The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-08-13
sTATE DEPARTMENT. MOVES
TO FORWARD MEXICAN PEACE.

least disturbed by reports of an ap-
parent Misunderstanding between the
governments OF the United States and
those Of LAtin-America with which II
Ia cooperating in regard to Mexico.
the State Department today prepared
to dispatch at once the appeal to tho
people of Mexico to unite for the SAL
walton OF their country. The mes
sage. addressed to Mexican factional
leaders. generals and governors OF
states. will go forward from the state
Deartment as soon as the names ana
addressed of those to whom 1t is to be
communicated have been accurately
compiled. 1t win bear the signatures
of the representatives of the United
States, Argentina. Brazil. Chilli, Bolivia,
Uruguay and Guatemala, who particle
pated In the recent conferences.
In reference to the statement of the
Argentinian government to Carranxa--
that II Joined the Washington con-
ferences with the understanding that
all idea of Intervention in Mexico, par
ticuiarly armed Intervention, was to
be eliminated from consideration, Of
ficials of the State Department assert
ed that there was no understanding
whatever with respect to the con-
ferences.
This conflict of statement. 1t was
explained. Is more apparent than real.
1t was pointed out that the conference
has never attempted to take up the
ultimate situation in Mexico; II has
merely been a gathering for discus
sion of possible steps In aid of the
restoration of peace. These discussions
have resulted in the agreement that IL
would be a good thing for all the gov
ernments severally to appeal to the
Mexicans to unite, and also, that 1t
would probably be wisest to follow up
such an appeal by bestowing recogni-
ton and a strong support upon those
elements in Mexico which responded
favorably. There has been no discus
sion, 1t is stated, of what may or may
not come after such measures. and
that. therefore the question of inter-
ference in Mexican affairs. or armed
Intervention. has never been under
consideration for a moment.
Believe In Plans Efylciency.
1t may be further stated that what
ever may be the opinion In unofficial
quarters, as to the chances of the
conference plan resulting in restoring
peace In Mexico, there is no doubt
about the firm belief of the admins
tration in the plan. Officials are conf
dent that government can be created
Nha khcAl&O ny tnc
power of recognition OF the United
States and the IAtin-American gov
ernments. They believe that the forces
OF those who refuse to cooperate for
peace will melt away after the dis
FAVOR or the other governments has
been tNrned on them, particularly
when this disfavor is supported by
such measures as arms EN- bargoes,
etc.
Similarly 1t Is the conviction of the
administration that the sending OF this
appeal for union In Mexico. with the
action with which Il is planned to
| supplement 1t. Is the main fact Of inn
portance in the Mexican situation to-
day The troubles at Vera Cruz, and
the disturbances in Texas, and along
| the border. they regard as wholly
subordinate to the main issue, and will
not permit these developments to alter
any detail OF procedure agreed upon
with the Latin-Amerfcans
According to all reports. Vera Cruz
IS quiet and Carranza has assured full
protection to all foreigners In that. or
any other city. under his control The
governor Of the State of Vera Cruz has
stated that the meetings labelled as
anti-Amerfcan demonstrations were
merely manifestations of popular APP
proval OF Carranxa's course
Carranza VIII Hold Firm.
| 1t is now accepted here as a fore
gone conclusion that Carranza will re-
fuse to respond to the appeal from
Washington. and that the United
States will be compelled to take up
| villa and Zapata, the leaders of the
two chief groups opposed to the Car
ranzistas. This is a prospect not al
together satisfactory, but it Is hoped
that with villa and Zapata will come
other leaders SO as to afford an OPP
portunity for considerable range
from the choice of a provisional presi-
dent II Is recognized that these
groups will be in the minority. az OPP
posed to Carranza. but the real hope
on which the Administration Ia count
Ing for success of its plan. 10 that Car
ranza's followers will desert him In
large numbers. and that thus his
illumination from the syesaation will be
brought about.
villa is already most agreeable, hav-
ing taken up what he understands TO
be the United States plan and sug-
gesting some additions to II. He has
now proposed. through talks with Gem
eral Scott and Consular Agent Caroth-
ers. that three months truce be
established. during which q convention
shall assemble for the choice OF pro-
visional government. He suggests
that during this period all communica-
lions In Mexico be opened up. thus af-
lfording an opportunity OF extending
material relief to distressed regions
and a resumption of Industrial agri-
cultural activities. That any leader
or faction not joining in the peace
convention and truce shall be cut of
from communication, and denied all
supplies from the United States ID
Villas proposal for making his plan
effective. This. of course, is aimed At
/ Carranza. Villa says he can guar
antee that zapata will agree to such q
| plan.
Consideration Of Villas suggestion
| has not been taken up yet at the
State Department. Nothing OF the
sort had been asked from him.