The Washington times., 1913-02-13
American Militia
In City Of Mexico
May Assume Charge

That the City of Mexico may at any
! time pass under the control of an Amer
lean military force, which is already in
| the city. Is the striking statement made
today by public men who are in close
touch with developments.
1t is even possible tnat, in a condi-
ton of acute anarchy. the control of the
city might be turned over to this force
on demand of the united powers.
About three years ago the Americans
in Mexico City, anticipating that at
almost any time the present condition
might arise. organized the American
Protective Association. They obtained
the approval of the American ambas-
sador and the authorization of the Mex
ican authorities.
This force, now numbering from 1000
to loo men, was divided into sections
or companies of 100 each. The members
of each company had a fixed place Of
rendezvous. sort of impromptu ar
mory, and general plans were made for
cooperation under a single authority.
Strictly Military.
The organization has been perfected
along strictly military lines. The men,
bers have elected officers, most of
whom are experienced soldiers. Mauser
rifles were obtained. with the consent
of the Mexican authorities. and regular
drills have been held, so that today
this body of Americans is widely be-
lieved to be the best equipped. drilled,
and most efficient BODY OF soldiery in
the capital
Its purpose is to police the city, or
any sections of it in which foreigners
may require protection, in the event
of revolutionary disturbances.
Within the last few months, the ten
sion being very high, this organization,
through the American State Depart
ment, obtained from the Madero gov
ernment authority to bring into the
CITY a large supply of ammunition and
some additional arms. As result
it is said that this American force Is
PREPARED for an extended period of
service.
May Save Day.
With the Diaz forces in control of
the arsenal, and the news dispatches
constantly suggesting the shortage Of
ammunition in possession of the Ma
derist forces, ICere is a feeling that
the Americanm ilitia may at almost
any hour prove to De the only organiZa-
ton able to do effective work toward
suppressing general anarchy
Since the outbreak of Saturday night,
the American patrols have been guard
ing the quarters in which foreigners
chiefly reside. Thus far they have not
been confronted with the necessity %
undertaking the vastly bigger task of
imposing order and peace on the entire
city. But it is declared that this ne
cessity may arise at almost any time.
1t would be no surprise, therefore,
TO people who are most intimate with
conditions at the capital. if in some
sudden turn of affairs, Mexico might
pc turned over, by agreement of the
opposing Mexican factions. or under
pressure Of international demand, to
the control of this American force. and
become practically. an American gar
risoned town. 1t would be a situation
unique in International relationships.
Pve years of guerrilla warfare. extend
ing into the mountain fastnesses of
Mexico. with an American army Of up
ward of 2500o0 necessary. is what inter-
vention in Mexico means to the United
States, according to the statement Of
Frederick L. Huidekoper, noted military
expert today.
Declaring that the United States, to
maintain the Monroe doctrine, is an
swerable for all violations of the code of
international law in Mexico, Huide-