New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-08-13
VILLA OFFERS
AN ARMISTlCE
Willing 10 Declare Truce
for Three Months for
Conference.
FIRST CHIEF REFUSES
Influence of Mexican Governors
and Generals To Be Sought
in Note from Washington.
-r,on NE Tribune Bureau. J

from TIE Tribune Burcsu.l
Washington, Aug. 12.-.The ap-
peal to the Mexican factionists to
set together and establish a govern
rent that will merit recognition, as
agreed TO by Secretary Lansing end
the six Latin-American diplomats,
is being dispatched as fast as pos
s.ble by the State Department. No
attention Will be paid to the defiant
attitude of General Carranza, and
every effort will be made to get the
appeal into the hands of influential
Nexicans. Difficulty in deciding
upon persons to whom the appeal
will be sent caused delay.
Only one note is being sent. 1t is
signed by the representatives of the
seven powers which took part in the
conference.-the United States, Ar
ccntina. Brazil, Chill, Bolivia, Uru-
ruay and Guatemala. Diplomatists
saw it is not an official document, but
simply a friendly and formal inter-
session.
The Villa agency here announced
tonight that General Carranza had
fatty refused to enter into any
peace conference and would treat
with his opponents only on terms of
unconditional surrender.
Carranza in a message to Eliseo
Arredondo, his representative here,
said there could be no negotiations
with the Villa forces, because their
troops on July y attacked a mill
.arv convoy train, killing many in
locent persons.
Villa Willing for Truce.
Secretary Lansing revealed that Villa
recently had informed the State De-
rartment that he was willing to sign
an armistice for three months or longer,
iurIng which time a peace conference
might be held. T. c. Llorente, Villas
agent here. confirmed this, and added
hat General Felipe Angeles was now
= conference with General Villa at
chihuahua relative to details of such
an armistite. He pointed to this meet
ing as an evidence of harmony in the
lila ranks.
Indications are that the Villa and
Zapata elements are preparing to re-
.eiye fayorably the peace appeal. They
already are. planning peace confer
snce.
Officials Of the American government
hope that many generals reported to be
partisans of Carranza ultimately will
give their adherence TO peace confer
ence. To offset this impression, the
Carranza agency here to-day gave out
list Of generals, including Obregon
and Gonzales, who were reported to
have telegraphed expressions of loyalty
20 Carranza.
Secretary Lansing, and not President
Wilson, will sign the peace appeal on
behalf Of the United States. The Sec
retary explained that the seven nations
involved are not committed to any fut-
nre joint action, but may adopt differ
snt courses when the replies of the
various factionists are received.
An Appeal to Reason.
As outlined here. the note is an ap-
peal 10 the patriotisI of the Mexican
leaders, calling upon them 10 meet and
NScuSS their differences, with a view
70 arriving at a basis Of agreement.
There is no hint of Intervention, nor
OF any alternative action, in the event
81 refusal. officials say they do not
see how any reasonable and patriotic
Mexican can Justly refuse TO comply.
In addition TO Carranza, Villa and
lapata, the note will be telegraphed
70 the principal military chieftalns,
me Governors of states and other
high civil officials.
While the border situation is re-
Sarded as serious, officials believe that
~ great part it is the affair of the
state Of Texas. Most of the disturb
ances, It is stated, have occurred at
interior points, and there Is no evil
1ence that they are of Mexican origin.
some Of the outbreaks are attributed
o political quarrels.
Reports to the War Department are
~ variance with press dispatches
,-om the Texas border. Secretary
Garrison said General Funston has re-
quested no additional troops for bor-
Ter patrol. The Secretary declared
hat a large part of the disturbances
IN the Brownsville region were local
IN character, and had no international
significance.
II is incumbent on the State Of
Texas TO protect its citizens from at
lacks originating within its borders,
is stated. The Federal troops IN
Texas are empowered TO act only
'gainst invasion or violations OF the
neutrality laws.
Asks for More Troops.
Governor Ferguson of Texas tele,
grsphed President Wilson to-day that
Continued on page 3. column