The Sentinel=record., 1912-02-27
SENATE IS
 BEHIND TAFT
PROPOSED ACTION WILL GIVE PRESIDENT AUTHORITY TO lN-
 WADE IF NECESSARY.
Speculation as to Mexico's Attitude if 1t Becomes Necessary to Send United States Troops Across
 Border Into Mexico.

 Washington, Feb 26.--General tur- bulence in Northern Mexico. menac- ing the lives and interests of Ameri- cans along the border. drew from the government at Washington today q definite plan for sef-proteetlon.
 Captain Mahlen Craig, of the geS1- eral staff was ordered from San Francisco to investigate conditions in the Imperial valley and along the California border Two companies of the Fourth cavalry were dispatched to Douglas and one company to Nogales, two points in Arizona, which suffer ed during the last revolution.
 To the Texas border were sent no more troops, but reports from Fl Paso gave war department officials dis. quleting day. At first there were ru- mors of actual fighting, but later they proved 10 be grcundless, though fore shadowng the maneuvers Of the rebel forces in the vicinity of Juarez. Admittedly there are complications, both foreign and domestic. which ham per forcefuls action by this govern ment. To relieve this condition some what, Senator Stone introduced today resolution similar to one which he presented last May, designed to give
 
 to the president authority to send troops across the border to prevent firing into American territory. As for diplomatic entanglements that might result from such an action, state department officials have been giving careful attention 10 precedents so as to meet any protests from the Mexican government.
 Senator Stone gave notice that he would speak tomorrow on his resolu- ton and would press it's consideration by the senate. He Is understood to be acting iii cooperation with the white house.
 President Taft is in constant touch with the situation through war depart ment and state department officials. The administration would not well come an issue that might force it to send troops across the line, not only because of any indisposition to exer- else such a power against friendly nation, but also of regard for the safety of Americans in Mexico, who it is feared, might be objects of at tack by those inflamed at what might appear to them to be an invasion.
 The United States considers. how ever that an unusual situation is in- volved. Forces have been landed in other countries to protect American life and property whes1 local authori- ties appeared incapable of doing so in spite of protects of revolutionary factions, but not in defiance of the protests of the titular government The question in this case, which. 1t is believed, may arise at any moment dt Li Fd6O dttu CAHEH HtiC ot1ft6 thV border. is whether the dispatch of troops into Mexico merely 10 stop firing 'nto American territory would constitute an act of war from the viewpoint of President Madero. Amer ican troops would. it is said. simply prevent firing and restore order. re- tiring when that had been accom- plished
 There was talk today among gov- ernment officials about the expedI- ency of creating neutral zone aicng the international line. but the diff culty is that while the Mexican gov ernment might consent. the rebels without head or organization. might not respect it.
 Reports to the state department showed serious condition of affairs at Tlanhualilo. stnte of Durango. and in the Laguna district. Robbers have devastated many large estates. Vary ing reports came from Southern Mex. leo giving no light as to whether the . government or insurgent forses had the upper hand.