Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1916-04-14
CONGRESS WILLING
To LET PRESIDENT
HAVE FULL CONTROL
1t Is Not Expected That Re-
quest WILDE Compiled With
as Officials Point 0at There
No Proof Villa Subdued
(By Associated Preaa,l


WASHINGTON, April 1S.-Genaral
Carranza's proposal for the withdrawal
Of American troops from Mexico failed
tc bring from administration sources
today any Indication that the troops Will
situation is expected 70 result in any
serious friction with the de facto gov
eminent in Mexico.
The development, not unexpected. was
received in congress with divergent
views. but a general undertone OF eau
ton and leaving the situation in its
present stage 20 the administration, pre-
vailed.
Administration officials, however.
made no effort to conceal their feeling
that Carranza's action might increase
the delicacy of the circumstances under
which the pursuit Of villa has been
conducted.
The outstanding features of the sit
uation gave evidences that the expedi-
ton has been carried on with a full
realization that objections might arise
that possibilities have been considered
and probably decision has been reach
ed as to what steps would be taken.
There was apparent agreement
among officials that the troops would
remain for the present but that from a
diplomatic standpoint, II might seem
advisable not to risk local clashes with
Carranza forces during negotiations
Moreover. 1T was said. military prudence.
would necessitate holding the advance
columns close to supporting forces un-
til the attitude Of the Mexican troops
was definitely known.
1t was also increasingly evident to-
day that the war department has en-
deavored to provide against possibiI-
ties although strictest secrecy has been
observed. 1t is understood that in
every movement Of troops beyond the
border and along the international line.
the possibility of an attempt to cut OF
the expedition has been considered and
the war department is prepared to back
UP the forces should need arise.
Although General Carranza raises
side issues, administration oflcials at
their first view of the communication
regarded the principal contentious as
being that the object Of the punitive
expedition has been accomplished so far
as it can be, and that the Villa bands
have been dispersed
War department officials take the,
view that they have no evidence that
Villa bands have been dispersed, be-
cause they never have had definite in
formation Of their number and that
the very nature of the situation gives
no evidence that the raiders have been
exterminated
Some state department officials con-
fessed that General Carranza's note
was not a surprise.
Counsellor Polk confirmed the state
ment in the note that when he asked
for use of the Mexican railways the
reply was satisfactory" but was
coupled with an expression of surprise
that the United States had not awaited
final approval of the pending protocol
before sending troops across the Dor
der
1t was declared officially, however.
that no formal protest against the en-
try of General Pershing's columns had
been previously made by General Car
RAMA When the advance troops cross
ed at Columbus, IT Was officially stated.
a Carranza general met them at the
border and made no protest.
State department officials took the
view that Carranza's note was not
demand for immediate withdrawal but
an invitation to begin negotiations TO
limit their stay.
The dispatch of the punitive expedi-
ton before negotiations Of the proto-
col was characterized by state depart
ment officials as perfectly JUSTIFIED
by correspondence between Secretary
Lansing and the Carranza government
Senator Lodge, ranking Republican
IF the foreign relations committees
called at the navy department TO-DAY
but said his visit was not IN re1eFence
to the Mexican situation.
He declined to comment upon the
Carranza note and would not forecast
the attitude of the senate Republicans.
s.,Tbe administration is charged with
our foreign affairs" said he
Secretary Lansing took the view
that there was absolutely nothing for
him to discuss. He said he had yet
received no note or communication from
General Carranza and therefore, hae
notbine To comment upon What he
would do after seeing General Car
ranza's ambassador later today, MI
Lansing declined to indicate.
After a conference with Secretary
Lansing, Chairman Flood, of the house
foreign affairs committee, SAID ne saw
no necessity for congressional action as
the situation now stood.