Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1919-08-19
Baker to Issue Statement as Soon as It is Safe, He
 Says.
REPORTS OF FURTHER
 OlJTKAGES RECEIVED
Relations Between the United States and Carranza Are Strained to Breaking Point by Bandits
 Act.

here tonight, after day during which the Mexican situation was to l the fore, awaited news of the re- lease by Mexican bandits of Lieuten- ants Paul II. Davis and Harold G.. Peterson, American army aviators. Prompt measures to obtain the re- lease of the aviators, who were cap tured by bandits near Candelarit, , Texas, and for whom $15,0OO ransom has been demanded, was expected by state department officials following l the forwarding of instructions to the American embassey at Mexico City to call upon the Mexican government | for immediate adequate action" Although Secretary Baker spent most of the day at the capitol be- fore senate military affairs sub committee giving his views on the nations permanent military policy, there were several conference at the war department at which the situation resulting from the indigni- ties upon American officers were un- derstood to have been discussed. Returning to the department late in the day, MT. Baker refused to dl- l vulge the contents of late depart ment dispatches. He also refused to discuss the situation beyond saying:
 "As soon as it is safe to do so. will issue a statement"
 The secretary's remark, made as he passed out the door of his office on his way to play tennis, was re- garded in some quarters as signifi- cant, especially his emphasis on a l 4,I Iox, Ln; for rt hoo ;po Ar,Ivy after it was "safe."
 New Outrages.
 While both army and state depart ment officials were busy on the case of the two aviators, word came of the holding of a Porto Rican physi- elan, an American, for ransom. Facts on this case had not been previously announced. It also was reported from San Francisco that a Mexican engineer, the husband of an American woman, had been slain by bandits, in train hold-up. Other dispatches told of the robbery of a truck train operated by an Ameri- can firm in Mexico.
 The state departments announce. ment said the instructions pointed out the seriousness with which the United States government views this situation. The American consul at Juarez also was instructed to take all possible steps with the Mexican authorities there to secure release and protection of the officers.
 State department officials said the ransom demanded would be paid as soon as information could be had as to where and when the money was to be delivered. It has not been de cided whether the United States would furnish the sum and charge il against the Carranza government ol call upon the Mexican government to pay it directly.
 U. s. Statement.
 The departments announcement said:
 "The Department of State ha telegraphed instructions to thu to immediately call upon the Mexi American embassey at Mexicon Cit! can government for quick action t. effect the realease of Lieutenant Paul H. Davis and Harold c. Peter soon of the United States Army al service, captured by Mexican ban dits near Candelaria, Texas, whll patrolling the border and threatene with death today on failure to pa. $15 .000 ransom.
 "The instructions point out tn jseriousness with which the Unite States government views this stu ation called for immediate adeouat , action. The department also direc ted the American consul at Juare2 Mexico, to take all steps with tn 2 Mexican authorities there to secur ], release and protection of the off f cers."
 . Protest Expulsion.
 London, Aug. 18.-American am : French consular representatives il . Mexico City have protested agains 3 the Mexican governments action Il . ordering the expulsion of William 3 Cummings. in charge of the archive of the British legation, there, it l intimated in official circles. f PRESENT "WET'' BILL.
 Washington, Aug. 16.-The prohib 7 ition enforcement bill was presente 2 to the senate today by Senator Stel