Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-06-23

''HOStilltles in short would De Simply
& state of international war without
purpose on the part of the Gnitei
States other than to end the conditions
which menace our nations peace and
the safety Of our citizens.
This communication was Issued to
the Latin-American diplomats it IS un-
derstood to reassure them as to the
policy Of the United States anG IN an
effort to keep intact the Pan-Amerioan
understanding for which the admin
istration has Iabored. European rep
resentatives will not fail to obtain
copies of the document snd 1t is I'M
derstood to be aimed partially at anti
American propaganda started abroad
by Mexican agents and other inf1u-
ences by which are said to seek to plo-
mote hostility between the two COM
tries
General Carranza took pains to see
that his charges of bad faith against
the United States were widely circu
lated in Europe and in Latin America.
Secretary Lansing felt it advisable to
counteract this. He would not dis
cuss his reasons, but it is known that
the state department has received
much information tending to show that
German influences have been busy
against the interests Of the United
States in Mexico, Latin America and
in Neutral Europe. 1t was suggested
also that Secretary Lansing might
have intended the circular note to
head off possible offers of mediation.
Word that Gen. CarranZa was be-
lieved to be yielding to the European
influences brought to bear on him in
an effort to avoid war, reached the
state department through diplomatic
channels. The Carranza cabinet, which
studied yesterday the American note
refusing to entertain at this time any
request for withdrawal of American
troops, was reported to have found in
it basis for further diplomatic inter-
changes. This was construed by some
Mexico City diplomats to mean that
Gen. CarranZa would seek a settlement
of the situation without carrying out
his threat to attack Pershing's men.
Congress Share
Congress was called upon today to
do it's share towards facilitating the
organization of the national guard
army rapidly providing for service. A
resolution was introduced by Chair
man Hay of the House military COM
mittee to be called up for action to-
morrow, authorizing the President to
draft into the federal service all men,
bers Of the guard who take the new
enlistment oath and to hold them for
the duration of the emergency for
Uhfchs fhoH,
luton provided that incomplete units
mustered in.
Support for Families
Chairman Hay also plans to introduce
measure creating fund of 100000 to be
used for the relief of INDECENT families of
national guardsmen called into active SER
vice. A maximum of $50 month for any
one family would be authorized.
The national guard of three states, CAL
ifornia. Kansas and Missouri, virtually
will be under. marching orders tonight
The force totals at least 10000 men, in
Guiding three brigades of infantry. three
companies of signal corps troops, seven
troops of cavalry, seven batteries, field
artillery, and ambulance companies and
field hospitals.
Militia division officials had no reports
to indicate how soon the troops Of these
states would start south They were So
lected, however. because they are the
most efficient organizations Of consider
able strength which can quickly reach
the points where Gen. Funston has indi-
Gated they are most urgently needed.
With the sending Of navy ships to vir-
tually every Mexican port ready to take
off American refugees, another weapon
will have been placed in President Will
sons hands for use in case war does
come. The ships will be so disposed that
q blockade Of Mexico could be set up at
a moments notice, should need arrive.