The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-03-15
CALLS OFF HIS
DOGS OF WAR
rcontinued from Page one.l

between Mexicans nominally under
his control. The people of YacataT
1T was said obtain all their food from
outside sources and were as anxiou:
that the embargo be raised as was the
| United States. Carranza allowed nc
food to go into Progreso since he es-
| tablished the blockade. The Ameri-
| can notice made it plain that the
United States had no intention of in
| terfering in the factional troubles al
Progreso, but was interested in the
| SiSal question.
The Presidents Note.
Washington, March 15.-The United
States has served notice on General
.Carranza that the port of Progreso,
Through which practically all the sisal
used in making harvesting Irvine for
open, and is prepared to back up its
demands with the cruiser Des Moines,
now at that port.
Possibility of interference with
American commerce at PrOgreSO,
Mexico, as the result of the closing by
General CarranZa of that port to for
eign trade together with reports of a
condition of anarchy at ManZanillo, a
port on the Pacific side of Mexico was
causing some anxiety here today, in
official circles. On the other hand
officials were encouraged over reports
of an improvement of conditions in
Mexico City.
Official concern over the situation
at Progreso arises from the fact that
American farmers who draw practi-
cally all of their sisal hemp used in
binding wheat through that port
would be cut off in case a blockade
is maintained. General Carranza has
taken steps to enforce his blockade or
der against which the American gov
eminent has made vigorous repreSen-
tations to him, and the cruiser Des
MoineS is at ProgreSso with inStruc
lions to see that there is no interfer
ance with American trade.
Some fear is felt here concerning
the safety of foreigners at Manzanillo
because of the failure of General Car
ranZa'S forces to maintain order there
and the diminished food supply.
American warshipS now in the vicin
ity of ManzanilIo probably will bring
foreigners there away should condi-
tions not improve.
Reply to Carranza.
President Wilson's reply to General
Carranza's note of March s. which
was in response to the urgent repre-
sentation of the United States for bet
ter treatment of foreigners in Mexico
was follows:
II thank you for your message of
the Sth of March for the reinsurance
it conveys and for your kind personal
words. I beg that you will understand
that if our messages occasionally are
couched in terms of strong emphasis,
It is only because they contain some
matters which touch the very safety
of Mexico itself and the whole process
of its future history.
I'VE seek always to act as friends of
the Mexican people and their friends.
1t is our duty to speak very plainly
about the grave danger which threat
ems them from without whatever hap
pens within their borders which is
calculated to arouse the hostile SEN
timent of the whole world.
Nothing will stir that sentiment
more promptly or more holly or create
RI a no fnr
(even temporary disregard for lives,
the safety or rights of the citizens of
other countries resident within its ter
ritory or any apparent contempt for
the rights and safety of those who
represent religion.
ANY attempt to justify or explain
these things will not eradicate this
sentiment or lessen the danger that
will arise from them.
ITO warn you concerning such mat
ters is an act of friendship. not of
hostility, and we cannot make the
meaning too earnest. To speak less
plainly or with less earnestness would
be to conceal from you a terrible
risk which no lover of Mexico should
care to rum"