The Pulaskian., 1916-07-07
Guards on Both Sides.

In effect the latest note proposes that the clock be turned back to the time immediately following the Colum- bus raid, and when negotiations were afoot for the passage of American troops into Mexico in pursuit of the raiders. Conditions have changed since then, however, Gen. Carranza having assembled a considerable army in Northern Mexico and the United States having called the entire nation, al guard to the line for patrol duty. It is regarded as improbable that any plan for American pursuit of bandits, except possibly within limited areas where hot trail is followed and no Carranza troops are available, will be dissucced III the new negotiations.
 A plan for .border cantonments, to which reference is made in the note, was proposed by Gen. Obregon at his conference in Fl Paso with Maj-Gen. Scott, chief of staff of the army Gen Scott would not consider it then be, cause it was founded on the stipulation that Gen. Pershing's column would be withdrawn immediately. That stipu- lation in effect now is revoked and unquestionably American officials now will give the plan serious considesa- tion.
 Gen. Obregon proposed that at nee essary intervals along the border, camps of Mexican and American troops be established opposite each other on their respective sides or the line. Information as to bandit move ments would be interehanged by the camp commanders and military opera tions against the raiders being con- ducted jointly, although each force would remain within it's own terri tory.
 With 100000 or more national guardsmen at the border it would be possible to establish the American camp in a way to make 1t practically impossible for raiders to escape if real cooperation were given by the Mexi- cans
 Movement of Troops Continues.
 The mobilization by the guard con- tinued at full speed. It is certain there will be no immediate alteration in the War Department plans. Probe bly, a reduction of the border forces would be ordered only after some CO., operative plan of actioa had been agreed upon with the Mexican govern ment and had been tried out sufficient ly to leave no doubt as to it's practi- cability Tn other words, a demonstra- tion of the ability of the Carranza forces to carry out their part of the bargain would be required. Whether such a demonstration must precede withdrawal of Gen. Pershing's forces is not so clear.
 Officials believe that the call for the national guard and the actual despatch of the troops to the border was the impelling influences which induced Gen. Carranza to abandon the hostile attitude taken in his previous notes. They say the United States holds a strong argument in favor of peaceful solution of border difficulties as long as it maintains an army near the line, and there seems little probability that it will be withdrawn until all danger has passed.
 Unquestionably, if no new bandit outbreaks occur, the national guards men will be gradually sent back to their homes. It originally was planned that only part of the force be used on ,ne border, the remainder being sent later to relieve regiments which had put in the required time at active service. It is possible that scheme will be followed later.