Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-03-13

The United States this after
noon accepted Gen. Carranza's
proposal for a reciprocal arrange
ment by which either his troops
or American troops may pursue
bandits on either side of the bor-
der. A note of acceptance was
sent forward to Gen. Carranza at
Queretero.
At the War Department it was
said this afternoon that officials
there have no knowledge that
United States troops are yet i'll
Mexico.
Secretary Lansing is to leave
Washington this evening ior a
weeks stay in New Jersey. I'M
less he is obliged to alter his
plans by developments OF public
importance. and it is expected
that the Administrations 5 Mexi-
can policy for the immediate fu-
ture will be mapped out before
he leaves.
Senators Stone and Salisbury Of the
Senate committee foreign relations
were at the White House before the az
rival of MIR. Lansing and conferred with
the President for half an hour. They did
not deny that they had talked with the
President about an agreement such as Is
wanted by Carranza.
Senator Stone explained that there IL no
treaty between the United States and
Mexico covering the present situation IL
is taken for granted that the President
has indicated that he is willing to oblige
Cen Carranza i'm the matter of reciprocal
rights such as he asks for and that tine
President wished to take the Senate for
eiGhn relations committee into his conti-
dence on the subject
1t is said that the President believes he
can make a reciprocal arrangement FOR
the pursuit of bandits in Mexico without
the consent Of the Senate. He has under
consideration one proposal from "A me n
ber of his cabinet that a zone forty miles
wide be established along the boun iar+
between Mexico and the United States. in
which authorities of both nations would
have the right to pursue outlaws.
Nothing for Congress to Do.
When Senator Stone reached the Capt.
tol after his conference with the Presi-
dent he found the temper of Congress
with respect to the Mexican situation
"equable and good.
There is nothing to be done by Con-
gress with respect to the situation that
/ know of at this time said Senator
stone II think that the executive has
power to make reciprocal agreement
with the de facto government OF Mexico
regarding soldiers crossing the border
without submitting the matter to Con-
gresS.
ITO submit it to Congress would
mean weeks of discussion. in my opin-
ion, and action would have to wait.
What is contemplated now-the pur-
suit and capture of lawless mems
not war unless some one wants to make
it war or an excuse for war. In such .
of course, the whole mat
ter would be submitted to Congress
Some Objections Are Raised.
Some members of the Senate feel
very strongly that the President should
not yield to the request of Carranza
for the privilege of sending Mexican
troops into United States territory to
chase bandits. They insist that Car
ra MA does not really represent Mexico,
that he is himself practically a pris-
oner and that conditions existing IN
Mexico make the request also ridicu-
lous.
Others also maintain that the Presi
dent has no constitutional right to
make such an agreement without frst
a treaty which should be
ratified by the Senate. on the other
hand one senator said today:
.'Ordinarily l would not be willing to
waive a. question of which the consti-
is in doubt. but l am SO
anxious that President Wilson shall
get into Mexico. and get so far in that
he won't be able to come out. that be-
lieve ! would be willing to let such an
arrangement as proposed go by with
out opposition.
Expect No Senate Opposition.
II is said to be likely that no ar
.anRement, of a temporary nature with.
zen. Carranza will be opposed seriously
n the Senate.
II is likely. 1t is believed. that the
.
,eauest for reciprocal arrangement
ate TODAY. following the conference
between the President and Secretary
.ansing. One report has ii that the ac-
,eDtance could be based on the ground
hat rarranZa troops may cross into
american territory in pursuit of BAN
lits at any time that American forces
IRE not present in sufficient numbers to
rive protection.
In spite of pessimistic views in some
,uarters as to the declarations of Gen.
'arranza. high officials continue to be-
ieve that this government viii not be
.ome. embroiled with the first chief of
dexico Many of them went further
md conceded that Gen. Carranza was
untitled to make the request he has
made and that he had done so in a
lienified and patriotic manner.
The White House up to early this aft
rnoon made no comment upon the sit
lation. awaiting the outcome of the
conference between the President and
secretary Lansing. Prominent con-
yressional and other visitSrs there,