The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1911-03-11
CAUSEOF WARCAME
Crisis in Mexico and Fear
of Rebels.
TAFT REASSURES DIAL
Belief That Fall Of Latter Was Pos
sible and Danger to Foreigners
Inspired Massing Of Troops
on Texas Border.

Washington, March l0.-There is
wonderful realism about the war
game" now in progress that Is start
ling and significant to those familiar
with the situation in Mexico and with
military affairs. and which. in The
popular mind, quite contradicts the
peaceful assurances that. diplOmati-
cally worded, come from the depart
ments.
II the country really expected to 20
to war at once no more feyerlsh
haste could be shown in getting the
troops. ships and munitions of war 10
the scene OF any expected trouble.
IL Is said that about the time OF the
return to Washington of Henry Lane
Wilson. ambassador OF the United
States to Mexico. the administration
received advices indicating increasing
unrest in Mexico and that the revolu-
ton. Notwithstanding assertions of
the Mexican government to the con
trary. had extended in many d.rec-
lions.
Ant.Ameriean Feeling In Mexico.
The whole country was said to be
in a condition made the more serious
by what was said to be precarious
state of the health Of President DiaZ.
There is known to be considerable
anti American feeling among the Mex
lean people generally. and II was
feared that developments at any mo-
ment might precipitate a chaotic con
dition. with probable demonstrations
against foreigners.
This state of affairs. it is said, was
discussed with deep concern at the
White House, with the result that a
suggestion was made that it would be
the part of forethought to concentrate
near the Mexican border a force suill-
cient to meet any situation which
might arise This movement was TO
take the form OF maneuyers, and all
parties to the plan sincerely hoped
that nothing else would be necessary
/ Nothing but maneuvers can be on
the program then, and maneuyers on
American soil exclusively. according
to this view of the situation. Mean
while accurate information as to the
real state of affairs in Mexico. espe
cially as to the health of President
Diaz. is awaited in Washington with
intense interest and no little concern.
Taft's Message to Diaz.
President Taft sent to President
Diaz the following telegram:
Il have the honor to advise your
excellency that | am in receipt Of in
structions from my government d.
recting me to inform his excellency
/ President Diaz, through the medium
OF your excellency, that the president
Of the United States wishes TO ex-
press the hope that no misapprehen-
sion will result from unfOunded and
sensational newspaper conjectures as
to the military maneuvers about to
take place in Texas and elsewhere
and to give to President Diaz assur-
ance that the maneuvers have no sig
nificance which should cause concern
to tho friendly neighbors of the Unit
ed States to the south"
To the foregoing General Diaz re-
piled. through Minister Creel and the
American embassy, acknowledging re-
ceipt and expressing gratitude FOR
the courtesy of explaining In such ex'
plicit terms" the situation.
Diaz's Death Would Mean Anarchy.
Just what would happen in Mexico
If the death of President Diaz was to
be announced now no official in Wash
lngton would undertake to predict,
nor under any circumstances discuss
it. But 1t is undoubtedly one of the
possibilities which make 1t desirable
TO have an army division close at
hand In Texas to deal with any con-
tingency which may arise.
The general impression is that If
President Diaz's death should be an
nounced it would mean general de-
moralization in Mexico, with conse-
quent grave danger to American in
terests there.
Another reason for having plenty
of troops along the border is the de-
STABILITY of making certain that DO
further supplies Of arms or munitions
90 across the line from the United
States into Mexico 1t was said at the
White House that this reason in itself
was not enough ITO justify the mobili-
cation Of General Carriers division.
In addition to the 10000 regular
troops now on their way to Texas, the
staff and line officers Of the militia
throughout the country, 5000 in num-
Der, will be invited to go to Texas
and witness the maneuvers. The mill
tia organizations themselves will not,
II is expected, be called into the war
game, and the officers Of the state or
CARNATIONS will not all be at the head
quarters m San Antonio at the same
time.