Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1916-06-24
Washington officials Con.
vinced American Forces
We're 'Tricked.
EVIDENCE SHOWS
TRAP WAS LAID
Secretary Baker For First Time Re-
fuses to Discuss Situation With
Newspapers-Retalia atory Measures
May Result in Occupation Of All Of
Northern Mexico by American
Troops.

washington, June 24.-Relatlons be-
tweens the United States and the de
facto government of Mexico are close
to the breaking point today as result
of the belief that American cavalrymen
were deliberately massacred Wednes-
day at Carrizal by Carranza soldiers.
Secretaries Lansing and Baker were
at the White House early today to con-
fer with theu resident. 1t is known
that the possibility of drafting retail
atory action against the Mexican gov
ernment forces in Chihuahua was given
grave, consideration. On going back
Secretary Lansing. for the first time
since he became secretary of state.
Cancelled his morning Engagement with
newspaper men. He sent word by his
private secretary that there was moth
ing he could give e5out at this time. II
the Carranza government accepts re-
sponsibility 1or the attacw it Is held
by officials that occupation of most of
northern Mexico will be ordered by
President Wilson to take place as sool.
as military force can be placed at the
disposal of General Funston.
Action must await further report
from General Pershing. His message
indicating that only few men of the
two troops of cavalry had survived in
addition to those taken prisoners had
not been supplemented at an early
hour.
1t is said the first act of the Wash
ington government when fuller infor.
nation is at hand will be TO demand
reputation of the Carrizal attack by
the Carranza government. Preliminary
reports have convinced the officials
here that the American troops were de-
liberately led Anto a trap.
unGualified reputation cs the attack
and immediate surrender of the pris-
oners probably will be demanded.
Awaits More Details.
Secretary Baker said this morning
after his conference with the president
that no Immediate change in the pol
icy was contemplated by the United
States and that no new military orders
were planned.
Secretary Baker In reply to query
as to whether the United States had
requested the release of the prisoners
ca aptured at CarrlZal said.
Il can not discuss the subject now"
Secretary Lansing emerged from the
White House about ten minutes after
Baker. He turned to the newspaper
men and said:
II can not say a word"
Mr.. Baker pointed that the only in
formation regarding the Carrizal fight
except from Mexican sources had come
from few stragglers who were not In
the thick Of the fight, being occupied
as horse holders in caring for the
troopers mounts at the rear. The war
department held !: essential 10 get the
stories Of the men. especially officers,
who were on the fighting front in tho
engagement.
Nothing to Mediate.
News that some of the South and
Central American republics are pre-
pairing to make offers of mediation in
the crisis between the United States
and Mexico drew from high officials
here today a strong intimation that
the United States is engaged only in
protecting it's own people and property
and that there Is nothing to mediate.
so far as the policy of this government
is concerned.
Altho Ecuador and Savador have au-
thorized their ministers to confer with
their colleagues on the subject, the
state department does not expect any
overtures at once from the body Of
Latin American diplomats. 1t is UNDER
stood that Ambassador Naon, of Ar
gentna, who came here from New
York yesterday seeking information.
wired his government that nothing