Evening star., 1916-05-12


rupture of the good relations OF friend
ship between the conferees nor be-
tween the respective governments.
"tSigned)
~ OBREGON
III. l.. SCOTT.
'FREDERICK FL NSTON.'
Last night it was pointed out author
itatively that the result of the Narl-
Gus meetings in FL Paso does not mean
that there is any immediate threat OF
rupture between the United States
and MEXICO. So far the United states
10 concerned. il is said. its army in the
Mexican state of Chihuahua viii re-
main practically inactive. The only
break that can possibly come would
follow an attack by Carranza troops
upon American troops. it was said.
1t is understood that Gen. obregon
has been warned that such an attack
will he the beginning of reprlsals.
Reports of Fresh Attacks.
Significantly enough. conditions
along the border were emphasized by
the receipt of dispatches from Mara
thon. Tex. stating that Mexican ban
dts again had crossed into American
territory and fired on American SOL
diers and civilians.
According to another report a mill
tary automobile conveying messages
from Mai. George T. Langhorne to Col.
Frederick w. Sibley. commander of the
expeditionary force in the Big Bend
district. has been made the target for
shets fred by Mexicans. Army men
here refused to comment on these oc-
currences. except to state that they
were likely to be repeated at intervals.
With the negotiations here ended and
the discussion reverting to Washington
and the direct control of President Will
son and Secretary Lansing. more be-
came known of the developments of the
fortnight just passed. 1t is now stated
positively that the Mexican govern
ment, so far that part of it repre-
sented by Gen. CarranZa is concerned.
has not for one instant admitted the
consideration of any other subject than
withdrawal.
The discussions began with the con-
ferees at s-purposes, Obregon hav-
ing come to the border with the inten-
tion of showing the Americans that
they should Immediately withdraw
from Mexican soil, while the Americans
were empowered only to treat for the
disposition of their troops on the chase
after Villa bandits.
At the first conference Gen. Obregon
was informed by Gems. Scott and Fun
ston that he need have no hope that the
American troops would be taken out
until the government of the United
States was thoroughly convinced that
the mission 1t had begun had been
driven to a successful conclusion.
Only Object Of Conference.
The only object of the conference.
Gen. Obregon was told. was the gain
ing of the active cooperation of the
Carranza troops, the United States not
caring who wiped out the troublesome
bandit group SO long as the act was
accomplished.
Upon finding the American conferees
inhexible. Gen. Obregon yielded at the
second conference. the memorable
twelve-hour meeting at local hotel.
at which he and Gen. Scott reached
tentative agreement. and recommended
to Gen. CarranZa a cooperative plan
presented by the American government.
AT this point in the negotiations the
hitch came. Gen. Carranza is under
stood to have insisted that in lieu of
withdrawal definite date must at
least he set for the retirement of the
American columns. The first chief is
said to have declared that he never
could couRtenance situation in which
written words would show the Mexican
government having consented to the
presence of American soldiers on Mexi-
can soil.
From the information available, it is
believed that Cen Obregon first tried
to convince his chief of the impossible
ity of his demands. Failing. he switch
I'd his own position in the matter. Con-
ference after conference was dragged
thIouen until yesterday meeting
the hopelessness at arriving at an
agreement was realized
Carranza Has Outwitted Obregon.
This result having been attained IL
was pointed out. Gen. Carranza has
won political victory over his min
lister of war. forced the negotiations
into diplomatic channels and brough,
he yhf1a
to the suggestions contained in his note
70 Washington a month ago
PERSONS intimate with Mexican af-
fairs assert that politics played a
conference. Reports. considered au-
thentic, long have had il that Gen. Oh
RECON has become Gen. Carranza's chief
political rival. In delegating the min
lister OF war to represent the de facto
government at conference dealing
with military affairs. the first chief did
the logical thing, but, ii Is asserted
here. he also placed upon Cen Obre-
gon burden that could hardly be con-
sidered welcome. II the conferee
reached an agreement with the Ameri-
cans he would suffer in the ewes of
many good Mexicans. II he caused a
disagreement he would be guilty of
plungtng his country. already devas-
tated by the inroads of repeated reyo-
lutions. into war
obregon came north, it was stated
WIN pO"erS- AFTER he had
reached an apparent agreement with
Gems Scott and Funston il was found
however, that the matter must be re-
ferred to CarranZa. Carranza refused
TO countenance the agreement As a
result OF these maneuvers, il is said
Carranza has strengthened himself DO
litically In his position as defender of
the policy Mexico for Mexicans."
while Obregon, Notwithstanding his
later attitude. has suffered In compari-
son through having reached a tempo
fsry agreement with the Americans
Practically Over for Several DAYS.
The negotiations practically were at
at end several days ago. when the
American conferees announced POSI-
lively that they would not change their
attitude on the question of withdrawal
Gen. Scott wished. however, to give
Obregon courteous hearing. He
listened patiently to various counter
proposals. such as the suggestion for a
joint patrol Of the border and sent
them TO Washington. But II is known
here that such propositions were re-
garded as superruous. and were not
. given deep consideration. The Mexi-
conferee made many promises m