The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1916-07-04
FIRST CHIEF WILL DEFY
DEMANDS OF WASHINGTON
Issuance of Memorandum ASpers-
ing American Good Faith
Bad Sign.

Washington. June 30.-While ad-
ministration officials manifested i'm
patience today over the delay of the
Carranza government in replying to
the American demand for an eXplana-
tion of its purpose, private advices
from Mexico City indicated that a de-
fant answer was being prepared
there and expressed the belief that a
break between the two governments
was unavoidable.
There appeared to be complete
agreement among members of the
Ii,.exican cabinet, the advices said, that
orders to Gen. Trevino to attack
American troops moving in any di-
rection except toward the border be
reafirmed
Some de facto officials wished to go
further, it was indicated, and demand
that American troops be Immediately
withdrawn from Mexican soil.
The private messages were sent By
persons in position to speak with
some authority as to Gen. Carranza's
attitude and they appeared to be
borne out by unconciliatory character
of a memorandum published by Mexi
co City, specifically denying all the
allegations of the previous American
note in answer to Carranza's s demands
for withdrawal of the troops.
May Promise Protection.
Intimations have reached officials
here, however, that the de facto gov
ernment may give strong assurances
in its note that border raids will be
prevented by a strong patrol of Mexi-
can troops if the United States forces
withdraw. 1t was said at the Mexican
embassy tonight that $4,000 Carranza
troops are available fer border patrol
duty.
The state department has had no
direct information as to when the
Mexican response would be sent or
how it would De transmitted. Secre-
tary Lansing called this fact to the
attention of Eliseo Arredondo, Mexi-
! can ambassador designate, during the
day and indicated that he did not IN
derstand the delay in view of the
statement in the American note of
last Sunday that an early answer was
expected.
Mr. Arredondo, who had called to
announce formally the release of the
carrizal prisoners, said he had not
heard from his government on the
subject. Although Special Agent Rod
gers at Mexico City was informed two
days ago that he might expect to be
handed the Mexican note that day, he
has made no mention of it in later
dispatches.
May Hold Up Note.
Some officials believed it possible
that the communication would come
through Mr.. Arredondo and that it's
actual delivery would be conditioned
on the situation at the time he receiv-
ed it. Efforts at arranging mediation.
favored by Carranza officials, led to
the belief that the reply would be
withheld al the last moment if there
seemed any chance that the Washing
ton government would listen to such
proposals.
Another communication was sent to
the state department today by Mr.. Ar
redondo protesting against the shoot
ing of a Mexican customs inspector
by American soldiers at Ysleta, Tex
as. According to Consul Garcia at Ell
Paso the soldiers fired across the Rio
Grande at two customs officers with
out any provocation whatever" The
body of the Mexican was removed by
his companion after dark, it was said.
The cabinet had no official advices
in any way changing the situation at
today's regular meeting Later it was
stated that no change in policy was
contemplated. After the meeting
President Wilson left to keep a
speaking engagement tonight in New
York. He will be in Washington again
early tomorrow, and should an unfa-
vorable reply from Gen. Carranza
come during the night he will be able
to take the situation to congress be-
fore nightfall if he so desires.
Prepared to Act Promptly.
There is every reason to believe the
president will act promptly if the