The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1916-10-31
MEXICANS PLANNING
POLITICAL ATTACKS
Secretary Baker Has Information That
Bandits, Inspired by Certain Inter-
ests Hostile to Wilson's Policy, Are
Seheming for Coup to Diseredit II.

Washington, Oct. 26.-Secreary
Eaker issued a formal statement to-
night saying that definite information
had been received by the war depart
ment that a bandit attack upon Amer
icss troops in Mexico or an American
border town had been arranged to
take place between now and election
day to create sentiment against the ad-
ministration's Mexican policy. It ad-
ded that Gen. Funston and Gen.
Pershins were forewarned and in
resdiness for such an attack. The
statement follows:
"The var department has received
definite information, confirmed from
other sources, that enemies Of the ad-
ministration's policy towards Mexico,
in cooperation with Villa or other
bandits in Mexico, have arranged a
spectacular attack to be made either
upon some part of the American
forces or upon some American COM
munity on the Mexican border between
now and the date of the election FOR
the purpose of turning the tide of SEN
timent against the policy which the
administration has adopted for the
protection of the border. 1t is signll-
cant in this connection that both the
state and war departments were ad-
vised that the bandit forces operating
at the present time in Mexico are be-
ing paid in silver coin.
Warming to Generals.
"Full particulars have been trans
mitted to Gen. Funston and Gen
Pershing. All American forces are,
therefore, forewarned and in readiness
for such an attack"
No additional information could be
obtained from Mr.. Baker, who LETT
from the city before the statement
was made public for Martinsburg, W.
Va, to deliver a campaign speech.
Secretary Lansing tonight author
lied the statement that Secretary Bak-
er had no intention to intimate that
American citizens were involved in
the bandit attack plot, The secretary
Of state said it had been, called to his
attention that an effort would be made
to construe the war department S
statement as a political play, and as
an assault upon the administration S
political opponents. He denounced
such a construction as absolutely false.
declaring that political results were
not given thought in connection with
the matter and that it was inconceiv-
able that any American would ally
himself with MeXicans to attack his
eva countrymen. Mr.. Lansing saw
the statement before it was issued and
discussed it with Secretary Baker. He
explained that both he and Mr.. Baker
believed that in addition to warning
military commanders It was wise to
sive the information received pub
licity because it might have the effect
of causing the plot to be abandoned.
From other sources it was learned
that information concerning a plot
had been received through agents of
the department of justice and state
department representatives on the
border and also through some other
channel which has not been disclosed.
II is understood that no military re-
ports from the border have been made
on the subject. The statement bears
out this, indicating that Gen. Pershing
and Gen. Funston received their first
warning through advices sent tonight
by the war department.
Only Mexicans Involved.
1t is stated on reliable authority,
also, that none of the evidence at
hand involves Americans and that
Mexican interests in the United States
are believed to be directly responsi-
BILE for the conspiracy with bandits
across the border.
The department of justice is press"
ing its invertigation. AS yet, it is
stated, there is not sufficient evidence
available against any individual to
warrant his arrest and prosecution.
attorney General Gregory indicated to-
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