Evening star., 1912-09-09
PATROLS STRENGTHENED
BY ADDITIONAL CAVALRY
Other Troops in West Ready to Be
Moved at Hours Notice.
GEN. SALAzAR CAUSES WORRY
Rebel Leader Believed to Be Plan
ming Another Raid-Arms for
Beleaguered Americans Or
dered Held UP.

The tensity of the situation
along the Mexican border was re-
flected here today by the contin-
uation OF preparations for any
emergency. principally the posi-
bilitv OF President Taft calling a
special session OF Congress to
pass upon the question OF inter
vention.
With the border patrols
strengthened by additional caval-
~. and other troops practically
upon their arms at posts through
out the west ready to move at
an hours notice to supplement
the forces on the Arizona and
New Mexico frontier, War De-
partment officials felt they had
the situation well in hand for the
present, but were apprehensive OF
the next move OF the rebel Gen.
Salazar. encamped within sight
OF the United States troops, pro-
testing he meant no harm, but
believed to be planning another
raid into American territory.
Rebels Threatening Torreon.
Coincident with the news received by
the army officials. the State Department
also received word that the situation was
becoming increasingly difficult The reb-
els were reported to be gaining strength
rapidly in Coahuila and Guanajuata and
20 be threatening the city of Torreon.
The rumor that the revolutonists were
concentrating and We're preparing to at
tack Mexico City itself considered
serious enough to be reported to the
United States government.
The reported victory or the federal
troops at Nacozari, in which the rebels
We're said to have been virtually wiped
out. was discredited in a dispatch to the
War Department from Gen. Schuyler In
his report that officer said it was gener-
ally accepted that the rebels had been
paid a considerable sum by the Nacozari
Railroad Company to leave the vicinity.
1t was added that a considerable number
of Americans still remain in the Mormon
colony at that place. and refuse to leave
Until ordered to do so by their bishop.
Armed Cowboys on Border.
In anticipation of the expected raid by
Salazar. Maj. Rice. with three troops of
cavalry. is in camp within a short dis
tance of the rebel leader. Outposts have
been established by both sides Under
orders Maj. Rice has concentrated his
command. but the border is being pa
trolled by armed cowboys, who are act
ing as scouts.
Gen Steever reported that Lieuts. john
son, Boone and Wagner in charge of pa
t'olling parties, had met Salazar near
iangs Ranch and converSed with him
according 10 them SalaZar protested that
he meant no harm TO Americans and that
he was not with his men on the occa-
sion OF the raid on Culberson's Ranch
Gen. Steever naiyely added however that
johnson does not believe the statement
Gen. Murray. commanding the western
division, also reported that the situa lion
In the western part of Mexico was far
from satisfactory. He has instructed Gen
Schuyler to utilize all the troops now at
liuachuca, Ariz., and has dispatched two
troops or cavalry TO Apache. Ariz 10
strengthen the patrol Gen. Murray also
Indicated that more troops were needed
and suggested that part of the 9th Caval-
~. now on the way from Fort D. A. Rus
sell. wyoming, be assigned to his COM
mand-
Arms Held Up for Safety.
Arms and ammunition which President
Taft authorized exported to Mexico for
use OF Americans In danger from rebels In
Cananea have been ordered held m AT
Douglas. Ariz., until there are assurances
that they Will not fall into the hands OF
the rebels.
The arms will be held at Douglas
until the railway south as far as
Nacozari is clear of rebels. or until
the Mexican government is able to
furnish a guard to insure the safety
OF the arms.
II Is expected here that the imme-
diate effect Of rebel interference with
: the railroad will be to hasten the ex-
ira session OF the Mexican senate 70
authorize the sending of troops out of
Mexico and across New Mexico and
Arizona TO Chihuahua and Sonora.
Gen. Steever. in command of the
American border patrol, reports his
raiders.
Usual Reports in Order.
The news that President Taft consid-
ers the Mexican situation a grave one
and has given thought to tine expediency
Of putting il up to Congress is expected
10 bring out the usual crop OF reports of
troops under orders to move and plans
completed by the general staff of the
army for campaigning in Mexico.
The general staff has complete plans
for any such emergency. Should it arise
some War Department official could tele-
graph a sheaf of orders that would put
an army ahorse and afoot In battle ar
ray.
So IL is perfectly proper to say the
War Department is ready to invade Mex
leo at a moments notice. But ii Is no
more ready to invade Mexico than 1t is
To- repel invaders from across the ocean.
Ii has standing orders with the princt-
pal railroads and steamship lines by
which II can begin moving an army with
in twenty-four hours. IL has ready Tor
instant transportation the supplies anc
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