The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1911-03-09
Practically All Of tho Force
Of 10000 Men Now
on the Way.
NOT SOLELY A WAR GAME
But Is Also q Demonstration TO
0verawe tho Revolutlonlsts
In Mexico.

WASHINGTON. March s-The situation
which has resulted in The sudden move
ment Of 10000 troops toward the Mexican
frontier and the hurrying Of 1000 marines
and five warships to the Gulf Is gradually
unfolding itself. OfYlcials Of the War and
Navy departments still contended to-day
that the mobilization Of one-quarter Of
the entire regular army along the Mexican
line is for the purpose Of holding joint
army and navy war games. but the fact
that it 10 intended chiefly a. a military
demonstration for the protection Of
American and other foreign properties
in Mexico is already becoming more csr-
tain.
There Is, however. another considera-
ton which influenced the President and
his advisers to order this impressive force
to the Mexican frontier. It was learned
to-day that Mexico about two weeks ago
formally protested to the State Depart
ment that the American side OF the divid-
ing line was not being properly patrollsd.
The contention OF the Mexican Govern
ment was that the revolutionists had
been able to use the American side a. .
were OF course powerless to invade Ameri-
can territory.
This protest on the part Of Me1ico has
undoubtedly been considered in connec-
ton with the desire OF this Government
to indicate its disposition to insure the
protection Of foreign property in Mexico
in the event of the Diaz Government fall
ing to cope with the situation.
1t is appar ent from to-day's develop.
ments that tho extraordinary movemsnt
OF troops to the Mexican border ID purely
. precautionary measure. At present
the United States has no intention Of
crossing the frontier into Mexico. Tho
purpose of sending the troops into Texas
is merely to have them available in the
event Of contingency endangering
American or other foreign interests in
Mexico. Also the mobilization 10 in.
tended to forestall any formal representa-
tions by European Governments. BY its
activity the United States tacitly noti-
fies the European Powers that 1t stands
ready to protect foreign property II the
Diaz Administration fails in it's duty.
This is undoubtedly the Interpretation
put upon the action Of the War and Navy
by the representatives Of
foreign Governments in Washington.
To sum up the situation. the United
States is massing two-thirds of the entire
regular army now in the country along
the Mexican border for the purpose Of
awing the Mexican revolutionists. OF
putting the United States forces In .
position to act in tho event Of an emer-
gency and Of quieting any apprehension
that foreign Governments may have had
Of their interests in Mexico
A denial was made to-day by officers
II the British Embassy that any formal
had been made to the
state Department in regard to the Mexi.
IAN situation by Ambassador Bryce.
There is still strong impression in WASH
ngton. however that the British Am
has discussed the Mexican
situation informally with officers Of tho
state Department and that the protest OF
he Pearson syndicate. a British concern.
against the protection afforded its prop
'rty by the Diaz Government had some-
hing to do with the final decision on the
,art Of the United States authorities to
ush troops toward the Mexican frontier.
The proposed army and navy man.
euvres are of course merely incidental
o the main purpose. They afford a con-
enient cloak for covering the fact that
he United States Government is not at all
] armed over the situation in Mexico.
'lans are being pushed now for these
nanPuvres and they will be carried
through in great detail il nothing mora
erious diverts the attention of the forces.
Further evidence was obtained to-day
{ the fact that Henry Lane Wilson, the
Inted States Ambassador TO Mexico,
nsde gloomy report to the State Depart
lent in his conferences here on the situa-
ION in Mexico, and there is no longer
oom for doubt that what he said had a
ood deal to do with tho sudden decision
{ the army and navy authorities to con-
eptrate force near the Mexican frontier
One of the principal developments in
ne situation to-day was the announce
ient by Major-Gen. Leonard Wood.
hief of staff, that he will personally 90
, San Antonio, where headquarters of
le division will he. This means that
on, Wood will himself be in charge dur
x part of the war manpuvres. He
All not decided tonight when he would
ave Washington for Texas, but probably
OF until the war games are we'll under
ay. Yesterday he was Of the opinion
,at he would he OF greater service IL
'ash,ngton. but apparently has changed
is mind.
In addition 10 the 20 900 regular troops
ow on their way to Texas. the STAFF and
no officers Of the militia throughout the
,untry. 5000 in number, will bs invited
J go to Texas and witness the mansu.
res. Tho militia organizations them
'lves will not. IL Ia expected, he called
to the war game. and the officers of the
late organizations will not all be at the
in San Antonio at tho sams
-ANn - L. l.