The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-05-10
SCOTT
CALLS
BLUFF
Now Holds Whip Hand in BOr-
der Conference.
U. S. Force on Job Superior to
Gen. ObregOn's.
PROSPECTS OF SETTLEMENT
Scott Wires Washington Out
look More Favorable.
No Conclusion at Three-HOur
Conference.
MOBILIZE At SAN ANTONIO
5000 of Newly Summoned
Force at Ft. Houston.
ObregOn Still Insists on With
draWaI of Troops.
No Conclusion at Three-HOur
Conference.
MOBILIZE At San ANTONIO
1000 of Newly Summoned
Force at Ft. Houston.
ObregOn Still Insists on With
draWaI of Troops.
RY e. It. CONKLE.

Ell Paso, May 1O.-General
Scott held the whip hand today
in his negotiations with War
Minister Obregon. For the first
time the American forces avail
able for duty along the border
and in Mexico were numerically
superior to the Mexican forces,
and military officials believed
Obregon's bluff has been called.
Another conference between the
war heads is expected today and
authorities confidently expected
full agreement on the details OF
the original plan.
While Scot refused to listen to any
plan involving a time limit on the eA-
pedition. American military prepara-
lions were progressing rapidly TO
throw 1000 more men within striking
distance of Mexico. Neither Scott nor
Funston underestimates the danger OF
an explosion which no dlplomatlc ac-
ton could repair.
Funston Still at FL Paso.
General Funston still is here and
said he had no idea when he would be
back to his headquarters at San An
tonic This was taken to indicate
that today's conference may not be
the last.
From JuareZ came reports that
General Obregon and his advisers
were optimistic regarding the outcome
of the conference. 1t is not expected
that A J. McQuatters, the mining man
who withdrew from last nights meet
ing, will take further part in the dis
.lrar Il to
day that in view of the attitude of
General Obregon, he had not thought
Il proper to insist on Mr.. McQuatters
attendance, especially as the latter had
no official standing.
No answer had been received early
today from Washington to General
.scott's message reporting General
:Obregon's proposal for a joint patrol
of the international boundary. Cen
eral Scott said the conference sched-
uled for today was to be held regard
less of whether a reply was received to
the plan of the Mexican minister of
war.
Pershing Draws Lines Closer.
General Pershing has been ordered
to begin greater concentration OF
his troops Those detachments still
operating as far south as San Antonio
it was reported will be withdrawn tc
Colonia Dublan.
Scott Is Hopeful.
Washington, May 10.-Secretary
Baker informed President Wilson to-
day that the conference between Gen
eral Scott and General Obregon last
night was not conclusive and it woulo
be continued today. He indicated that
the outlook was more favora BILE for ar
agreement being reached. The exaci
points of difference were not revealed
Confide in Conferees.
Ell Paso, May 10.-Increasing con.
fidence in the ability of Generals Scot
and ObregOn to effect an agreement
was evident on both sides of the Pic
Grande today. The situation, how.
ever was not materially altered by the
conferees in their thre hours talk las
night. The optimism appeared baseC
largely upon admission that another
conference would be held perhaps to
day, and that General Obregon and hi
associates maintain attitudes of hope
fUlness.
The Mexican Representatives yester
day insisted upon placing the question
of withdrawal of General Pershing'
forces ahead of the question of co
operation.
Wants Cooperative Border Patrol.
General Scott was expected to re
(CODtinued on PAGE