The Elbert County tribune., 1916-06-23


that there was fighting in progress
south of Namaquipa between Ameri-
| can forces and a large number of
Mexican troops.
Brownsville, Tex.-A large force Of
Infantry began moving down the Rio
Grande from Brownsville Tuesday
night in civilian automobiles for Il
secret destination. The only inform
atom obtainable at Fort Brown was
that this force, the size of which was
not given, was for patrol work to-
night"
Washington. Carranzista troops
and soldiers of Gen. j. j. Pershing'a
oxpeditionary command south of
Namiquipa are on the verge of hos
tilities, according to reports made
from the field to ColuE1bus, N. Nj. ~
wireless dispatch from Col d. C. Ca
bell. Gen, Pershings chief of staff,
said that the attitude of the Carran-
zistas was such that American motor
truck supply trains are in danger of
being fired upon. The Carranzistas
are said to have mounted artillery in
positions menacing the Americans and
dispatches indicate that with the two
commands in close proximity the dan
ger of a clash Is increasing. Rumors
were current in Columbus that Gen.
Pershing has split his command into
three columns. each prepared to move
in the event of hostilities, while 9th
ers said truck trains had been fired
upon.
This issue of war or peace with
Mexico hangs in the balance awaiting
Gen. Carranza's decision as to the
course he will pursue Officials here
believed that 4S hours might bring a
clear understanding of what the i'm
mediate future has in store.
A note signed by Secretary Lans-
ing conveying President Wilson's re-
lection of the demand for withdrawal
of American soldiers from Mexico,
accompanied by a specific warning
that an attack on the troops will
lead to the gravest consequences"
was telegraphed to Mexico City by
Eliseo Arredondo. Mexican ambassa-
dor-designate. In plain terms 1t ac-
cuses Gen. Carranza of having
brought matters 10 the verge of war
by open hostility toward the United
States, and failure to safeguard even
the lives OF Americans in Mexico or
on the border from the lawless ele-
ments among his couItrymen. When
the note had been handed to Mr. Ar
redondo for delivery to his chief.
copies we're sent to all embassies and
legations for their information.
Gen. Funston sent long code dis
patch to Secretary Baker indicating
what portion of the 100000 guards
men ordered under arms he needs i'm
mediately to stiffen his border guard
and the Division of Military Affairs at
Washington sent orders to the guard
in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois.
Ohio. Massachusetts and Wisconsin,
tc be ready for definite orders, to
move to the border at Gen. Funston'J
orders.
Mexico City. June 21.-First Chief
Carranza in an interview said: q
have ordered the military leaders of
our forces near the border not to
permit the further passing of any
American forces into Mexican terri
tory. If they attempt to pass they
will be attacked by the Constitution
alist forces.
THE instructions given by Gen.
Trevino to Gen. Pershing not to ad-
vance further or to make any move.
ment except northward, were issued
by me to the War Department which
transmitted them to Gen. Trevino."
The first chief was emphatic in his
redition was not an attempt to catcii
bandits. ia''
"ln spite of friendly words" said
the general, there has been no real
cooperation on the part of the Amer
leans. They took their heavy cannon
anG all their impedimenta for cam
| paign into Mexico. 1t was not alone
for bandits. The Mexican people
who have waited patiently for three
months, believing the words of the
United States, now believe that these
words were not sincere and are be-
coming indignant"
| Gen. Carranza declared that Mexico
did not wart war and that no attempt
had or would be made by Mexico to
cross into the United States, but he
stated the sovereignty of Mexico must
be respected
I'VE will resist any attempt at in
vasion. We are weak while the United
States Is strong, but we will fight
until the last" he said.
|