The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1915-08-14
ASKS HARMONY OF MExIcAAS,
CONFERENCE DECIDES TO ISSUE
APPEAL TO ALL TO RESTORE
PEACE.
diplomat, Make it Clear That Their
only idca is to Bring Troubled Re-
public 20 Condition of Tranquility
und Prosperity.

New York. Aug. 1.-Secretary Lam
sing and diplomatic representatives of
Brazil, chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Uru-
quay and Guatemala today signed an
appeal, addressed to the leaders of all
factions III Mexico. petitioning them
In The name of humanity and ma
uonal patriotism to assemble a peace
Conference.
The dction, taken after a two
hours session was not Of Joint char
actcr bat identical. An informal but
unanimous note will be sent express
ing the views of the several govern
ments that the condition of chaos in
Mexico has injured the prestige of the
nation abroad and supplicating the
Mexican leaders and generals to make
a supreme effort to bring together all
elements in the creation of a pro-
visional government that can be
given worldwide recognition.
Beyond this step, today's session did
not go, reserving until a later date
consideration of the situation that
may be created by refusal of some
of the factions to participate in a
peace conference. There was no dis
cussiOn, in fact, Of eventualities not
withstanding that press dispatches re-
ported Carranza's Outspoken objec-
tions to the Pan-American methods of
settling Mexico's struggle.
The assembled diplomats simply
took the view tonight that when their
appeal, which is to be transmitted in
Spanish in a day or two, is fully dis
closed to Carranza he will not misun-
derstand their purposes or accuse
them, as he has. Of attempting to in
terfere in the internal affairs Of Mex
leo. ."
When the conference adjourned to-
night there was a feeling of optimism
and confidence that decisive step to-
wards restoring Mexico to her place
in the family of nations has been
taken. The appeal. which is brief and
courteously phrased, calls on the Mex
leans to consider the injurious effect
throughout the world which turbu-
lence in Mexico has caused. The peti-
tion suggests that a peace conference
be held in neutral territory in Mex
ico,., The governments signing ii ex-
press their Willingness 10 act, if in
viied,, in any practica Ole way 10 assist
in bringing the factions together fur
The conference.
The communication will be CIV I
the widest publicity throughout Mex
leo and will be delivered by the diplo-
matte and consular agents of the va
riOus governments signatory to it.
The replies are asked for, the hope
being expressed that these will be re-
ceived within ten days after the COM
munication reaches the leaders.
Secretary Lansing, who left for
Washington tonight, will show Presi-
dent Wilson tomorrow the text Of the
appeal and statement will be pre-
pared by Mr.. Lansing explanatory of
its purposes which in many quarters
has come to be interpreted as the
forerunner Of military intervention.
Not only did the Latin-American
diplomats here today make it clear
that they would object to such a
course or any that would impair Mex
ico's sovereignty, but President Wilson
and Secretary Lansing are equally
anxious that the present peace plan
be accomplished by no physical act
For this reason Mr.. Lansing took
occasion at today's conference to ex-
plain to the diplomats that the war
ships yesterday ordered to Vera Cruz
were sent to protect Americans anG
foreigners. The diplomats said after.
wards that, while this assurance was
ilol lcCcoodiy, lLey tllOFOuSnly
derstood the purposes of the United
States, it nevertheless was opportune
in removing a possible misunderstood.
ing abroad of the real motives Of the
American government
Ultimately-if all peace plans fail
officials Of the United States govern.
ment realize that the interests OF
foreigners may require more drastic
steps, but at present it can be stated
authoritatively that the plans under
consideration contemplate the restora.
! tion Of peace in Mexico by friendly
means, by using the power of recogni
tiOn to assist government into being
No step of any definite charactel
in the future has been determined
on finally. Tentatively, however, i
has been agreed to await the resul