The Washington times., 1915-09-17
WILL ASK ADMIRAL
TO EXPLAIN REPORT
Of Two. SALUTiS"
Carranzistas Claim American
Fleet Paid Honor to First
Chief.

Rear Admiral Mclean. commanding
the American squadron in east Mexi-
can waters. will be asked as to the
accuracy Of a statement issued today
by the t.arranza agency to the erect
that the flagship Louisiana. during
the Mexican independence day cele-
bration at Vera Cruz yesterday. not
only fred a salute to the national col
ors of Mexico. but a separate one in
terpreted as a salute to Carranza.
Inasmuch as this Government has
not recognized the first chief Of the
State and Navy departments were
was true.
Statement of Agency.
The statement of the agency was as
follows:
"A cablegram received at the conf
dental agency of the Mexican govern
ment from Vera Cruz says: lndepen-
great enthusiasm. First Chief Carran-
Ia reviewed a military parade OF the
! forces garrisoned at Vera Cruz. snu the
ceremony was witnessed by a huge
crowd. The celebration throughout the
city was general. The prohibition de-
cree forbidding the sale of alcoholic
stimulants during the holiday period
was rigldly enforced. with the resAH:
that absolute order prevailed.
The United States battleship LouisI-
ana was decorated with flags In honor
of the occasion, and flew the red white
| and green emblem of Mexico at the
main truck. She fired national salutes.
At the agency it was stated that the
actual wording Of the cablegram was
that the batteship had fired two
salutes' and for that reason 1t was as.
flag and the other to Carranza.
Directions of Department.
At the Navy Department 1t was ex-
planned that early in the Mexican trou-
BILE American naval commanders were
directed to salute the Mexican flag on
proper occasions. but as a tribute to
faction. 1t Is doubted. therefore, that
Mclean saIuted Carvanza separately.
such action being tantamount. naval
officers admitted. to q formal recogni-
ton Of the first chief as head OF the
Mexican government.
DISPATCHES received at the State De-
partmcnt today from Piedras Negras
declared that Nillista forces, evacuating
Mezauiz and heading for Chihuahua had
looted two American ranches. carrying
off all horses and cattle. The Amer
lean owners were not injured as TAR
as could be learned.
Commenting on the situation in north
ern Mexico In the territory controlled
| by villa. Secretary Lansing admitted
TODAY that a state OF anarchy prevails.
Confirmation Of the capture of the
! Monclova by the Carranzistas was re-
| ceivcd at the department in a dispatch
| there. who declared that he had been
| shown every courtesy by the Carran-
zistas. Tho town Is described as being
under perfect control.
Approaching Decision.
| On the eve Of the third Pan-Anlcrl-
| can Mexican conference. to be held In
New York tomorrow. an element Of
confidence exists in official and diplo-
| matte circles here that the Govern
ment is approaching q definite decision
! which may lead to the recognition Of
| Carranza.
That Great Britain and France have
been given to understand that such may
| be the result OF this country's willing
ness to treat with Carranza on tine
question Of foreign claims against
! Mexico. is indicated by the action OF
! these two powers In ordering their
| citizens and consu!s to leave the terri
tory in northern Mexico controlled by
villa.
This aCtOn was tahen lollO"us CoH-
ferences between the British and
French ambassadors and Secretary
Lansing. 1t is exactly similar to that
already taken by this Government.
Whether Mr.. Lansing suggested that
Great Britain and France follow the
lead Of the United States. IT is be-
lieyed that the two ambassadors were
given to understand that tho United
States Is about to reach der'sioN
which may arouse Villa adherents to
vigorous reprisals against an 1orcisn'r"'
Secretary Lansing will leave Wash
| ington for New York this afternoon:
The conference, which will be held at
/ the Hotel Biltmore. will convene at
o'clock tomorrow afternoon.
Inquiries in official circles develop the
impression that the Administration IS
arxious to bring about !ettlement OF
! the Mexican question before the close OF
the war In Europe. believing that un.
| less this Is done European powers VIII
no longer be content to wait Tor this
country to act.