Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1915-08-13
MEXICAN SITUATION
NOW MORE SERIOUS
WHILE NATIONS APPEAL FOR
PEACE. UPRISING IL FEARED
IN TEXAS.

While representatives OF six South
American nations joined with the
United States this week in an appeal
to all the factions of Mexico, petition
ing them in the name of humanity
and national patriotism TO cease their
civil strife and assemble peace con-
ference, reports from Texas said that
practically every American citizen in
the three southernmost counties of
TeXas-Cameron, Hidalgo and Starr
is under arms in fear that the
overwhelming Mexican population of
the section may break out in racial
fight.
The appeal prepared by the differ
ent governments was not of joint
character, but identical, as an infor-
NAL but unanimous note, expressing
the views of their several govern
ments that the conditions of chaos in
Mexico had injured the prestige of the
nation abroad and supplicating the
Mexican leaders and generals to make
a supreme effort to bring together all
elements in the creation Of provi-
sional government that can be given
worldwide recognition.
Reserve Consideration OF Refusal.
Beyond this step the governments
did not 60, reserving until later date
consideration of the situation that
may be created by refusal of some
of the factions to participate in a
peace conference. There was no dis
cussion, in fact, of eventualities, not
withstanding that press dispatches re-
ported Carranza's outspoken objec-
lions to the Pan-American methods of
settling Mexico's struggle.
The assembled diplomats simply
took the view that when their
combined appeal is fully disclosed
to General Carranza, he will not
misunderstood their purpose or ac-
cuse them, as he has, of attempting
to interfere in the internal affairs Of
Mexico.
When the conference adjourned
there was a feeling Of optimism and
confidence that decisive step toward
restoring Mexico to her place in the
family of nations had been taken.
The appeal, which is brief and
courteously phrased, calls upon the
Mericans to consider the injurious eff
feet throughout the world which the
constant turbulence in Mexico has
caused, and suggests that peace con-
ference be held on neutral territory
in Mexico.
The governments signing it express
their willingness to act, if invited, in
any practicable way to assist in bring
ing the factions together for the con-
ference.
The communication will be given
the widest publicity throughout Mex
leo and will be delivered by the diplo-
matte and consular agents of the va
iAOuo 6ONOl ol6AdNO1y " IL
Replies are definitely asked for with
the hope being expressed that these
will be received within ten days after
the communication reaches the lead
ers, unless some Just cause for delay
presents itself.
Secretary Of State Lansing has
issued a statement explanatory Of the
purposes of the appeal, which in many
quarters had come to be interpreted
as the forerunner Of military inter-
vention.
All Oppose Intervention.
Not only had the Latin-American
diplomats made 1t clear that they
would object to such a course or
any that would impair .Mexico's SOW
ereignty. but President Wilson and
Secretary Lansing are equally anxious
that the present peace plan be accom-
panied by no physical act. For this
reason Mr.. Lansing took occasion at
the very outset Of the conference
to explain to the diplomats that the
U. 8. warship ordered to Vera
Cruz was sent for the protection of
and foreigners and to az
ford place of refuge and render
such assistance as may be necessary
II their lives are endangered.
Ultimately, If all peace plans fail,
ofilcials of the United States govern
ment realize that the interests of for
eigners may require more drastic
steps, but at present it can be stated
authoritatively that the plans under
contemplate the resto-
ration Of peace in Mexico by friendly
means, by using the power of recog-
milton to assist a government into |
being.
No steps Of any definite character
in the future have been finally deter
mined upon. Tentatively, however,