Evening star., 1912-09-08
BUT HOLD INTERVENTION
NEARER NOW THAN EVER
Would Ask Authority of Congress
If Necessity Arose.
MORE TROOPS GO TO BORDER
Gen. Wood Authorized to Send Two
Regiments South-Madero
Notified to Afford .Ameri-
cans Better Protection.

although President Taft will
not intervene in Mexico without
the fullest deliberation upon a
step that would mean war his
friends declared tonight that in
tervention is nearer than it has
been since the first American
troops were rushed to the border
eighteen months ago. 1t can be
stated on the highest authority.
however. that should the Presi-
dent decide that intervention IS
the only course open to him he
will convene Congress i'll special
session and demand OF it the au-
thority to send the American
army acros the border.
Under no circumstances, he
told his friends, would he do an
unfriendly act against Mexico
without consulting Congress.
Reluctant to Make Move.
Friends of the President realize that he
would give the order to invade Mexico
only with the greatest reluctance. They
are aware that it already has been
charged by senator's that the President
might send the army across the hne'
make himself war President and rely
upon that to bring victory to himself and
The republican party in November.
Mr.. Taft has said that such statement
is utterly without foundation, has de-
clared to his advisers that 1t would be
hard to conceive of a President who
would use his Office to throw the country
into war that experts have predicted
could not end in less than two years.
that would cost millions. that would
mean the sacrifice of thousands of lives
and ruin for years TO come the basis o!
this nations friendship with the Central
and South American republics
More Cavalry to Border.
The President has authorized Gen
Leonard Wood, chief of staff, L. S. A.,
10 dispatch two more regiments OF
cavalry to the Texas border. The regi-
ments will be sent from Fort Riley, Kan,
and Fort d. A. Russell. Wyo. So far
as the President was informed there will
in Texas, but conditions along that bOr-
der have grown worse in the last few
weeks.
1t is in the southern part of Mexico.
however, that the President has learned
of intolerable conditions affecting Amer
leans. There the Madero government,
according to the Washington information.
is utterly unable to cope with the revoiu-
tionists and there seems to be little pros
pect that the situation will improve.
The President within the past few
days has communicated demand that
President MaderO be more active in
the protection of Americans. He is
hopeful that this reminder, meant for
the ears of the Mexican president and
for the Mexican foreign office, as well,
will be fruitful of results in both
southern and northern Mexico.
Particularly Bad in South.
The situation south of the Mexican
capital is regarded particularly
dangerous To Americans because the
revolutionists there apparently have
much less fear OF an American in
vasion than their brothers in the north.
The only feasible plan for protection Of
Americans in the south. Mr.. TAFT has
been told. would be to send troops to
some gulf port of Mexico.
The trouble Is in the interior, and
the landing of troops in Mexican
port would mean intervention and war.
There is no such opportunity In the
in force and thereby instil respect for
the United States as there has been
along the Texas frontier. Only one
solution of the problem has been put
forward and that is Intervention. Mr..
Taft Is still hopeful. however. that
President Madero will improve condi-
tions so that such step will not need
be taken
Aqua Prieta. the Mexican town opposite
Douglas. awaits attack tomorrow by
more than AN rebels who are marching
toward the border. Couriers. arriving to-
day from a point fifty miles to the south.
report that the rebels looted the Gaba-
londo ranch, taking 4o0 horses and arms
and provisions.
and early today started for Aqua Prieta
their leader, Inez Salazar, avowing his
intention to attack the border town.
Douglas Would Be in Danger.
ONLY street separates Aqua Prieta
and Douglas, and in event of an attach
the American city would be in danger OF
stray bullets Aqua Prieta is protected
by only 100 federal troops and two ma
chine guns
Reinforcements. consisting Of 300 Yaqu
Indians, are reported to have left fol-
Nacozari by special train last night. The
Indians carried 1900 rounds OF ammun
tion and are well armed. They are re
ported to have reached Fronteras. whenc,
they will be compelled to march to Ma
cozari.
CANANEA Is MENACED;
AMERICAN TROOPERS