New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-08-10
President Said to Have
Chosen Them for
Commission.
"WON'T BE MEMBER
LANE DECLARES
Both Men Are Regarded as Shar-
ing Wilson'S Views on
the Situation.

Prom Tie Tribune Burcaul
Washington. Aug. although Pres
ident Wilson has made no official an
nouncement Of his choice, it was gen.
orally understood here to-day that
Secretary Lane. Of the Interior Depart
ment. and Justice Brande,s, of the
Supreme Court. will be two Of the
three American commissioners VINO, III
conjunction with Carranza's repre-
sentatives, will attempt to solve the
border question. Who the third mem
Der will be is still a secret closely
guarded BY both the President and
Acting Secretary Polk. 1t is under
stood that the formal announcement
Of the commission will await the ac-
ceptance Of this man.
Secretary Lane denied to-day that
he was to be a member, although nc
would not deny that he had been ap-
proached on the subject His name
has been repeatedly suggested, ana IS
understood TO have been considered be-
fore by the President for the Niagara
Falls commission. lie has been a close
student of the Mexican problem and
is regarded as the most thoroughly
Informed man in the Cabinet on the
situation. As he is intimately IN
touch with the Presidents views, from
the Administration standpoint his
selection would be admirable.
Justice Brandeis, as a radical, is also
known TO share many of the Presi-
dents ideas regarding what should
be done in the Southern republic and
from the first suggestion Of commits
sion. he was looked upon as almoss
certain Of appointment.
Effect of Appointments.
In circles closely in touch with the
Mexican situation, however, it was felt
that the appointment Of Lane and
Brandeis. because Of their known sym
nathv with the Presidents course,
might prejudice the Mexicans in the
beginning against the commission
with the American commissioners thus
identified with the Administration 1t
was feared that there would be little
latitude allowed the commission. The
better course. il was felt, would have
been 10 appoint men uncOmmltted IN
advance TO supporting the Wilson pol
lev. but Of liberal tendency, and 10
give them practically free mana 10
work out a solution. In that way
something like a permanent result
might have been secured.
As the situation now stands, much
harder task is believed TO have been'
set before the commission. No one
will undertake TO predict that Its ell
forts will result in failure, for every
one, including those opposed to the
Presidents course, is anxious to have
normal conditions restored IN Mexico,
but IL is pointed out that previous at
tempts to settle the difficulties by me-
diation began even more ausplclously,
only to end in nothing
In addition the commission will be
virtually powefless, as both govern
mcnts reserve the right to accept or
reject its proposals There is little be-
lief that Carranza will yield on the
question Of the American troops IN
Mexico. much less on those involving
the internal policy OF his government.
The President was insistent on the
broadening Of the commissions
powers, largely that these might be
discussed. because he feels that they
contribute TO a great degree to the
question OF border safety
ADMINISTRATOR Attitude.
On the other hand, there is little
evidence that the Administration, even
in the face Of an adverse report from
the commission, would alter its policy
TO very great degree. That 1t Will
accent withdrawal of American
troops has already been discounted IN
advance. The President has been seek
ing to do that for some time IN way
that would not provoke criticism.
IL will still insist on its own free
dom Of action in case of another Dor
der raid, for instance, whereas Carran-
"a regards these crossings on to Next
can soil as nothing short of invasions.
Thus with the commission unable to
give final shape TO its results, 1t is
feared that it may leave the question
very much as It is now, as shuttle
cock between the two governments.
The State Department announced to-
day the formal acceptance Of the Car
ranze note Of July u. No reply will
be sent, the appointment Of the Amer
lean commissioners. following the Car
rama precedent, being considered as
sufficient notification to the other gov
eminent. According % department Of
fcials, the first meeting Of the joint
board will probably be about August 20.