets from
either federal or rebel rifles. cross the line
and again endanger life and property on
United States territory.
| The two men went in an automopile
flying the United States colors and white
flag and we're escorted by the rebels 10
within sight Of the federals. three miles
south OF Aqua Prieta The messages were
received by Diaz and his staff The federal
commander sent word 10 Lieutenant Skunk
that every precaution would be taken
against firing across the line.
Daz said: III Americans were killed IN
the battle of last Thursday it must have
been because OF their failure TO observe
care II In our attack on Aqua Prieta
any shots cross into the United states
territory II will be because we are unable
to prevent IT,"
| The rebels have dug trenches between
Aqua Prieta and Douglas at right angles
10 the United States line to prevent
flank movement on the part Of the federals'
thus keeping them from getting between
the two border cities.
Colonel Medina. commanding the rebels,
said tonight that he planned TO confine
the fighting to the south OF Aqua Prieta'
but would use the city to protect his forces
IL driven back
IF we are defeated and compelled to give
up Aqua Prieta. our troops. all mounted
will not cross into United States territory
he said We will retreat east or west,
taking new stands in the mountains we
prefer to die on Mexican soil. rather than
fee into the United States"
United States cavalry from Tucson and
/ Naco have arrived in Douglas, augment
ing the force already there. The troops
were on duty all day and sightseers were
not Permitted nearer 10 the boundary than
4th street This street was crowded ten
deep for a distance Of a mile during the
afternoon.
The citizens OF Douglas have arranged
10 give frs. aid to the wounded Many
persons have volunteered for Red Cross
service and sixty-hve automobiles have
been placed in service.
washington. April 16.--"Don't cross th'
American Mexican border line under any
circumstances If necessary TO commune
cate across the line, do it by civilians
vas the purport of instructions telegra phed
to-day BY Major General Wood. command
ing the army. 10 the army commander In
Texas. This explains the use of two civil
ians in carrying a message 10 the Mexican
federal commander from Colonel Skunk
commanding the United States troops al
Douglas, Ariz-
General Wood has telegraphed instruc-
tions that If either the federal or insurgent
troops Of Mexico enter American territory
they are 10 be disarmed and held. and that
everything possible must be done 70 pre-
serve neutrality. He has sent through the
| army officers warning 10 the people OF
Douglas 10 keep away from where the FIR
ing IS going on. Advices received here say
that It is reported that the insurgents have
built trenches close 10 the American border.
The War Departments messages follow:
Douglas, Ariz, April Is 1911 (6l1 . M -
! Authentic reports indicate action ten miles
| south Of here between the advance guard
/ Of the federal troops, numbering about
/ twelve hundred, and the insurgent scouts
! In all proba bility considerable engage
! mont will occur not later than tomorrow.
The insurgent forces are holding Aqua
Prieta and are at present engaged In dig
| glng trenches parallel with the national
Iine and about two hundred yards south Of
| the national line ] have warned the in
surgents about using these trenches In a
manner subiectins American ciuzens on
American territory 10 danger. have also
sent a messenger, Charles Mexican, 70 the
! federal commander transmitting 10 him
| YOUR instructions relative 10 the observing
Of the neutrality laws and the endanserlng
! Of American lives on American territory.
How far am 1 warranted going under the
circumstances? SKUNK.
The War Department promptly replied
Replying 10 your request for Instructions
"a to what 10 90 in case fighting occurred
witch involved danger 20 citizens Ct Doug
las or vicinity, YOU are instructed as io1'
lows:
| IT1der no circumstances allow any OF
voI = men to cross International boundary.
Prevent as far as possible any violation OF
The international laws through crossing OF
armed troops or individuals from that ter
tritorv 10 that of Mexico. In case either
fe6erals or insurgents enter American ter
iftorv. disarm them and hold them pending
further orders Advise the citizens or
Douglas to avoid exposure 10 fire from
Mexican territory, and repeat, through civil
messenger. your previous protest against
firing into American territory oy either
federals or insurgents.
At 6:35 the following reply was received:
Your message concerning danger to peo'
pie of Douglas delivered 10 federal com
mander, who promised 10 respect your
wishes VIII do all in his power TO pre-
vent damage in United States territory
lie reports that he will attack very soon
SKUNK. Commanding.
AT lOI5 r. m. Your wire received About
one Thousand insurrectos hold Aqua Preta
Have intrenched in several places. Some
OF their intrenchments within one hundred
feet of boundary line. \ federal force
said TO be about one thousand strong. Is al
vancing upon Aqua Prieta from the south
Advanced troops Of hostile parties III con
tact for last hour Engagement highiS
| rroha hlv hy Tomorrow.