Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-05-03
WASHINGTON AWAITS WORD
FROM GENERAL SCOTT

wASHINGTON, May 2.-bevelop-
ments here in III. Mexican situation
awaited adviccs tonight from Major
General Scott as TO his further con-
ferences with General ohreenn at FL
Iaso The War Department had re-
ceived no report whatever from the
chief of staff up 10 n late hour
Administration officials declared The
situation to he unchanged After
President Wilson and his cabinet had
conferred at the regular Tuesday meet
ing. Secretary Baker said that General
I'unstou's original orders 90 pursue the
Columbus raiders into Mexico still
stood, as did the original purpose Of
the expedition.
There was nc Indication to-niGht Of
any change III the determination of
President Wilson not to accept amy
proposal of the Carranza government
conditioned on the Immediate with
dra wal OF the American forces in Mex
leo. This element has so far proved
:; stumbling block to an agreement; for
wider cooperation in the bandit chase,
the object OF General SCOTS discus
sions with the War Minister.
TE-WITHDRAWAI
FEATURE lIAITS CONFERENCE
From Mexican sources it was learned
to-day that, based upon the immediate
General Carranza has offered. through
his two representatives, to place an
active army OF $4,000 men in Northern
Mexico as soon rs the Americans arc
withdrawn. The offer was accom-
panied by assurances. II is said that
more than half OF this force would he
50 placed as TO guarantee border towns
from future bandit raids. while the re-
mainder would he used in vigorous
pursuit Of bandits until the whole ter
rftory adjacent 10 the border had hccn
absolutely cleared of them
1t was the condition of imm ed!at e
American withdrawal attached to the
offer, Il is understood, which led TO the
Interruption OF the FL l'asc conference
while Generals Scott and Funston laid
the situation before President Wilson
otfciais St'll maintained silence to- day
rs to the nature OF the new instruc-
lions to General Scott, bu, il is he
i'eved he was authorized to make Il
clear TO General Obregon that while no
proposal for immediate Withdrawal
would be entertained. the Washington
government would welcome n demon
sfration Of the intention and ability of
me de facto government 20 carry out
'ts program.
PERMANENT RELIEF
SOUGHT FOR H0RDER
mere IS reason 10 believe that the
american officers now have authority
70 make concessions in the way Of
limiting the zone in which General
ll"rshinc's forces will operate until n
demonstration has been made Such
dn"sttons as that OF using the Next
car railways to supply the American
froops also may be waived. IL is nm
fers'ood' II they "nnharrass the dc
facto government in its domestic re-
toll
confident Of their ability TO maintain
he shortened supply lines Ivy motor
truck.
Just what would lie REQUIRED IN The
WAY of denomination by the Ncr-
cans Is not known. The production
~ villas body or n-oof tina, ne ha.
ceased 20 he q factor i'm The situation
undoubtedly -.would.. weigh w!tf IT.
icia!s here NJ alone could gather
about him \ fcrcr sufficient 70 menace
the relations between the two govern
inents. u Is understood. however. that
AT the FL Paso conference broader
ground has been taken and that the
from outlaw raids OF any sort il
aimed at in the discussion with Cen
era' ohrepon.
In explaining General Carranza's rea-
sons for not cooperating further in
the pursuit. his representatives have
pointed TO the fact that any movement
or Mexican troops in the region where
the American force has been operating:
has been the suhjct OF instant euspi-
cion by the American press and also
Of military reports 20 the War De
partineut IN addition thov poiu' out
the increasing danger Of clashes be
tween the two forces. should both
press their campaigns against the ban
dts simultaneously.
II the American forces were with
drawn, tho Mexican spokesman argue.
the crEshm" out Of hrigandage would
become matter OF personal pride
with the C:trranZa commanders.
whereas 1t now is matter OF com
petition and possible jealousy which
would itself lead TO clashes
Secretary Baker aurounced ,o-nigh,
that he had Hc"t Instructions 10 General
Pershirg, Instructiug him 10 take mill .
tary precautions. in addition TO Trcha-
rry Department provlaIon: 30 proven,
ammunition from reaching lav:less ele-