The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-06-21

the rear should it move northward O this advanced line.
 NO FEAR FOR SAFETY
 There is no fear here for the safety of General Pershing and his men. The ex- act disposition of the troops, even the exact number now beyond the border, constitute military secrets. There is req son to believe, however, that between 10000 and 12O00 regulars are posted al the advance camps or along the line of communication. Relief expeditions also are said to have been organized at various points, ready to dash forward in flank attacks on any large Mexican force which might attempt to assault General Persh- fng's entrenched camps or cut him off from his border base of supplies. One column, with strong artillery support, is said to be ready to cover Pulpit Pass the military highway through the noun tains between the states of Chihuahua and Sonora, and through which the for midable Sonora garrison might seek tc strike at Pershing's rear detachments.
 It was pointed out that establishment of a general line across Mexico south of Pulpit Pass would close that route to hostile forces. Another argument ad- vanced in support of the plan of action was that various railroads could be quick ly repaired and made use of to supply the troops, making it possible to shift the entire scene of hostilities onto Mexican soil.
 VIGILANCE ESSENTIAL
 Some officials believe that with the prompt repulse of any attack on Ameri- can forces and the maintenance of a rigid watch over the supplies that enter the country, complete occupation could be carried out with little fighting after the lapse of a few weeks. While rov- ing bands of outlaws would make vigil ance essential it was thought organized resistance could be quickly broken up as the advanced columns were reinforced with volunteers and moved slowly south ward.
 Army officers and high officials would not discuss these suggestions. They ad- mitted privately their belief that war was imminent, since Carranza had given every indication of determination to force the issue at any cost, but were dis posed to refrain from making any state ments that might serve to further in- flame the Mexican people.
 For the same reason the proposed resolution to put into immediate ef- feet the National Guard draft provision of the new army bill was not presented in Congress. The section of the bill referred to contains the statement that the men shall be called und>r the draft flor the duration of the war" unless sooner discharged. Because of this and also because adoption of the resolution would be only mat ter of few minutes when needed, leaders in Congress determined to hold it up until events shnw what is to be expected beyond the border.
 NO EXPLANATION
 Ambassador Designate Arredordo had arranged to see Secretary Lansing to- day, but withdrew his request for an a appointment after receiving tho note. He made no explanation. either of the object of his projected call CT h 8 req son for canceling it. It is believed, however. that he was anxious to learn the attitude of General Carranga alt CT reading the American note hefora having any further formal interchangcs with American officials.
 War department officials were some what amused tonight at message from the border saying a CarranZa military commander posted near the line had sent his son into the Jfpited States for safety, while he himself prepared to lead his forces against he Ameri- car army if war is to come. They also noted border advices that M .xican civilians, fleeing to the American side, in anticipation of war. had been halt ed for service in the Mexican army