The Washington times., 1916-04-13
HAS NOT ASKED FOR ROADS.

As late as yesterday Secretary Lans-
ing gave II to be understood that the
American Government had not asked
for the use OF either the Mexican North
western or Mexican Central, both of
which roads are actually being used for
the purpose.
At the state Department today Sec
rotary Lansing. Counselor Polk, and
other officials refused absolutely to
coment on the communication. Nor
would they consent to straighten out
the apparent conflicts between the state
mcnts of the Carranza government and
their own previous assertions. The at
titude of the whole department was one
of irritation. and 1t was declared that
nothing wouldnbe said until the official
text of the note was in hand.
At the Mexican embassy there is
strong indignation over the fact that
the text of the note became public be-
fore 1t was received at the embassy. 1t
is charged that telegraph operators be-
tween here and Queretaro were re-
sponsible for the N''leak.'
The phrase crooked interpretation. -
II Is stated at the embassy, will appear
as distortion" in the official transla-
ton. 'One Frank Polk" 1t is stated.
should read Hon. Frank Polk" In
order to assure the State Department
that the cruder expressions are not con-
tanned in the note, Mr.. Arredondo will
probably present copies OF the COM
munication in both English and Spanish.
Senators Grave.
That the note OF the Carranza gov
eminent to this Government asking
withdrawal of the American troops from
Mexico threatens to cause a grave SIT
uation. was the opinion expressed by
a number OF Senators today.
Not only Republicans but Democrats
took this view OF II.
The disposition OF Senators was to
think that this Government mast eitker
withdraw its troops or send more to the
border and perhaps more into MeX'Gan
territory, to insure safety of the people
along the border and see that the Persh-
ing expedition Is not cut OF.
FOR a time discussion of the Mexican
difficulty has been repressed in the SEN
ate. Everybody looks for it to break
out again at any time. Renewal of tie
demand that the national guard be call
ed cut and sent to the border Is antlci-
pated IL the Carranza note as presented
To the State Department Tears out the
unofficial version.
Situation Bad"
Senator Gallinger. Republican leader
OF the Senate. asked what he thought
Of the Carranza note, said the situation
looked bad.
'1f this note Is to be taken as a de-
mand that the American troops with
draw. we shall be compelled either to
withdraw and humiliate ourselves or
send more troops down there" he said.
Senator Gallinger said he had not
confidence in Carranga, and that it
seemed as II he were making bid
for political support at home.
Senator Stone, chairman of Foreign
Relations, was keenly interested. He
read the newspaper accounts of the
note, but refused comment. Senator
Stone will! consult the State Depart
nent and the White House today.
Senator Simmons, one OF the Demo-
cratic chiefs, admitted the gravity OF
the situation which seemed to be pre-
scented, and thought this country must
either withdraw or re-enforce.
Declaring that the crossing of the
Mexican eorder never has been formally
agreed to by the Carrnnza government,
the note makes this declaration. per-
hairs the most important of its con-
tents:
The Mexican government Judges IL
conN enient to suspend for the present