Evening star., 1916-06-28
PRESIDENT WILLING
TO MEET 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.

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 inflexlble
stand that will offend the sensl
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 Carranza Half Way.
Assuming that Carranza will sin
cereIy cooperate in efforts for
peace. after first 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, SO far as the administra
ton is 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
NJ lekicanS except those upon legitimate
errandS or authorized by the Mexican
government. This zone would remain
in possession of the United States un-
Ill the tarranZa or some other govern
ment had fully restored order in Mex
leo. when it 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 oyerrun the Amer
lean side of the border.
Note May Be on Way.
Believing that there 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 Mex
lean prison and insisting that Carranza
make clear his purposes toward this
country, President Wilson today held
his hand to Mexico and went on
with much general executive business
demanding his attention. He saw MANY
visitors during the day
AT the War Department there was
no let up in activities. Officials high
and low feverishly worked to the main
lean border and to forward supplies to
these human fighting machines The
wires hummed with orders and officials
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
fees, and in the State Department there
was an easing up in the tension of the
last few days, due to the belief that
:arranza's answer is on the way.
There did not seem to be definite in
formation anywhere as to what the
carranza answer will be- although there
was assumption that the Mexican
leader cannot afford to longer keen the
Americans in prison. and that his only
wise course, If he really wants peace is
to set these men at liberty.
Elesio Arredondo. the Carranza am
bassador designate. had received no
word early this afternoon from his chief
about the status of the diplomatic nego-
tiations. Mir. Arredondo has Informed
Gen. Carranza of the determined sentj
rlent in the United States demanding
the release of the American troopers
put had no reply.
Brief Telegram From Rodgers.
Special Agent Rodgers at Mexico Citv
state Department early today. said he
expected to be handed today Carranza.s
reply to the American note demanding
the release of the soldiers.
The message. containing but two
ment had heard from Mr.. Rodgers since
he reported the delivery of the United
States note.
; Two cabinet officers and others close
/ to the President although they had
not talked with him recently. express
ed opinions that the Carranza answer