Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-03-25

President Wilson himself prob
ably will issue an official state
ment on alarmist reports from
the Mexican border instead of
having Secretary Lansing do it,
as was at first planned.
Part of Propaganda.
The President and the cabinet are so
convinced that certain reports are part
of propaganda to force a general in
tervention in Mexico that it was de-
cided che subject was of sufficient i'm
portance for the President to deal with
personally.
Many officials believe that a well de-
fined effort is being made by interests
owning property in northern Mexico to
inf1ame the minds of people in the
United States and in Mexico to point
where war between the two countries
would be inevitable.
Some of Steps Contemplated.
Following thorough discussion OF
the subject at yesterdays cabinet meet
ing, President Wilson is said to be de-
termined to stop circulation of the In
flammatory rumors and to take legal
steps if necessary.
The use of the law against the pub
lication of reports tending to incite
arson and riot" Tightening OF the
censorship on Mexican news and warn
ing army officers on the border against
giving out unconf1rmed reports are all
under consideration by administration
officials.
Republicans of the Senate held a con-
ference today to determine upon plan
of action which would result in further
troops being ordered to protect Ameri-
cans in border states. The conference
adjourned until Monday without action,
when some definite step will be taken.
Await News From Front.
Officials settled down today to await
word that Villa and his outlaws had
been captured or killed by the inter-
national forces reported to be closing
about him. Although no official report
had come to the War Department, it
was said that Gen. Funston placed some
credence in unofficial reports that the
United States troops had met and en-
gagged the bandit chieftain.
Elesio Arredondo, Gen. CarranZa's am
bassador protested to Secretary Lansing
today that ammunition for Gen. Car
ranza consigned on a ship leaving New
York yesterday, was held up by the Gus
toms authorities.
Secretary Lansing told the ambassador
there was no intention TO hold up ammu-
milton for Gen. Carranza. and that the
delay was caused by a preliminary eXami-
nation to assure the government that the
shipment would not reach his enemies.
1t will be allowed to go forward.
To Keep Careful Watch.
Customs officials. however. will in
spect all shipments of ammunition to
Gen. CarranZa to make sure that they
are not going to sections of Mexico
where disloyalty is feared. There is
no disposition to withhold the ship
ments from Carranza. but the State
Department intends that the possibility
of ammunition going to Villa shall be
minmzed
Mr. Arredondo brought no new word
on the request of the United States to
use Mexican railways or on the pro-
posed protocol for the joint pursuit of
the Villa bandits.
Today's advices from Consul Rodgers.
at Gen. CarranZas headquarters at
Queretaro, reported a continuing favor
able sentiment. but made no mention
of the American request for use of
Mexican railway lines for transporting
supplies to Gen. Pershings expedition.
Report Excellent Cooperation.
frh a,Ya
day, is in substance as follows:
Il have had an interview with Gen.
Obregon and he informed me that ade-
quate forces are being utilized in the
Villa campaign and that should more
be required they will be sent.
Gen. Obregon stated that there was
excellent cooperation between the
forcs of the two governments and alb
solutely no friction. He further stat
ed that there was absolutely no truth
in the reports published in the Ameri-
can newspapers to the effect that Gen.
Herrera had revolted and had joined
forces with Villa
No Trouble at Juarez.
Official advices dated yesterday at
5 pm. from Ell Paso, says a State De-
partment announcement. report the
authorities at Juarez showing
every evidence of being satisfied with
the attitude of the American govern
ment and with the conduct of our
troops.
The marine transport Hancock of
the navy. Ell route from Philadelphia
to Key West. was ordered by radio to-
day to proceed to Galveston and re-
main there Indefinitely. Naval officers
explained that this was done SO the
would be available should
conditions in Mexico make advisable
the removal of Americans. Continued
reports of satisfactory conditions in
Mexico would make it unnecessary to
use the Hancock.
To Represent Japan at Conference.