The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1919-07-21
GENERAL DICKMAN
ORDEREDTOBORDER
Copyright 1919.
By R - GU!dberG-
CONTINUED from First Page.)

CONTINUED from First Page)
there and the value of their property,
and the number Of nationals OF other
countries killed by Mexicans since
Diaz's time
Nothing short Of an apology from
the Carranza government OF Mexico,
together with evidence showing that
the band of desperadoes who insulted
the American flag and held up and
robbed a number of American san
ors have been summarily punished,
will be acceptable to the United
States.
This was said to be the attitude Of
the State Department today, as ot1i-
Gals awaited further information OF
the affront, which occurred July 8,
near Tampico.
This is territory where Carranza
is supposed to be in complete con-
troll, and because Of this alleged con-
troll neither American soldiers nor
sailors are permitted to carry side
arms. The defenseless condition Of
the American bIuejackets made them
easy prey for the bandits.
Apology Wouid Help.
Because II Is admitted in official
quarters that the incident represents
the most grave feature Of Mexican
| American relations in the last year.
the State Department is hoping that
the matter has already been adjusted
by the American naval officers in
Mexican waters. If the officers have
demanded an apology, and one mas
been given by the Carranza authorl-
ties at TampIco, the matter would
largely be settled.
One additional provision, however
would be necessary. 1t wtuld be the
capture and punishment OF the bandits
who committed the insult and rob-
berry.
The next step OF the department,
therefore, will depend on the report
of Commander Finney, who is IN
charge of the q. S. S. Topeka He is
the ranking officer in Tampico waters
1t was he who sent in the first report
telling of the insult and robbery per-
petrated on the crew Of a small motor
sailing launch OF the U. S. s Chey-
enDe.
If no redress has been obtained
from Mexican authorities the demand
for an apology will be made
There is no attempt to minimize the
gravity of the situation as it is pre-
scented by the two reports already II
the hands of the President. He has
before him the report sent by Com
mander Finney, which reached the
Navy Department the day after the
outrage, and the report to the State
Department which was received
through diplomatic channels and
made public
Other developments in the Mexican
situation today may be summarized
1. Senators deeply interested in the
Mexican situation planned confer
ence to discuss what Congress can
do to stop outrages against Amert
cans.
} .. The House Rules Committee pre-
/, pared to hear the testimony Of Am,
bassador Fletcher. recently returned
from Mexico City.
) 3. Mexico informed the United
} States 1t would do all possible to pun
: ish authors of the "odious crime" II
which John W. Cornell was killed anc
his wife assaulted No further wore
had been received from Mexico as Il
the robbery Of American navy sailor
on the Tamesi river.
To Decide On Probe.
After hearing Fletcher, the com
mittee Is expected to decide its cours
on the Gould resolution. providing 70
a special Senate and House investi
cation committee with broad powers
If this investigation is ordered
members OF Congress said, it wi
be given evidence to show, anon
other things that Carranza's govern
= ment won recognition from the Unite
= States through bribery and deception
One member of Congress declare
President Wilson had been give
y evidence of Carranza's attempt L
= corrupt American officials in Mex
- icO This evidence he said was
check for S25,OoO, signed by ca
rama, and offered to an America
, special agent If he would make
= favorable report on the Carranzist
group.
- While the House committee is pre-
pairing for action on the Gould resc
. luton, Senators plan a ConferenC
a to discuss what Congress can do
; protect Americans.