Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-06-01


munication from the commander Of the
expedition to the Mexican military COM
mander at Esmcralda. informing him
that he had crossed the line in accord
ancc with the agreement between tho
two governments and with the consent
of Mexican consular official at Del
Rio
II cannot be assumed, II says, that
the United States has committed an
error second time, in ordering tho
crossing without the consent OF the
commander OF the American troops
acted without the authority upon this
occurrence.
Tho explanation given by the Amer
lean government III regard to the
crossing of troops ut Columbus has
never hccn satisfactory TO the Mexican
government" the note says, but the
new invasion OF our territory is no
longer an isolated fact, and tends 10
convince the Mexican government that
something more than a mere error Is
inVolNcu.
This latter act of the american
forces causes new complications for the
Mexican government, increasing the
difficulty OF finding satisfactory solu-
ton, and the tcnseness of the intcrna-
tional situation The Mexican govern
mcnt cannot consider this last incl
dent except as TN invasion Of our ter
ritory, and it il its duty TO request tho
American government to order the i'm
mediate Withdrawal of these new
forces and TO abstain from sending any
other expedition OF similar nature"
Declaring that the obligations of
protecting the frontier rests equally
upon both governments, the dc facto
government suggests that since Amer
lean troops. undisturbed by other mill
tary operations. ARE physically un-
able to protect the line Oh the Amer
lean side" it adds, the difficulties of
tho Mexican government should be an
preciated. Every possible effort IN
that direction mas been made il says,
and insists that raids Ivy irresponsible
outlaws should be cases for "pecuinary
reparntion and reason t" adopt
combined defense, but never cause
for American authorities 10 invade our
national territory.
The note (written before the with
d,awai of the BoQuilias cNpeditioh)
then rencws it's demand for tho i'm
mediate withdrawal of that force, add
ing that in any case. after progress Is
made, ut will he forced to defend it
self against any group of American
troops who may be found within its
territory"
COLUMBUS EXPEDITION
INTERNED IN CHIHUAHUA
1t refers to the Columbus expedition
Al
hua." and also insists upon it's with
drawal adding:
THE Mexican government under
stands that in the face of the unwill-
ingness OF the American government
10 withdraw the above forces, il would
be left no other resource than TO pro-
cure the defense of It's territory by
means Of arms: but II understands at
the same time its duty to avoid as far
as possible an armed conflict between
the two countries. and acting in &C
cortlanCe with the treaty of February
>. 1855 II considers II it's duty TO resort
to all means of II peaceful character TO
find solution of the international
conflict in which both countries are
involved"
At this point the note requests of
The United States government ~ more
categorical explanation OF its real in
tcntions toward Mexico" To clear the
WAY for such 4 statement II proposes
to sreak the mind OF the Mexican gov
erumcnt with entire frankn.sS. and set
ring aside 'all diplomatic cuphenism.
hut declaring that II does so hoping
that the sensih.litics of the Washing
ton government will not lie wounded
by it's words. Citing President VIII
sons declaration that III. United
States did not intend TO Interfere in
the internal affairs OF Mexico nor in
any way to impair its Sovereignty. the
Of the American military authorities
are in absolute conflict with the above
statements. ana is constrained to APP
peal To the President, the department
OF State. the Senate and the Nmcri-
can people, to the end that once and
for al! time the true political tendency
o! the United states towards Mexico
he dcfiucd.'
Conflict between words ana deeds Ia
further shown. the note asserts. by the
refusal Of tn" United States 10 ac
cept limitations as to the number OF
troops Ia cross the frontier under amy
reciprocal agreement. or In the zone In
which they should operate. The chnr
actcr Of the Columbus expedition. was
such. il adds, as To show distrust to-
wards Mexico. and no effort whatever
toward cooperation with Mex lean
troops The clash al rarrai Is asserted
20 have been due TO the secrecy with
which the American military authOri-
ties surrounded their operations.
~ IIHFECI WITHOUT
ANY &rIN.T Of HARMONY
The Columbus expedition" 1t says.
has been carried into effect without
any spirit uf harmony, but. on tho
other hand. under spirit Of distrust
OF Our authorities. as our co-opcratton
waa not only unsourht. hut we were
not Informed in regard To the military
opera ttonS cffrrtrl'
rs evidence OF this distrust the note
cites TIL" fact that the expedition In
riudcd artillery mnd infantry. the use
OF which cannot he explained in any
other way cNccp, as prrcaution
against probable attack on the part
Of the Mexican forces"
TIE United States. il is asserted
now prefers 10 keen its troops idle r.,
M"Ai"o rather than post them on tho
American side IF the line. by tha
action the note Says. "ihc American
government GivcS room for the sun
/ position that It's true iutcntion Is 10
"'or tn"f" the troops it has already
/ l'terhed in Mexico. ALTERNATING that It
may max" use Of them later, for future
+ opcrations"
me note cites the decided supuort"
G'Noh VIVA at one time hy General
H'"t' and the stat" Department. winch,
: says. prolonged civi, war many
"!"h'hS' ana The continuous assistance
rendered by American Catholic cIcrc,.
20 th"!r Mexican brothers. who are. IL
IS charged, working AGAINST the Con