Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1913-12-02
American Border Commander
Sees No Hope for EARLY
Peace in Mexico, He Tells
Government,
WILLIAM BAYAR0 HALE
REACHES WASHINGTON
Admiral Fletcher Informs War
Department That Foreign
interests Are Safe in Oil
Fields Near Tampico,

Washington Dec. How the
American border patrol has founi
it well nigh impossible Go enforce the
emhargo against the shipment of
arms and ammunition into McNico
was described In detailed report from
Hrigadier General bliss. commanding
the forces on the border. made public
today at the war department. Prao-
ically the entire population along the
international line, the report said. is
In sympathy with the Mexican rebels
and as the result large quantities OF
war munitions have been smuggled
across In spite Of the uneeasing Wig
ilance Of the troopers.
General nliss complained OF the
vagueness of the law, saying that tho
instructions to the army are
are general and that too mueh
of task was Imposed upon
tho troopers and junior officers.
lie recommended that two OF the best
equipped officers Of the governments
legal force be sent down to travel
along the line and decide ques-
tionH of doubtful rights aud powers.
In this connection the general re-
ferred Go instructions sent TO him last
juno TO hold troops in readiness TO go
GO the aid Of the threatened American
consular representative at piedras
Negraa For several days the gem
eral pointed out, the question OF pos
aiblo peace oi Wnr rested entirely
upon the discretion OF this consul. as
e was a foregone conclusion that the
American soldiers would have to fight
their way into Mexico II the Necessity
of protecting the consul had arisen
Tho necessity Of keeping a consld-
erahle portion of the United states
army on the border for an Indefinite
period was fofeeasted IA the report.
General Bliss who has been on the
line since the beginning OF the Madera
revolution called attention to the ful.
fllment Of his prediction that the
breaking up OF Orozco's army last
teor Into small bands would not re-
store peace, because the large lawless
element among the troops would not
consent to return to ordinary voca-
tions
This attitude the report saii.
especially characterized the leaders
and forces Ia the state Of chihuahua
These are the forces that have always
been populary known as rel flag
gers Their leaders preach the dis
trlbuton Of land and wealth gener.
ally and apparently have small con-
Germ with any other mctor of the rev
oution
"a consideration Of these facts ia
Of interest as thoy suggest another
forecastlng of the future The con
dltions across tho border which lead
TO one successful revolution unfortu-
naiely seem always 20 point the way
to q counter revolution. II this he
the case, the first reasonable hope
of continued peace will come when
an established government proves
strong enough to crush the counter
revolution The preyolenee OF the
present conditions means the contin-
ued occupation Of the border by
strong force Of troops The success or
the present revolution viii probably
mean the indefinite continuance of
this occupation In anticipation OF the
counter revolution. when a counter
revolution is thoroughly crushed Cat
least In the northern stateO and the
established government can occupy
and hold its border towns, normal
conditions win be restored and dis
trihution of our troops viii be pos
sible"
This was another day of Inactivity
for Washington, at least on the sur
face IN the diplomatic treatment OF
the Mexican situation. Rumors of the
0f General Huefa.
later contradicted, created considera-
Bile interest i'm offieial circles.
William Hale, who had been confer
ring with General Carran1a and his
chiefs at Nogales. re.
turned today and had long talk with
Secretary Bryan. He VIII sec Presl-
dent Wilson on Wednesday and sup
pIement the reports he already has
made on the character and personal
ty Of the constitutlonallst chiefs and
The purposes Of their movement
Mr. Hale declined 70 discuss his
mission 10 the border but it is UNDER
tood from authoritative quarters that
he sought no formal understanding
With the constitutionalsts on behalf
# the United States government and
merely made inquiry as TO what the
intended to do in
'ertain contingencies.
Rear Admiral Fletcher reported to
he navy department today his sue
iess in ensuring protection Of foreign
interests in the oil fields near the gulf
'oast Of Mexico without any Irritating
display Of force. + Was not made
lear Just how the American naval of
icer had managed TO set IN touch
With General Aguilar. the rebel leader