The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-10-28

facto government of Mexico would, Of
course. be glad TO complicate the re-
latons between the United States and
Mexico, and our information IL that
they think this an appropriate time to
do SO. The statement made by the
department ought to discourage any
adventure on their part in that direc-
ton.
Many Now in This Country.
Everybody knows that large
number OF men who have withdrawn
from Mexico are in this country, and
are constantly agitating against the
government of Mexico to the extent
that any sympathy shown with these
movements from the American side of
the line is from these sources. The
element of discord on this side of the
border is the Mexican exiles"
Asked II there was any evidence
that American citizens were involved
in the conspiracy. Secretary Baker an
swered:
"Oh, dear no."
Secretary Lansing said the informa-
tlnn in the hands of the government
had been withheld so we can go on
and get further information If we
told the facts. We know they could
trace the thing" meaning the ac-
the source of this governments In
formation
Pressed for any ground upon which
enemies of the Administrations pol
icy towards Mexico" might desire to
arrange "a spectacular attack" on tho
American army or upon American
communities on the border Mr.. Ian
sing answered:
Want to Beat Wilson.
1nFA
one thing. because they don't like
him"
MIR, Lansing said that the Carranza
troops at Chihuahua City. in the vicin-
lty OF which villa has been operating
successfully, had been reinforced ana,
that they now had plenty of ammuni-
ton. He said he did not know whence
the ammunition came.
Secretary of State Lansing said to-
night that neither the statement OF
secretary Baker nor of himself was
Submitted to. or known to the Presi-
dent, before II was issued, Mr.. Lam
sing said the President had not com
mnntcated with Washington on the
subject
At the Department of Justice. one
, ofiicial privately characterized the plot
as a very serious matter indeed" II
was also said:
You know Secretary Baker don't
you on don't presume he would
nave ISSUED statement OF that kind
II he had not known what he was
talking about do you?"
ihfro was not the slightest evil
/ dence of alarm concerning the things
suggested by the announcement in
either the War or the State Depart
ments.
In the War Department. authorities
declared no concern was felt for the
Halety either Of General Pershing's
troops or for American frontier com
munities. Some fear was entertained
by army officers that the announce
hent might cause unwarranted an
prehenston along the border. and that
IT might result IN mob violence to
Mexicans
I. villa Moving Toward pershinr.
At the Mexican embassy 1t was "a ID
To-Day thai Villa is moving north
westward, toward the American forces
in Mexico
The Mexican government annlj~d to
the state Department today for per-
mission TO send company of Car.
rama officers through American ter
rtory on their tournev from a border
State to the Mexican capital,
The courtesy was requested in be-
mali OF General Plutarcho Luis Gales.
1niiitary governor Of the State OF
sonora and his star consisting OF fve
ofncers. They desire to travel from
Sonora to Eagle Pass. Texas thence
TO Mexico City,