The Brunswick news. [volume] (Brunswick, Ga.) 1906-2016, 1916-03-14
CONFERENCE is HELD
TO DISCUSS SUBJECT
Inability of Mexicans to Cope
With the Situation Is the
Ground for Ordering General
Funston Across Border.

WASHINGTON, MafCn | Iii ne
United States replied to General Car
ranza's request for reciprocal ar
rangement for crossing of troops at the
Mexican border late today after Sec
retary Lansing had conferred with
President Wilson. Carranza's propos-
al was accepted.
The acceptance was made on the
ground that Carranza troops may cross
into American territory in pursuit of
bandits at any time that American
forces are not present in sufficient
numbers. 1t will be pointed out that
the inability of the Carranza troops to
handle the situation in northern Mex
leo is the sole ground for entry of
American soldiers.
In that way American officials eX-
pect that the situation will be relieved
of its chief menacing feature. They
expressed the view today that a great
deal of unnecessary pessimism exists
as to General Carranza's attitude. AS
to the attitue of the Mexican people
themselves, however, there is some
concern, but it is realized that only
the developments of the next few days
can clear up that phase of the situa-
ton.
: There was no indication at the war
department that negotiations for re-
ciprocal arrangement had in any way
altered the situation on the border
Publication of Carranzas manifesto de-
claring that armed invasion of Mexico
in pursuit of Villa would not be toll
Grated except on a reciprocal basis,
apparently has not resulted in any
change of General Funston's instruc-
tions to proceed with the pursuit of
Villa in his own way and at such time
as he thought best.
Army officials who studied the Car
rama manifesto were convinced that
it was not intended as a communica-
ton to the United States in any sense.
The head of the de facto government,
they pointed out, was in delicate
jolitical position, forced to satisfy
conflicting elements among his own
adherents in whatever course he pur-
sues 1t was admitted however, that
Iif Carranza enforced the sentiments
expressed in his manifesto the pursuit
of Villa might be hampered seriously
Discussion of the possible attitude
of CarranZa or of the great mass of
the Mexican people is academic so far
as war department officials are CON
cerned. That phase Of the situation
rests wholly with the president and
the state department.
Official Washington was in suspense
early today, waiting official announce
ment that American troopers were
over the Mexican border, carrying the
vengeance of an outraged nation to
| the bandit Villa and his followers for
| the Columbus massacre.
The war department was besieged
with inquiries. Newspaper men gath
cred about the door leading to Secre-
tary Bakers office. He had promised
there would be no delay; that mes
says from Gen. Funston announcing
the expeditionary forces were on
their way would be published immedi-
dLely upon l0elT receipt. Inc btcie-
tary said he believed that the public
was entitled to know promptly what
was being done by the government
and he authorized the installation OF
Especial equipment for the press in
order that the word might be flashed
over the country when it came. There
was no assurance, however. that Gen
Funston would advise the department
before his men were well on the
march.
Regiments Moving.
! While Gen. Funston was assembling
his expedition somewhere on the
border" three regiments Of cavalry
and one of infantry were moving tc
his support today from widely scat
tered points in the United States. The
cavalry was ordered out at his reques
Saturday night, some from the Pacific
coast, some from the middle west ant