Daily Kennebec journal., 1916-03-13
The Only Report

The order to the z3ro, the SeCleIdt?
eaid, was the only important oereiop-
nent OF the day Of which the depart
nent had any knowledge and nothing
had come from Gen. Funston or from
any other source indicating that the
advance guard Of the expeditionary
force was already on Mexican soil He
said he would make known the TACT
that the expeditionary force was on
its way Just as soon as the news
reached him.
Questioned az to the messages that
had como the secretary admitted that
there was nothing directly denying re-
ports that the border had been crossed.
He said he had nothing to add or SUBJ
tract from his previous statement that
Gen. Funston had full authority to
proceed whenever he was ready. The
secretary emphasized the fact that any
steps taken by the army would be in
full recognition OF Mexican sovereignty.
He declined to discuss further the
question Of what action the de facto
government might take as result Of
tine sending Of American troops in pur-
suit Of the bandits.
Von9foer V0fFAnx4 Note
When President Wilson returns to
Washington tomorrow after a week
end outing on the yacht Msyf!ower he
will take UP with Secretary Lansing at
once the note Of Gen. Carranza re-
Questing permission for the de fac,o
troops 70 pursue bandits into American
territory should the need arise Ad-
minis,ration officials anticipate that a
prompt answer viii be sent and that
!, will be satisfactory to the de tacto
government
The President will find both the
White House and the war department
in direct teiegraphic communication
with virtually every strategic point
along the border involved in the pres
ent situation. To save delay in trans
mitting messages this arrangement
has been made with the teIegraph
companies ard should the expedition
airy forces string field wire behind
after crossing the border it would te
possible for reports to go diec,ly from
the front TO the department.
All important developnents OF the day
were transmitted to the P-e.lden: b.
radio.
Offers Of Service
Both the White House and war DEPART
ment were again flooded today with Of
fers OF service oy prospective volunteers
Mr.. Baker repeated to all inquiries his
statement that no call upon the national
guard or for volunteers is contemplated,
instructions to Funston
The general instructions to Gen. Funs.
ton. it is understood. lay stress upon the
necessity OF impreesing Mexicans on
both sides OF the border with the fact
that the United States is interested only
in defending its own borders and that
troop movements now in progress or con-
templated have no other object. OAicers
of the expeditionary force will be direct
ed TO make this clear to civilians as we'll
as officials Of the de facto government
with whom they come in contact In
structions are explicit it was aid, to cap.
ture or disperse the bandits and return
to United States territory Immediately.
The President il considering laying the
whole situation before Congress. Some
Of his advisors. however. believe this
might have a harmful effect in that his
purpose might be misconstrued by the
Mexican people. Congress is the only
war making power and however carefully
the President's words might be selected
il Is understood these advisers believe
they might be distorted when they reach
ed Mexico.
censrsssional Action
Should the Precedent finally carry tn.
matter to Congress he will make It very
clear. It is said. that operations in Mexi-
can territory to q greater extent than
Il absolutely necessary to stamp out the
border bandits II the farthest thought
from his mind and that he proposed to
recognize to the fullest extent the COM