New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-04-14

should Carranza back up his demands
with force, causes the grAvest appre-
henson among army officers. This feel-
ing is present also in Administration
quarters. but not openly svowed.
American forces numbering not more
than 1900, 10 ia stated authorltatiyely.
are strung out in 4 thin line soout %"
miles long. Within striking distance
Of this line, upon which the communi-
cations and supplies OF the whole eHpe-
dition depend. are bodies Of Carranza
troop, outnumberng the Americans
three or four 10 one. as estimated on
supposedly reliable information.
The frst act of the Mexican govern
ment in opposing the American expedi-
ton with force would be 10 cut the
line OF communication and ISOLATE
large part OF the American force. ms
could probably be accomplished, rs the
situation is now. military experts say.
II would then be imperative that
large relief expedition be organized a.
once.
For relief purposes there are about
$4,000 regulars on the border mostly
infantry. and 1000 additional in CONT
mental United States. The border troops.
however. would be needed 10 repel the
assaults that certainly would be made
by Carranza gsrrisOns along the boun-
dairy. They could not, therefore, be
Withdrawn for the relief expedition un-
I'll relieved by militia.
Militia Force Inadequate.
Various estimates of the availability
OF the militia for this work indicate
that no considerable force could reach
the border in less than three weeks.
Even then the men would be wholly
without experience and without ade-
ouate training. Army oNicers consider
i. doubtful whether. in case OF an act
us war with Mexico. il would De safe
10 remove the regulars from border
patrol duty and substitute militia.
safe or not. however, Il would ne the
only solution. unless the isolated force
in Mexico were 20 be abandoned 20
capture or annihilation.
The militia cannot be called. under
the law, until state Of war actually
exists and All invasion of American SOIL
ia threatened. Secretary Baker has no
intention Of preparing against the pres
ent emergency, he says, by calling for
volunteers.
Funston Has Full Powers.
Secretary Baker announced tonight
that he had ordered General Funston
10 take any steps that might be neccs-
sary 10 prevent further trouble. When
asked whether this might mean the
enforced use OF Mexican railroads for
the movement Of soldiers and supplies
he said General Funston was on the
ground and would act M any emer-
eency required. The Secretary OK
pressed the hope, however. that the
trouble at Parral was purely local and
did not pressge further difficulties.
General Carrsnzs. directing his EN-
bassy here 70 point out that the clash !
proved his contention that the presence
Of American troops in Mexico VAS
leading TO a situation which threatened
TO so beyond his control. telegraphed
that "many deaths had occurred on both !
sides"
Mild Aspect Made Serious.
The first impression of General Car
ranza's note in many quarters rss that
it merely opened the way 10 a dis
cussion Of the adyisability Of with I
drawing the troops. basing the sug-
geston on statement Of facts AZ
they appeared 20 Carrsnza officials. II
does not specifically request, OR de
mand. the withdrawal Of the forces.
Some officials were inclined 10 be
lieve General Carrsnza had found II
necessary 10 take some steps 10 assure
his countrymen that he vas safe
guarding the sovereignty Of his
country in every possible way. A pro-
longed diplomatic discussion was
looked for with no serious embsrrass
mont OF the pursuit OF the bandits.
The Psrral ARRAY. however, intro
duces more serious aspect. In his
messages transmitting the reports
General CarrsnZa uses stronger terms,
although avoiding. as does his note.
language that can be construed as
more than an argument supporting his
urgent opinion that the troops be re
called.
Army Prepared 10 Act.
Whatever steps the War Department
took to-day or had ALREADY taken fur
ther than Secretary Bakers order 10
General Funston. with the possibility
in view OF an attempt 20 eject the
American forces from Mexican soil.
have not been disclosed. II is known.
however. that military authorities
have had that possibility in mind con-
stantly. regardless o. the diplomatic
status OF the expedition. II is under
stood that very definite plans for the
relief of any belesgured column have
been mapped out.
The situation at Parral was unex-
pected. II ofRcial reports from Cen
eral Pershing bear out the Mexican
advices. i. seems likely that the con-
duct Of the officer in command OF the
troops will be subjected 10 close
scrutiny.