The interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1912-1984, 1916-06-20
WAR IMMINENT
WITH MEXICO
President Calls Out Militia OF All
The States For Duty On Border
Where Danger Threatens

fusal to heed his demands for recall
of American troops from Mexico
hinges the question of a MexicaG war
in the opinion of President Wilson's
close advisers. They were prepared
Monday night for the possibility of
open hostilities after the note which
was sent to Carranza Tuesday.
No indication has come that the
First Chiefs attitude of implacable
hostility would be shaken by the re-
iterated declaration of the latest
communication that the United States
has no aggressive or war-like purpose
toward Mexico but is firmly resolved
to protect her borders and end brig
andage in the border states.
While the diplomatic steps were
in progress Monday, the nation was
stirring throughout its width and its
breadth with the movement of nation
al guardsmen modelling to guard the
border. At least 100000, and posi-
bly, a far larger number, were pre-
pairing for active service under Pres
ident Wilson's call. For the present
their mission will be purely one of
defense. but should war come they
will be ready for that also. They
will not be assigned for border duty
until mustered into the federal SER
vice. Even when mobilization is
completed only such units will be or
dered south as Gen. Funston desires
to fill the gaps in his 1,800-mile
guardline. The remainder will rest
on their arms at the state mobiliza-
ton camps for the present awaiting
the turn of events.
Official reports from many quarters
show that a flame Of popular feeling
against the United States is being
kindled throughout Mexico. Appar-
emily it is being done with the sane
ton of Gen. Carranza, for the act
in many cases are those of his au-
thorized military or civil agents.
From Juarez to the west coast of
Mexico posters have appeared calling
the people to arms and asserting that
the United States is preparing to
hurl its armies into Mexico. Chaotic
conditions prevail everywhere, it is
said. Clashes such as that between
Mexican troops and American blue
Jackets at MaZatlan Sunday show
that relations are strained to the
breaking point. The act of subor-
dinate commander anywhere may
bring on fighting that will result in
war. So far as officials at Washing
ton are aware, Gen. Carranza is TAX
ing no strong measures to curb his
soldiers and people. Upon this fact
many of them found their belief that
he is determined to force matters to
an issue unless the American troops
are withdrawn.
Neither state department officials
nor members Of the diplomatic corps
at Washington have been able to sat-
isfy themselves as to Gen. Carranza's
motives. There are some, however,
who believe he hopes to ride into
popularity on a diplomatic triumph
over his powerful northern neighbor,
or upon war wave which might es-
tablish his lettering government in
popular estimation. Once the war
was on, and the certain defeat of his
armies foreshadowed, these observ-
ers say, Gen. Carranza might sue for
reace, trusting to the magnanimity
OF the Washington government to
leave him in power.
Increasing uneasiness over the
plight of some 5000 American civil
ians now in Mexico was manifested
in official circles. Approximately l.
200 of that number are in Mexico
City, despite warning after warning
through American consuls and other
officials. Another emphatic message
advising them to leave Mexico i'm
mediately was sent by the state de-
partment day or two ago.
Officials do not believe the Carran-
"a Government would sanction an at
tack upon American residents or that
other foreigners would be involved
in any case. A weapon of terrible
possibilities is being forged in Mex
leo, however, with the attempts to
incite the ignorant peon population
to a warlike feeling against the
United States. Mobs formed by
half-starved natives, who have been
told that all of Mexico's accumulated
troubles are traceable to the Ameri-
cans might well precipitate situa-
ton beyond the control of the Gov
eminent.
Kentucky Troops to Mobilize.
Brigadier General Roger ID. Will
liams, commanding the Kentucky bri-
oada taleoranhad Canara1 Hugb 7