The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-05-03
BY III. I'll. sTASsBuRY.

FL Paso. Texas. May 2-If tn.
United States is to have war will
Mexico, a few hours more will tel
the story
Minister of War Obregon. smiling
and defiant on yesterday. pushed aside
today the generals who had forced
him TO demand the immediate with,
drawal of the punitive expedition.
He came to FL Paso from Juare1
unattended. even by n military escort.
and sought an informal conference
with Ma1or~General Hugh l. Scott at
noon. The conference lasted all
through the afternoon. At 7:15 din
ner was served to the two men and
the indications were that their con-
ference would continue we'll into the
ME hit
The purpose OF the meeting was ad-
mitted by General Frederick Funston,
who remained in his private car, to
be an effort 10 find some new ground
for an amicahle arrangement under
which the United States can continue
the pursuit Of Pacho villa and his
bands
General Scott entered the confer
ence room fortified with instructions
from Washington that tie troops
would not be withdrawn until the
purpose Of the expedition had been
accomplished.
The instructions were SO broad and
complete that the American general
would have been keeping within the
bounds Of his authority had he re-
fused 70 negotiate further over the
question of withdrawal Obregon
learned this unofricially and was much
more conciliatory in manner
What Scott VIII Agree To.
Al the end of eight hours no word
as to what was actually taking place
in the conference room had been
given to the public
But it was known that General
Scott would insist upon an agreement
that the troops he allowed to remain
in Mexico and receive the co-opera-
ton of the constitutional forces until
order had been restored in chihuahua.
II obregon refuses to agree to these
general terms and such others as may
be imposed, IL is not likely that
another formal conference will be
held.
If the negotiations end with the In
formal conference General Funston
will remain in FL Paso and wait for
the MeNcans TO open hostilities A
formal declaration OF war is con-
fideutly expected in the event of .
deadlock between the conferees.
General Pershing was notified late
this afternoon that the situation was
acute, General Funston announced
that the American forces would be
fluffy capable of protecting the posi-
tons now occupied.
General Pershing left Namiquipa
for San Antonio, Meuco, on the line
of the Mexican Northwestern Rail-
road this morning, according to .
radiogram received tonight by Gen
erAl Funston. A considerable force
of American troops is located at San
Antonio and exposed to attack from
constitutionalist troops which have
been concentrated west of Chihuahua
City. ,.p,--
Pershing on the Job.
It is believed here General Perah-
ing plans TO personally direct any de-
fens!ve move which may become
necessary at San Antonio.
Another column OF infantry started
south along the line of communities
ton from Columbus during the day
for defensive work,
Machine guns have been placed 81
all road crossings around Columbus.
Cavalry patrols are circifng outside Ut
the regular camp guard of infantry.
Ohregon Takes Initiative
General Obregon took the initiative
In asking for the informal CONFER
ence. Early this morning he sent
for A. J McQuatters. president at tAe
Alvarado Mining and Milling Conn
pany. He repeated that he had bean
forced TO take an arbitrary stand for
the Withdrawal of troops by his gem
erals. He said II he could talk with
the American oflcers eione, he
thought some working arranEement
nnightNhe reached.
Mr. McQuatters conrmundcAfAA the
information to Generals ocotf ana
Funston In El Paso. Obree0n 49,
Immediately notified by 0enera1 1ooe
that he would snsss him q - -