Evening star., 1916-06-28
PRESIDENT WILLING
TOMEET CARRANzA
HALF WAY ON ISSUE
Makes Condition That Reply
Due Today Must Show
Proper Spirit.
MAY MODIFY SLIGHTLY
STAND ON WITHDRAWAL
Comedies Presence of American
Troops Far in Interior Is Cause
For Irritation.
WAR DEPARTMENT IS BUSY
Army Heads, However, Are Grimly
Active, Despite Diplomatic Ex-
changes and Outlook, Prepar-
ing for Hostilities Across
Border.
MAY MODIFY SLIGHTLY
STAND ON WITHDRAWAL
WAR DEPARTMENT IS BUSY

Conditioned upon Carranza
showing the proper spirit in the
reply that is now believed to be
on the way to Washington to the
United States note of Sunday, and
that he does not take an inf1exible
stand that will offend the sensi
bilities of the American people,
President Wilson, it was indi-
Gated in intelligent quarters to-
day, is willing to take up with
Carranza plan of settlement of
the present differences that may
be effective.
The President, the Carranza people
now understand. will not consent to
the withdrawal of troops of this coun-
try from Mexico. but the President is
willing to concede, it is said. that the
presence of troops so far in the in
terror of Mexico may be irritating. in
spite of the conditions under which
they went there.
Will Meet Oarranza Half Way.
Assuming that Carranza will sin
cerely cooperate in efforts for
peace. after nrst conveying regrets
for the Carrizal affair. President Will
son will meet him half way and pro-
pose plans that may bring a successful
settlement. The basis for this settle
ment would. 50 far as the administra-
tion IL concerned, be the withdrawal of
United States soldiers to a peace zone
running along the entire border be-
tween the United States and Mexico.
to a depth of something like forty
miles.
The soldiers Of the United States
would patrol this zone, practically be-
ing in possession of it, keeping out all
Mexicans except those upon legitimate
errands or authorized by the Mexican
government. This zone would remain
in possession of the United States un-
| til the Carranza or some other govern
ment had fully restored order in Mex
leo. when ii would again pass into the
hands of the Mexicans.
The administration Is Of the opinion
that public opinion all over the world
would recognize this as fair and neces-
moving the possibility of continued
friction through the keeping at bay
OF bandits trying to overrun the Amer
tcan side of the border.
Note May Be on Way.
Believing that thare is now on the
way to Washington the answer of Gen.
Carranza to the last note of the State
Department demanding the release of
soldiers of the United States in a Mex
lean prison and insisting that Carranza
make clear his purposes toward this
country. President Wilson today held
his hand as to Mexico and went on
with much general executive business
demanding his attention. He saw manv
visitors during the day
At the War Department there was
no let up In activities. Officials high
and low feverishly worked to the main
end OF getting armed men to the Mex
lean border and to forward supplies TO
these human nghting machines The
went here and there throughout the
War Department comforting with one
another Nothing was taken for grant
ed there.
Busy at War Department.
Across the street in the executive Of.
nces. and IN the State Department there
was an easing UP in the tension of the
last few days. due TO the belief that
Carranza's answer is on the way.
There did not seem to be definite In.
formation anywhere as to what tbs
eafranza answer VIII be. although there
was an assumption that tn. Nexican
leader cannot AFFORD to longer keen tha
Americans in prison. and that his only
wise course. IL he really wants peace. Is
to set these men at liberty
Elesio Arredondo. the carranza an.
bassador designate. had received n,
word early this afternoon from his chic,
about the status of the diplomatic neuo.
tiations. Mr. Arredondo has irfornesd
Gen. Carranza of the Determined $50;
ment In the United States demandtne
the release of the American troonsrs
but had no reply.
Brief Telegram From Rodeers
Special Agent Rodgers at Mexfco r,,,,,
in brief telegram received at ~
State Department early today said h.
expected to be handed today carranza.,
reply TO the American note demandipe
the release of the soldiers
Tne message. containing but two
sontences. was the first word the densr,
ment had heard from Mr.. Rodgers sinct
he reported the delivery Of the Iynttef
States note.
Two cabinet officers and Others clos.
to the President. although they bad
not talked with him recently. express.
ed opinions that the Carranza answe,
would be here today and that II would
most likely be favorable.
That no official of the government
was certain as to what the answe,
will be. however. is shown clearly in
the fa6t that the President has sus.
pended decision whether he will 20 Il
Philadelphia tomorrow to address the
assoeiated advertising men in annua
eouyention there. The President in.
tended to leave tomorrow morning and
speak to the advertising men at 4
'e1oek tomorrow afternoon. He hac
idee - : late hour today whsthel