The Mena weekly star., 1912-04-18
UNITED STATES
 WARNS MEXICO Sends Forceful Note to Rebels and Federals That Maltreatment of |. $. Citizens Must Stop. Action Follows Insurgents Refusal to Spare Thomas Fountain
 Caught in Battle.
OBEY RULES OF WAR
Full Accounting Will Be Enforced if Demand Is Not Heeded-In- tervention Is Not Contemplat-
 cd, Says Acting Secretary.

Washington, April Warning
 has been issued by the United
 States to the Mexican government,
 as we'll as to pascual Orozco, chief
 of the revolutionary forces, that it expects and must demand that the American life and property within
 the Republic of Mexico be justly
 and adequately protected, and that this government must hold Mexico and the Mexican people responsible for all wanton or illegal acts sacri- flcing or endangerng American life or damaging American preporty in terests."
 The attitude of the United States as expressed to both the federal and rebel authorities is that any mal- treatment of American citizens will be deeply resented by the American government and people, and must be fully answered for by the Mexican people"
 Ambassador Wilson was ordered to communicate at once the views of the United States to tile Mexican minister of foreign affairs and a copy of his instructions was like wise sent to Letcher at Chihuahua, with special representation ad- dressed Co General Orozco. Orozco recently refused to recog- nize Letcher as the American con- sular representative, because the | United States withheld recognition of the rebel cause. The represen- tations to Orozco accuse him of the practical murder" of Thomas Fountain, an American gunner, en- listed with the federals, but sum- marily shot last week when taken prisoner by the insurrectos.
 Must Observe Rules of War.
 Though declining to justify par ticipation of Americans on either side, the United States expressly stipulates that American combat ants when taken prisoner must be given humane treatment i'll accord ance with the international rules of war.
 Relations between the two coun- tries, fl is believed, have been brought to a critical point by the state departments foreeful note to the contending factions in the southern republic, warning them against any misireatment of Ameri- cans.
 Just such a warning as this new one to Mexico preceded the Span ish-American war, eliminating in Mckinley's famous message refer ring to "intolerable conditions eN- isting al our doorway.
 Conditions in Mexico seem to he growing worse hourly.
 It is still hoped by administration officials, however, that Saturdays notes will have a sobering effect up- on the passions of the struggling factions.
 The next step must be taken by Mexicans, either through the rebel leader, Orozco, OF by President Ma dero, from whom some kind of an answer to the state departments representatives surely will be forthcoming.
 Actions speak louder than words was state department comment today in reference to Or ozco. Conditions throughout Mex ico-haye undoubtedly become much worse within the past week. The state departments advices from it's various agencies show that turbu- lence and violence had grown to formidable proportions. Conditions in the states of Michuacan, Pueblo and Morelos. forming q semi-eircle closely adjoining the state of Mex ico. are daily becoming worse. Similar reports come from the vast states of Sonora and Sinaloa. comprising most of the western boundary of Mexico. while the dis lurbanee in the state of Vera Cruz threatens Atlantic communication with the Mexican capital.