The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1916-06-24
NATIONAL GUARDSMEN CALLED
OUT FROM EVERY STATE

Mobilization Proceeds with Great Rapidity
Mexican Situation at Breaking Point
Carranza' s Demands for Withdrawal of
Troops Refused
On Sunday, June Is, an order from
President Wilson calling out the National
Guardsmen Of every state in the Union,
estimated at from $4,000 to 100000 men,
for service on the Mexican border, was
flashed broadcast throughout the country.
This action Of the President followed as a
result Of the repeated atrocities and de-
predations which have been committed on
American citizens along the Mexican bor-
der, during the past year.
The situation has been aggravated not
only by the perpetratiOn of recent out
RACES, but by the fact that General Jacinto
Trevino, commanding the Carranza army
of the north in chihuahua, advised General
Pershing, the American eXpeditionary COM
mander, on June 16, that any movement of
American troops in Mexico, except north
ward, would be considered as a hostile act
It was also made clear that Mexicans in
future would attack any American troops
crossing the border into that country, in
pursuit of bandits.
Immediately after the issuance Of Presi-
dent Wilson'S call, the greatest activity
was shown in military circles in every part
Of the country, and mobilization was car
1ol al
For months the militiamen Of the various
states had been in constant expectation Of
a call, and work of preparation had al
ready been carried out in almost every
detail. Washington reports state that by
early on Monday morning kilograms had
been received from the governors Of II
states, saying that mobilization was al
ready in progress, as directed. 1t is es-
timated that within two weeks there will
be stationed along the Rio Grande, facing
Carranza's defiant army, an American
force totaling nearly 10000 men.
Still Possible that War may be Averted
This call to arms does not necessarily
mean declaration Of war at the present
time, although the situation is strained
almost to the breaking point
On June 18 the following statement was
issued by Secretary of War Baker:
Sin view Of the disturbed conditions Of
the Mexican border and in order to assure
complete protection for all Americans the
president has called out substantially all
militia and will send them to the border
whenever and as fully as Gen. Funston
determines them to be needed for the pur-
poses stated.
If all are not needed an effort will be
made to relieve those on duty there from
time to time so as to distribute the duty
''This call for militia is wholly unrelated
to Gen. Pershing's expedition, and con
templates no additional entry into Mexico
except as may be necessary to prosecute
certain bandits who attempt outrages on
American soil.
"The militia are being called out so as
to leave some troops III the several states.
They will be modified at their home sta
tions, where necessary training can be
done"
On the same day Cen Carranza ad-
dressed a mass meeting in front Of his
residence in the Mexican capital, in which
he is reported to have said in part:
''This is not the time for hasty action
[ am trying to arrange our difficulties with
the United States paciically and have
hopes Of succeeding. [ want you to aid
me.
"The encounter between American SOL
diers and Mexicans near Matamoros has
been temporarily solved with the with
drawal Of American troops from that
region. The matter is now being taken up
dramatically. There was some trouble
in Mazatlan caused by the intrusion Of an
American sailor and that has also been
adjusted for the time being.
eco to your homes and be good Mex
leans, remembering also that [ will do my
utmost to preserve the dignity Of the Mex
lean nation. If we are forced to resort
to arms [ will lead you in person"
Carranza SkepticaI of American Intentions
On June 10, in an interview with
Chicago Herald correspondent in Mexico
City, Carranza is quoted as having said: