Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1916-04-19
u. s. FACESCLAS
WITH CARRANzA
IF ARMY REMAINS
First Chief" Unable to Control
Civilians.
ARMY TOLD TO AVOID TOWNS
American Commanders Ordered Not
TO Pass Through Cities in Mexico
Believed Troops Will Remain
in Mexico Despite Protests.

in Mexico Despite Protests.
Washington. April IA situation
of extreme tension, involving, among
other things. the possibility of an
armed clash with the de facto govern.
ment of Mexico-or the withdrawal Of
American troops from Mexican terri
tory-faces the president and the
American people
This situation has been produced
by two grave developments. The more
important is the battle which took
place at Parral between an American
force of $50 men and the people and
Carranza garrison of that city.
While General Oregon, the strate-
gist of the Mexican army, has given
instructions to prevent further fight
ing, General Carranza declares the
excitement is so great among the peo-
pie that | fail to know whether the
struggle can be stopped
The second development grows out
of lengthy note. presented by direc-
tion of General Carranza, charging
President Wilson with bad faith in
entering Mexico and closing with the
statement that it is already time to
treat about the withdrawal of the
American troops.
Demand Troop Withdrawal.
This statement has been REINFORCED
by a dispatch presented to Secretary
Lansing insisting ON the necessity of
directing the return of the American
forces from Mexican soil.
The Mexican ambassador, Senior Ar
redondo. was authorized to make use
of any argument he deemed advisable
to put an end to the situation created
by the presence of American troops in
our territory
Both General Carranza and his rep
resentative in command Of Chihuahua
insist that the outbreak was caused
by the action of the commander of the
American troops in entering Parral
without permission.
The governor of Chihuahua had not
been asked in advance to give author
ity for the passage of the troops
through the city. Had such a request
been made it is stated instructions
would have been sent to ParTal and the
incident would not have occurred.
Commanders Are Warned.
Secretary Baker gave instructions to
General Funston to institute an inves-
tigation. The general further was di-
rected to advise the commanders in
Mexico to observe the greatest care in
avoiding towns hereafter.
In defense of the action of the
American column in entering Parral
it is stated that the peculiar mountain
GUS confguration Of the country in
which that city is situated necessi-
tated the attempt on the part of the
troops to pass through it.
The administration holds that this
was specifically contrary to the or
ders issued. The orders to General
Funston required the avoidance of all
towns. The purpose of these orders
was to prevent such an outbreak as
took place at Parral.
Fear Further Attacks.
The administration and the army
are deeply concerned about the safety
of a number of small columns which
are operating Independently. They
may be attacked and overwhelmed, in
view of the situation as described by
General Carranza.
General Funston has been apprised
Of the necessity of preventing such a
disaster. 1t is expected that he will
draw in his forces so as to be in suf-
ficient strength to repel attack.
The situation is such that the presi-
dent and his advisers are gravely con-
cerned.
Withdrawal Now Inexpedient.
Had President Wilson in a state
ment issued from the White House
not declared that the single object of
the punitive expedition was to cap
ture Villa there is no doubt that Gen
eral Funston would have been direct
ed to withdraw the troops several days
ago. The administration deems it in
expedient, however, to act too quickly
and was preparing to get out when a
proper opportunity presented itself.
In view of what has happened, how
ever, the president and his advisers
are reluctant to recall the troops and
thereby give the impression that the
United States is afraid. The moral
effect of such move would be ex-
tremely bad. On the other hand, to
stay in Mexico means to bring about
the situation which Villas raid on Co
lumbus was intended to produce-the
creation of a state o. war between the
United States and the Carranza gov.
eminent.