Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-03-09

by the United States TO General Car
rama, demanding an improvement OF
conditions in Mexico City.
Diplornatists familiar whit the con-
tents Of the note which American con-
sui Siliiman has been instructed TO
present to General Carranza- interpret
II as an entire change OF policy on
the part Of The Washington govern
ment toward the Mexican situation.
The communication 10 CarraCza,
which was drafted after conferences
between President Wilson, Sec. Bryan
and Counsellor Lansing, was guarded
with secrecy pending some word from
Carranza as 70 MS attitude.
u. S. Patience Strained
II vas said by some officials that the
no,e contained the strongest repre-
sensations that ever have been made
70 Carranza and indicates that the
American government is losing pa
tience with his Indifference 10 the OBJ
tectionable acts Of General Obregon at
Mexico City.
Those who know the contents Of the
cOmm inication said it vas not in the
nature Of an ultinatun but pointed
out in explicit language that serious
CONSEQUENCES might follow If the wei
fare Of foreigners continued 70 be
disregarded.
Early in the dav. Secretary Daniels
bad said no additions were contemp-
lated 10 the feet in Mexican waters,
bnt later it was learned that the eruis-
e. Tacoma had been ordered from
Port All Prince. Haiti. 10 Vera Cruz.
Secretary Daniels was il consultation
later With Secretary Bryan concerning
rhe situation. Further movement Of
sessels may be decided upon.
In diplomatic quarters were no more
manifestations Of concern over the
Mexican situation than al any time
since the American forces were land
r1i at Vera CRUZ. Diplomats conferred
among themselves and communicated
to one another the latest Developments
as they heard them.
Confident Of Results
Some OF the diplomats declared
themselves satisfied that the course
Of the American government would
produce results One Of the ministers,
who had received telegram stating
that the diplomatic corps in Mexico
City had decided to leave, cabled his
legation, saying that after learning
what serious steps the American gov
eminent had taken, he advised the
corps to remain in the capital and
await developments.
Just what move now is contemplate ed
is known only to President Wilson
anl nf rIn h,,t
Il was apparent from the attitude Of
the officials that ii was realized that
a new crisis was at hand which might
have TO be met with strong measures.
The general impression in official quar-
tiers was taat even though the use Of
force had not been threatened in the
note to CarranZa tho American govern
msnt vas prepared to meet eventualities
and would hereafter pursue an insistent
course to compel protection for for
eigners and their interests.
Secretary Bryan, himself, would say
only that there was no change in con-
dtions at Mexico City from the serious
state Of affairs Of the last few days He
said no word had come directly from
Carranza in the last two three days.
When asked whether Carranza and OBJ
RECON were at odds and whether the
former could control his Mexico City
commander. Secretary Bryan replied
that the State Department had evil
dence that Obregon recognized Carranza
as his superior officer but could not say
definitely whether any friction had de-
veloped.
Regarding Munitions
Secretary Bryan stated that the plac-
ing Of an embargo on all shipments OF
munitions Of war to Mexico had not
been considered in the present situa-
ton. Such move would be of little
practical effect, it is said by officials,
because most OF the arms and ammuni-
ton available in the United States has
been contracted for at high prices by
the European belligerents.
Scarcity OF war munitions. it is be-
Heved here has already affected Villas
campaign and while his forces have
been making more Roadway, according
to official reports. than those Of Car
rama, the possibility that neither fac
ton will be able to gain a complete VIC
tory and that the situation may remain
deadlocked indefinitely, is known 10
have Influenced the administration to
take ITS Stano.
The Washington government recently
has been subjected to continuous bonn
bardment Of foreign inquiries. all diplo
matically phEased and generally seeking
only information without suggesting
solution, but the activities Of the foreign
diplomatic representatives mas constituted
a moral pressure that has now practical
ly compelled the American government
to speak in emphatic language to Car
rama.
Plight Of Americans
The plight Of Americans. however. has
been Of increasing concern. for there are
more citizens Of the United States in
Mexico City than Of any other country.
Obregon's Reputation Of Villas currency
worked the dSst hardship because 1t made
many wealthy folks penniiess. The poor
-ioted, ciamoring for bread. and Obre-
eon. in published announcements. prac-
tcaliy sanctioned plumber and rioting.
even predicting the evacuation Of his own
force II tho riots developed into extern
sive demonstrations. --.-
In order to give his entire time to con-
sderation Of European and Mexican
questions, President Wilson will see
White House callers only for an hour
Wednesdays and Thursdays during the
spring and summer. He will be in almost