The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1916-07-01
BOTH UNITED STATES AND MEXICO
REFUSE TO YIELD POINTS
War Believed Inevitable = Negotiations
still in Progress = No Intention of
Intervention, says Lansing.

At present writing, it is the verdict Of
general opinion throughout the United
States that war with Mexico is inevitable
and that an open declaration Of hostilities
is only question of few days.
On July 25th, Secretary Of State Ian
sing, in a telegram to James Linn Rogers,
special representative Of the American
government in Mexico City, after drawing
attention to the Carrizal incident and the
orders issued by the Mexican war depart
ment to General Trevino not to permit
American forces from General Pershing's
column to advance in any other direction
than north, delivered the following ulti-
matum:
"The government Of the United States
can put no other construction upon the
communications handed to the Secretary
Of State Of the United States on the oath
of June by Mr.. ArredondO, under instruc-
ton of your government, than that it is
intended as formal avowal Of deliberate
hostile action against the forces of the
United States now in Mexico and of the
purpose to attack them without provoca-
ton whenever they move from their pre-
sent position in pursuance Of the objects
for which they were sent there, notwith-
standing the fact that these objects not
only involve no unfriendly intention to-
ward the government and people of Mex
ico but are, on the other hand, intended
only to assist that government in protect
ing itself and the territory and people Of
the United States against irresponsible and
insurgent bands Of rebel marauders.
L am instructed, therefore, by my gov
ernment to demand the immediate release
of the prisoners taken in the encounter at
Carrizal, together with any property of
the United States taken with them, and to
inform you that the government Of the
United States expects an early statement
from your government as to the course Of
action it wishes the government Of the
United States to understand it has deter
mined upon, and that it also expects that
this statement be made through the usual
diplomatic channels and not through sub
ordinate military commanders"
At this time, no reply to Lansing's note
has been received, but Washington dis
patches indicate that Carranza will meet
President Wilson's ultimatum with
counter-demand for the release of thirty
MeXicans arrested by American authorities
along the border, within the last two
weeks; also that President Wilson lift the
embargo on the expectation of American
merchandise, principally food stuffs, to
Mexico, which has been imposed by Amer
lean customs officials within the last two
weeks
Carranza, in a final note to the United
States, has admitted responsibility for the
orders, which resulted in the massacre Of
American troops at Carrizal, taking the
ground that the incident was the result Of
deliberate violation of his demands that
American troops vacate Mexican soil.
According to Washington dispatches,
close advisers Of the president and leaders
in congress do not expect Carranza to back
down in the stand he has taken, and see
little hope of avoiding war.