The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1916-06-19
BY CARL o. GROAT.

practically all state militia for Dor
der service, backed by dispatch OF
more fighting ships and transports,
constitutes the threat. II is the ad'
ministration's last trump quiet a
troublesome situation. IL this last
trump doesn't take the trick, Off.
cials fear war will follow.
Some administration officials to-
day frankly admitted a fear that dis
patch OF 100000 more men TO the
border may cause some OF the more
reckless OF Carranza's commanders
TO commit an act that could have
only one result
No officials seemed certain the
mailed hst will have the desired
effect. They did believe. though.
that the United States will be thor
oughly prepared. by the latest step,
for anything that develops below
the boundary.
Calling the militia does not now
mean intervention. The policy is
still to keep General Pershing's col.
umn where II is and to strengthen
the border patrol so much as TO end
the recent outburst OF baditry.
The most disturbing thing in Q
mass OF perplexing rumors and facts
was the report that Carranza has
sent an ultimatum demanding Amer.
lean troop withdrawal within a
week. This had not been received
here officially early today. but there
were officials who said such a move
would not surprise them.
Behind the militia call last night
lies a realization, officially admit.
| ted. that the Carranza government
grows gradually weaker, with con
sequent possibility or trouble be
tween that regime and the United
States.
The big underlying thing is the
economic situation extremely bad.
according TO official reports. This
reacts for trouble by creating a
chaotic condition. and by humiliat-
ing banditry among men whose only
sustenance seems to lie in loot.
The militia call, officials hoped,
may cause Carranza TO make ex-
treme efforts 10 hold his men in
check. But these same officials ad-
mitted a fear that II may fan the
Mexican populace into such indig-
nant anti-Americanism that a break
cannot be avoided. Certainly. in
some Mexican quarters the news will
be taken as meaning a preparation
for war. authorities said.
The orders issued last night con-
template having about 100000 more
men ready for border work. Where
and when they will be sent depends
upon Gen. Funston's orders. They
are ordered TO mobilize in camps In
the respective states. While all
probably will not be sent at once 10
the boundary. the war department
contemplates having reliefs so that
the entire force may not have TO
be in constant service.
Administration men said this will
prove big test OF how strongly
the American people want prepared
ness. Their response to the militia
call will be closely watched, but
from reports already in the depart.
ment the National Guard Of numer.
Gus states is really anxious and will
ing 10 go.
The fact that the Americans in
the fight Saturday below Ranchito
were not actually engaged with de
facto government forces. and came
| out unscathed, caused rejoicing here
today. The big fear Saturday night
was that this fight might spell the
beginning OF the end. provoking in
PREVENTION through crash with
Carranzas men.
All outward slgns-except Car
ranza's reported withdrawal ultima
,um-point 10 an effort by Carranza
and his authorities TO keep their
men in check Behind II, however,
Is growing disposition among
some Carranza officials 10 be more
strenuous in demands upon the
United Ststes-perhaps for home
consumption, but certainly In way
that displeases this government.
The demands OF Gen. Trevino that
Pershing's forces not move-except
out-under pain OF Mexican at
tack. is siill regarded here as a
piece of Mexican bombast, which
will go unheeded.
Army men openly express the
fear that neither Carranza nor his
commanders will be able 10 prevent
an attack upon Pershings column
and the consequent precipitation OF
Intervention Should this Occur.
they said, war without doubt will
follow
BY UNITED PRESS.