Rogue River courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 19??-1918, 1916-06-19


mailed fist conironts the carranza
government today. Orders for prac-
tically all state militia for border
service. backed by dispatch OF more
fighting ships and transports. consti-
tutes the threat. It Is the admins
tration's last trump card 10 quiet q
troublesome situation. II his last
trump does not take the trick, on
cials fear war win follow.
Some administration oiiicials today
frankly admitted a fear that dispatch
Of 100, 900 more men TO the border
may cause some Of the more reck-
less Of Carranxa commanders to COM
init an act that could have only one
result.
Oficials seemed certain the mailed
fist win have the desired effect. They
believed, though. that the United
States will be thoroughly prepared
by the latest step for anything that
develops below the boundary.
Calling the militia does not now
mean Intervention. The policy IL
still TO keep General Pershing's col
umn where II Ia and to strengthen
the border patrol SO much as to end
the recent outbnrAts Of bauditry.
The most disturbing thing in a
mass OF perplexlng rumors and facts
was the report that Carranza had
sent IN ultimatum. demanding Amer
ican troop withdrawal within q week.
The president made his militia call
last night.
The big underlying thing Is the
economic situation in Mexico. II Is
very bad. according to ofiicial re-
ports. This reacts for trouble by
creating chaotic condition and by
stimulating banditry among men
whose only sustenance seems to lie
in loot.
The militia call. officials hoped.
may cause Carranza to make extreme
efforts to hold his men In check. But
these same officials admitted fear
that the call may fan the Mexican
populace into such indignant anti
Americanism that break can not be
averted. Certainly In some Mexican
quarters the news will be taken as
meaning preparation for war.
The orders issued last night con-
template having about 100000 more
men ready for border work. Where
and when they will be sent depends
on General Funston's orders. They
are ordered to mobilize and camp in
their respective states.
The troops will not be sent at once
to the border. The war department
contemplates rellefs. so that the en-
tire force will not have to be in con-
stant attendance.
The response to the militia call
will be closely watched, but from re-
ports already in, the national guards
OF numerous states are really anxious
to go.
The fact that the United States
troopers in the fight Saturday below
were not actually engaged
with de facto government forces, and
came out unscathed, caused rejoicing
here today. The big fear here Satur-
day night was that this fight might
spell the beginning OF the end. pro-
voklng Intervention through a clash !
with Carranza's men. All outward
signs except Carranza's reported
ultimatum---point to an
effort by Carranza and his authori-
ties to keep their men In check. Be-
hind II. however, Is growing dis
position among carransa ofiiclals to
be more strenuous In demands upon
the United States---perhaps for home
but certainly In q way ,
that displeases this government,
The demands OF General Trevino
that Pershing's forces DO not move !,
Except out---under pain or Mexl.l
can attack, Is stlll regarded here as