Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1914-12-10
Washington Finally Takes Mo-
tlce of Situation on Border
and Decides to End It, Re-
gardIeSS of Results.
ARTILLERY GOOD FOR
RANGE OF SIX MILES
Mexican Leaders Are Warned
of Consequences of Further
Outrages Against Americans
Across Boundary,

washington, Dec. 9.--If the con-
tending Mexican forces opposite Naco,
Ariz. do not cease firing into Ameri-
can territory, the three batteries Of
field artillery sent TO the international
line by President Wilson and Secre-
tary Garrison will be ordered TO re-
turn the fire.
Must Stop shooting Across Border
This is the determination of the
United states government. 1t became
known tonight after a full discussion
of the question by President Wilson
with his cabinet yesterday. No spc-
clflc orders have been given as yet
10 Brig. Gen. Tasker II. Bliss. who was
directed to proceed to Naco, with the
field artillery. but while he Is en-
route there, officials expect an an
swcr to the sharp warning which has
been given to General Maytorena,
commanding the villa troops, ana
General Hill of the Carranza forces,
that bullets and shells must not fall
on American soil. Similar warning
has been communicated to General
Carranza and General Villa.
No Aggression Contemplated
No act of aggression" is contem-
plated as was explained in a state
ment issued by the White House to-
day but officials draw 4 distinction
between aggressive and defensive ac-
tlon. For the eleven troops of cavalry
and three batteries of field artillery
10 cross the Mexican line or open fire
first would constitute an act OF ag-
erosion, but to remain on American
soil and return the fire Of the Mexi-
cans Is, in the opinion of high Off
cials, q measure OF defense fully JUS
titled under the circumstances and
not an act of war OF invasion.
Hauge of Artillery Six Miles.
Although IL Is not generally known,
Brig. Gen. Hugh Scott, now chief OF
staff Of the army. when In command
at El paso. Tex, a year ago placed MS
artillery In position along the Rio
Grande and delivered the same warn
ing, which was needed.
1t was explained at the war depart
ment that the range of the artillery
ordered to Naco is from five to six
miles. Shells could be gent over the
Mexican town, without lnjurlng the
residents. into the lines of the Mex
lean faction which insisted on firing
into American territory. This Is the
pun VI Ollftidfc 1tAOAAt Atf-fo
prove futile.
Constitutes a Precedent.
The action of the Washington gov
eminent constitutes a precedent for
the future and was taken to mean that
firing into American territory from
any point along the border would be
met by similar steps. Many telegrains
had come from Governor Hunt OF Ari-
iona and residents of Naco. telling
Of the injuries and deatlis resulting
from stray bullets and at yesterdays
cabinet meeting where the kilograms
were discussed, ii was understood that
the determination to put an end to
such occurrences was emphatically ex-
pressed.
ltafael Zubaran capmany, Carranza
agent here, issued q statement tonight
charging the Maytorena forces al
Naco With responsibility for the firing
across the border and challenging
Governor Maytorena on behalf of
General Hill. Carranza commander to
withdraw into the interior of Mexico
ior pitched battle.