The Washington herald., 1914-03-04
NEW WARNING ISSUED
BY STATE DEPARTMENT

The efforts of the State Department In
the Mexican situation are now being
directed toward changing Gen. Carranza's
obstructive attitude toward the actions OF
the United States in the interests OF other
nations in Mexico.
Carranza's position is now pronounced
impossible by this government. until ne
has yielded TO what Is regarded as reason,
the attention of the State Department
will be concentrated on that phase OF the
Mexican problem. The principle involved
is considered sufficiently important to
overshadoy all other considerations at
present
An unofficial warning to Mexican leaders
that they are being watched by the
United States was issued yesterday. The
administration, II is understood, hopes to
impress upon the leaders of the constitu-
tionaIists the necessity of so conducting
themselves that they will be eligible for
the Endorsement of the United states
for high place when the reorganization
of the Mexican government is effected.
By this means also il is hoped to instill
in their hearts greater respect for
American life and property in Mexico,
and that of foreigners generally. The
warning is accompanied by the statement
that the United States intends hereafter
to be more strict and vigorous in en-
forcing its requirements upon the respon-
sfbIe leaders of the revolution.
The ''disciplining'' of Carranza can be
done more easily because of Sir Edward
Grey's statement to the House Of Com
mons that since the British government
cannot charge the United States with re-
sponsibility for the fact of Bentons
execution, it cannot ask II to resort to
force to administer justice, together with
his admission of the total impracticabil
ity of Great Britain resorting to the use
of force in Mexico.
The gratifying effect of Sir Edward
Grey's moderate speech in the House was
heightened by the presence in Washing
ton of Sir Lionel Garden, British Minis
ter to Mexico, who came to this city en-
route TO London to call upon President
Wilson. The call was suggested by Am
bassador Spring-Rice, and has been gen.
orally understood to be for the purpose
of emphasizing Great Britain's genuine
friendIiness for the United States in re-
gard to Mexico. and to dispel the un-
fortunate impression in Washington that
Sir Lionel is a bitter anti-American in
f1uence in Mexico City. Sir Lionel was
presented to Secretary Bryan briefly yes
terday by Ambassador Spring-Rice, and
met him again at dinner last night at
the British Embassy. He spent an hour
John Bassett Moore at the State De-
partment. and at six had an interview
with the President Neither the embassy
nor the White House would discuss the
conference between the President and
Sir Lionel, but it was understood be-
. forehand that the conversation would
take only such turn as desired by the
President with regard TO Mexican mat
tiers.
No sympathy from Agents.
The United States proposes to negotiate
with Gen. Carranza through George c
Carothers, of the consular. service and
row engaged in special work on the
Mexican border. Mr.. Carothers has gone
to Nogales from FL Paso to see Gen.
Carranza. As soon as he arrives. IT is
understood that the representations ~
which IL is expected to bring about
change in Carranza's attitude will begin
1t developed yesterday that in its de-
termination to effect virtual withdrawal
by Carranza from the position set forth
in his notes. the United States will enjoy
the assistance of the Washington agen-s
Of the Mexican revolution. This assistance
will not come from any solicitation by
the State Department, but because the
Washington representatives of Carranza
consider that their chief erred grossly
in his attempts to force the United
States and Great Britain.
Had Carranza acted in accordance with
the suggestions of his diplomatic advis-
ers here he would have made an an
nouncement quite contrary to the state
ment he actually did make. to the effect
that he would not recognize the right of
the United States to act as the next
friend of Great Britain ard that his
rslsjcsiy's government must deal with
him. His advisers, both in Washington
and on the borde- urged him before
tire ScnGinG Of his notes to Secretary
Bryan 20 announce that he would assume
responsibility for Villas execution OF
Benton, and that he. as chief of the rev.
olGtion, would make such reparetion as
might in reason be duo Great Britain.
That Great Britain. and also Spain.
which is involved through the killing
m m