The sun., 1919-09-03
WILSON VEXED
BY WOUNDING
OF U. S. FLIER
He Is Surprised and In
dignant Over Latest Mex
lean Outrage.
ACTION UNLIKELY NOW
If Army Plane Was Over
Texas, international
Law Was Violated.
EARLY REPORTS SAY YES
Baker WithhOlds Comment
Until Official Information
Is Received.
EARLY REPORTS SAY YES
spseiq, Despatch to THr srs.


Wilson and his Cabinet received the
news of the firing upon American
aviation officers on border patrol duty
end the wounding of Capt. Davis B.
McNabb with mixed indignation and
surprise. Secretary of War Baker
communicated the news to the Presi-
det, but neither he nor Mr.. Lansing
had official data and certain important
details were still lacking when the
Cabinet adjourned.
An all important point is whether
the American aviators were flying over
Mexican territory when the shots were
fired. First reports to reach the Pres
ident indicated that this was the case,
but subsequent reports made this ap-
pear doubtful. In case the aviators
we're over American territory the vol
leys fired by the Mexicans constitute
an offense in international law which
will without doubt be taken very seri-
ously here.
In case the aviators were over Mex
lean territory the acts of the Mexicans
constitute further evidences of hostil-
ity toward the United States but from
the viewpoint Of international law the
case is more complicated. 1t is not
considered likely, for example, that a
punitive expedition would be launched
against Mexicans in the latter event,
.Lz,.<t. A.. ry-sx.z c,k.so. <t<>.ro~x,x, 80
would not fan to note this latest evil
dence of Mexican hostility. However.
officials here have not yet heard what
military measures, IL any, have been
undertaken by Americans on the bor-
der.
News Causes Surprise.
Beth Mr.. Lansing and Mr.. Baker
we're surprised at the news. Steps will
be taken to get at the facts without
delay, Mr.. Baker said. but he added
that he did not feel free to comment
pending receipt of fuller reports.
The incident Is certain to aggravate
still further the strained relations be-
tween the United States and Mexico.
but It is not considered likely that any
direct action on the part of the United
States Government need be looked for
in the immediate future. The policy of
the United States is still to hope against
hope that the climax in the accumulat-
ing grievances against Mexico may be
delayed so long as possible, even
though full preparations are being and
have been made for effective interven-
tion and even though hope has vir-
tually been abandoned OF seeing the
Mexicans work out their own salvation
before the inevitable day of interven-
ton arrives.
The firing on the American aviators
followed news of the killing of nat
ualized American citizen in Mexico. to-
gether with reports that the bandit
leacer responsible had been appre-
hsnded It also followed the typically
clustering address of Carranza before
tho opening session OF the Mexican
Congress. CarraDza's address. asserting
that the United States was practising
Injustice on Mexico and indicating that
Mexico would handle American OF, in
terests as it saw ft. left distinctly
bad impression here. to say the least.
bandit Leader Killed.
Secretary Lansing this morning made
public the following statement regard
ing the murder Of Adam Schaefer. an
American citizen: ..
'-The Department OF State was
notified to-day that Mexican Federal
troops have killed the leader Of a bandit
group that murdered Adam Schaefer, a
nsturalized American citizen, near
Pinos, Zacatecas. on August 2s. The
bandits death was reported in the
Mexico city local press Sunday. dos
patch from the American Bmba ssy
there. received at the Department to-
day announces.
The Departments Information Is TO
the effect that the bandits are under
stood 10 have attacked Schaefer with the
purpose OF obtaining $1.500 in Mexican
money which he was carrying as the
LAY roll of the Cinco Estrollas Mining
company. which he represented
u view Of the Administration present
plans TO cope with eventualities in
Mexico the recent statement of Major
Gen. Robert l.. Howe. who has assumed
command OF disturbed districts ON the
border Is cited here as particularly
significant.
Major-Gen. Howe, after emphasizing
the fact that American combat troops
we're now home from Europe and stating
mat the United States was now in
position to adopt policy that would
erlng favorable and happy results.
added:
This policy should bring about favor
doe results as Tar as concerns first
.E own interests and those of our
friends, Great Britain and France. who
~ T..
shd' second, as far as concerns MeAIco
~ staoilizing or in establishing
.NaDle form OF government
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