Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1911-04-18
TROOPS ARE RUSHED
To MEXICAN BORDER
To SAVE AMERICANS
Taft Issues Hurry Orders for
Entire Sixth Cavalry to
Move From Iowa Post to
Arizona Forts
tsy Associated Prsss.)

WASHINGTON, April 15.-Brought by
the battle of Aqua Prieta to a. full reali-
zation of the danger to which American
settlements along the southern frontier
are exposed by the civil strife of Next
co, President Taft has moved swiftly
and vigorously along all the lines Of
precaution to prevent any repetition Of
the Douglas, Ariz., episode.
With various rumors floating into
Washington of the imminence of an
other conflict at Aqua Prieta. the presi-
dent today ordered the entire regiment
of the Sixth cavalry from Des Moines.
Iowa. to Arizona to reinforce the posts
there. This will add 800 men to the guard
in Arizona.
This step supplements Mr.. Taft's warn
ing to the Mexican and revolutionary au-
thorities that American lives and inter-
ests must not be- endangered by unre-
strained border line fighting. 1t COM
pletes, it is said, the administration
present program of precaution-
The fact is emphasized in official quar-
tiers that the American troops in the
south have specific instructions not to
cross into Mexico under any circum-
stances. The officers in command have
been ordered to preserve a strict neu-
traiity and to see that American citizens
do not expose themselves to unwarrant-
ed danger. 1t Is confidently expected in
administration circles that the Mexican
government and the commanders of the
insurgent forces win heed warning from
the president of the United States and
as far as the exigencies of war will per-
mtt choose their battle grounds with pro-
found respect for the rights of a neutral
power.
No reply has been received by the
state department to the representa- tons
oda 10 no cr0 oFf In IL
connection. but already assurance has
been received from the rebel commander
at Aqua Prieta that the Douglas incident
will not be repeated.
Officials are loath to discuss the acute
situation that would arise in case an
American town is again threatened. It
is made plain it would create a diplomat
ic incident that would Immediately be
referred to and dealt with by the presi-
dent direct.
As far as the customs situation at
Aqua Prieta is concerned, involving the
question of recognizing the control of
the revoIutionists there, official Wash
ington is awaiting developments. The
treasury department today telegraphed
the collector of the port Of Douglas for
a detailed report of the conditions at
that point and at the sister Mexican city
of Aqua Prieta.
receiving the close attention of the state
department. The administration, it Is
said. however. wiz await complete off,
cial reports before determining a line of
policy. Nothing has been decided on this
important phase of the question and, il
is pointed out. that all discussion of 1t
at the present stage is purely an acad-
emic one of international law.
The additional troops ordered to -Ari-
chuca. Nogales and Douglas, one squad
ron going to each of these points. Nogales,
like Douglas, is practically on the border
line, while Fort Huachuca lies about
midway between these two points, but
40 miles distant from the boundary. In
addition to the troops ordered directly
to Douglas. Captain Gaujot, command
ing the patroling force there. has beeE
given a free hand to call upon nearby
posts for assistance, If necessary.