Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-07-08
Lansing's Communication

Mr. Arredondo transmitted to his
government today brief and friendly
note handed to him by Secretary Lans-
ing. expressing qualification over the
turn affairs between the two govern
mentS nave taken and accepting pro-
posals for diplomatic settlement of
points in dispute. The communications
was approved by the cabinet before il
was sent to the Mexican embassy.
For Speedy Solution
Officials noted that Secretary I.ans
ing had laid stress on the desirability
fof giving quick and practical consid-
Grafton to the immediate conditions
along the border which have been a
source OF controversy. The language OF
the communication plainly intimates
mat a speedy solution of that prob
lem VIII be sought, at whatever time
may be allowed afterward to find a
means OF aiding the de facto govern
hent In restoring normal economic
conditions throughout Mexico.
Inc deflnltion of the border dispute sub
mltted by Gen. Carranza in his note sug-
costing negotiations for a settlement an
parently has been found acceptable by the
washington government. This virtually
narroWs the immediate object of the ne
EQUATIONS to consideration Of the "rea
sonapie' anxiety of the United States for
the security of it's frontier on one hand
and the desire of the de facto govern
ment for early withdra wal of American
troops from Mexico on the other.
Friendly Warning
Additional evidence of the more friend
ly attitude Of the Carranza government
came today in the form of a warning com
municated by Mr.. Arredondo to the state
department, at the direction of Gen. Car
rama, in connection with the battle be-
tween Villa and Carranza forces at Cor
ralltos. The message admitted a serious
defeat for the Carranza troops and asked
that the American forces be cautioned to
exercise unusual vigilance along the Dor
der. particularly in the Big Bend region
in Texas, as there was reason to believe
the bandits were headed that way to
precipitate new border incident. The
message was promptly forwarded to Gen
Funston as matter Of information.
Villa Seen
AZ TIE Same tlIflo the state department
received a report from an American in
Mexico that he had seen and talked with
Villa personally near Corralitos a few
days before the fight reported in the
Carranza message. The bandit leader was
said to have entirely recovered from
wounds received at Columbus except that
he used a cane and walked with a slight
limp.
This message. the source of which was
not revealed. added that Villa had been
continuously in the Corralitos region since
the American pursuit was halted by the
clash at Parral. the first outbreak of hos
tility against Gen. Pershing's expedition
by Carranza soldiers.
Carralitos is a short distance south
east Of Parral, and the detachment of
American cavalry which was assailed
while attempting to pass through Par
raj was on its way to Carralitos at the
time. it is understood, following clue
to the bandits hiding place.
Way to Border Blocked
If Villa is alive and has recovered
sufficiently TO lead a new force toward
the border considerable detachmentS
of Carranza troops are between his
present position and the most advance
ed American patrols. Gen. Carranza' S
message of warning gave assurances
that every effort would be made by
these forces to capture or destroy the
band. In any event, however, there
will be no possibility of American
troops becoming involved for many
days, as it is a long march from Car
ralitos to the Big Bend region.
Officials were pleased at the indica-
ton that Gen. Carranza was disposed
to seek cooperation in protecting the
border. They saw in the warning. how
ever, a frank admission that bandits
still are active in considerable forces
in the territory over which the de fac
to government repeatedly has claimed