New Britain herald., 1916-06-23
FATE OF PRISONERS
 A SOURCE OF WORRY
Negro Troopers, Captured at Carrizal Battle, May Be Hanged if HOstilities Be- tween Countries Break Out-Quiet in Juarez.- Mexicans Near Columbus.

Ell Paso, Tex, June 23.-American guns command the situation at every important border point today. Field artillery has been mounted on hillocks in the larger. communities, the noses of their guns pointing in a southerly direction, while in the smaller towns machine gun attachments have been stationed. Military authorities here and in other border encampments an- nounced that every preparation had been made for possible hostilities.
 After waiting forty eight hours, the border read news despatches giving the American version of the fight at Carrizal, containing Gen. Pershings report that it was an unprOvoked att tack upon the Americans and then lapsed into expectant waiting.
 When, early today, the despatches were read to Gen. George Bell, Jr., commanding the Fl Paso military dis trict over the telephone he expressed keen qualification but said that he had received no additional orders from de- partmental headquarters.
 "I knew" he exclaimed, "I knew our men did not start that fight"
 Anxious For Fate of Prisoners.
 Grave apprehension was manifested here for the safety of the seventeen American prisoners taken in the en- gagement who are held by Gen. Ire vino probably in Chihuahua City It was feared that should hostilities re- suit, the Mexicans probably will at- tempt to carry out threats made by subordinate leaders to hang the cap- tives
 Military authorities here felt con- fdent that supplemental reports would be received today giving additional de- tails of the fight and news of the two squadrons of the Eleventh Cavalry who were sent to reinforce the troops of the Tenth
 few of the troops that evacuated Juarez had returned today and there were reports that the reoccupation of the town by the entire former garri- son of 4,0OO is contemplated.
 During the early morning hours in the Mexican town only a few scatter ing military patrols were on the streets Gen. Francisco Gonzales, commandant and Andres Garcia, con- sul at El Paso who recently has been sleeping on the Mexican side, rode through the streets on horseback, ap- parently making an inspection tour. Street car traffic across the border which was stopped last night was re- sumed today.
 Ready For Hasty Departure.
 Indications that all preparations have been made if a nasty departure of the remnant of the garrison is deemed expedient were to be found in the railway yards, where two troop trains with steam up stood ready for instant departure. Tn one of them fifteen machine guns and three seven- ty-millin1itre field pieces were loaded.
 Reports current in Mexican circles that Gen. Alvaro Obregon, Mexican minister of war, has issued a manifesto 9 offering to accept the services of all rebel leaders in the event of hostili- ties with the United States found some confirmation in the fact that today Q number of Mexicans who had been exiled for political reasons crossed in to Juarez.
 All of these, including Marcelo Car aVOl, former adherent of Orozco and Huerta, and other former minor fac tional leaders seemingly were in good favor with the Mexican military authorities It was said that Gen. CaraVOl will leave tonight for Chi huahua City where Gen. Jacinto Ire vino will assign him to a command in the army of the north
 General Gonzales declined to dis
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