The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1915-08-11
CONFERENCE FAILS TO ACT,
SCOTT STARTS FOR
MEXICAN BORDER TO CON-
FER WITH VILLA.
Agree With Wilson's
Plan-COnfcrencc Decides Upon
Form of Note to BE Addressed to
Mexican People.


means to restore peace to Mexico ad-
journed today after having developed |
no divergence Of opinion as to it's gen.
eral purpose, but leaving undecided
the exact course to be pursued. 1t
will probably reassemble in New
York probably early next week.
Meanwhile the Latin-American dip
lomats will communicate with their
governments, and Secretary Lansing
will confer with President Wilson.
1t was reported tonight that the
general form Of the final appeal to the
factional leaders had been agreed up
on by the cOnferees and adjournment
taken while Mr.. Lansing laid it be-
fore the president. The secretary was
said to be at work on a draft of the
appeal tonight, in consultation with
Secretary Lane, who is kept in close
touch with the Mexican situation. The
appeal will be addressed to the Mex
lean people. Copies will be presented
to the various Mexican leaders, to
the governors of the Mexican states,
without regard to the faction they
represent, and also be circulated
throughout Mexico by American and
atin-American consular officers,
bearing the ratification of all South
and Central American governments.
Two days Of conferences and hear
ing reports have brought all the parti-
cipants in accord with President Will
sons general plan, which is promised
on the fact that the great majority of
the people Of Mexico desire peace,
which to be lasting must go beyond
consideration Of those who have fur
thered their plans through force of
arms.
| The cOnferees were impressed that
while the armed forces are in position
to keep the country in a state of tur-
moil. they are, nevertheless, only
|
Mexico.
| While all the participants are in
sympathy with the presidents plan to
induce the military factions to enter
another peace conference and have
signified their willingness to cooperate
with it to the fullest extent, the South
Americans are not sanguine of success
unless some way can be found for the
elimination of the military leaders
and the recognition of all classes in
Mexico.
1t is realized that there are ques-
tions Of vast moment, when consider
ed in the light of Mexicos internation-
al obligations and the responsibilities
OF the nations which are preparing to
sponsor her rehabilitation, that cam
not be determined in any brief confer
ences, but must be the subject of de-
liberation.
| Foremost is the extent to which the
claims of the military chiefs shall be
considered, and what concessions be-
tween them can be arranged. One de-
lVelopment which emphasized that
feature was the dispatch tonight Of
Major Gen. Scott, chief Of staff of
the army, to the Mexican border to
confer with Gen. Villa.
The war department refused to COM
ment on Gen. Scott's mission, and It
was said there that no statement
would be made by the State depart
ment. After conference between
Gen. Scott and Secretary Lansing and
Acting Secretary Breckenridge, of the
war department, it was said the gem
eral was going to readjust the Ameri-
can forces in the light Of recent de-
velopments which have threatened at-
tacks on border towns. 1t was gen.
orally believed, however, that Gen.
Scott in whom Gen. Villa has express-
ed confidence, and to whom he often
has turned for advice, will outline to
the northern chieftain the need OF
consideration for the other factions.
Ihis was taken to indicate that some
or the cOnferees were impressed that
the military successes and the extent
or territory conquered by Gen. Car
rama would entitle him to a greater
measure of consideration than Gen.
| villa has been inclined to admit.
Another point is the extent to which
the business and industrial element,
sometimes called the Cientificos. must
be taken into consideration. 1t is
being urged in their behalf that most
or them have not been identified with
any military activity. A preliminary
conference at the Argentine embas.
sy, which was attended by Eduardo
lturpide, former governor Of the Fed