Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-01-14

In Congress again today intense indig-
nation at the latest outrage upon Ameri-
cans in Mexico was reflected.
Senator Lewis. Democrat introduced a
resolution to authorize the sending Of
armed forces of the United States into
Mexico to protect American citizens and
their property. He asked that it lie over
without action for the present and this
was done without dissension,
Representative Slayden of Texas.
Democrat, made a speech in the
House, declaring the time had come
for Pan American action to restore
peace in Mexico. He insisted that only
the summary execution of the bandit
murderers would satisfy the people Of
the border states. Representative
Moss, of West Virginia. Republican.
introduced resolution proposing to
send a sufficient force Of the army to
Mexico to capture the murderers and
the dispatch of warships to Mexican
waters to cooperate with the army
and remain there until the persons
ard property of American citizens
were safe.
Secretary Lansing explained that
his conference with the President had
to do almost solely with the problem
confronting the State department in
the matter of gaining accurate in
formation. There are no American con-
suls in the immediate neighborhood Of
the point where the massacre occur
red and the secretary indicated there
even was a possibility that all Ameri-
can consuls might be withdrawn from
the states of Durango, Chihuahua and
Sonora until complete order is re-
stored. 1t was decided at the confer
ence that information regarding the
murders would be taken from any re-
liable source. including officials of the
de facto government.
Secretary Lansing made it clear
that there was nothing to indicate that
| the Carranza authorities had not done
everything within their power to ap-
prehend the bandits and that so far
all the steps taken appeared to be
satisfactory.
The United States, he said, will ex-
pect that the bandits be punished and
evidence of the punishment must be
forthcoming. Upon the Developments
depend the nature of the action of the
United States will require.
There is said to be no proof that Gen
Villa actually made threats against al
Americans. although some information
to that effect has reached the depart
ment.
Secretary Lansing let it be known
that he considers there is a certain
analogy between the situation prevail
ing in certain parts of Mexico and
that which prevailed in certain parts
Of the West during the early history
Of the United States.sIt was also point
ed out that there were many instances
when the citizens Of one country had
lost their lives in another during the
course Of an instruction or of mob
outbreaks which the authorities were
unable to control and that reparation
was not made, except as an act OF
grace by the government which in FOR
NAL times should have been respon-
sible.
In regard to the warning reiterated
by the secretary it was said that the
state department would not point out
at this time what parts of Mexico were
considered safe and what parts were
considered unsafe. 1t was the antici.
patton Of just what happened in Chi
huahua. 1t was said, that prompted the
renewed warning issued shortly after
the recognition Of Carranza. Secretar,
Lansing considers that the Carranzs
authorities should have warned Ameri
cans to stay out Of territory which
they considered dangerous.
Il have not the least doubt" Mr.
Arredondo said later, that the Car.
ranza forces will not rest until they
have captured and punished the as.
sassins. Each American killed wa.
given permission to go through tn,
lines. but that permission should no,
be considered as a passport. The Car.
rama authorities have not wanted
Americans to return to their work in
districts not unquestionably under
their control and where peace has no,
been entirely restored. We have never
invited Americans to return to an,
districts except where there is nj
question regarding the guaranty Of
their safety.
personally. / regret deeply wha,
:aas occurred and naturally so mus,
Gen. Carranza and I am sure he vii
do all he can to bring punishment t
those guilty. also am certain tina,
my government deplores to an eoua
extent with the government and thu