Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1919-06-20
AMERICA NOT TO
BE TOO LENIENT
WITH MEXICANS
BY DAVID LAWRENCE

Copyright 1919 by N. Y. Evening Post. Tnc.)
WASHINGTON, June 18.-What
is the United States going to do
about Mexico? The return of Ameri-
can cavalry from its brief patrol
south of the Mexican city Of Juar-
ez has only served to accentuate the
delicacy of the whole situation. So
journ on Mexican soil indefinitely
in the pursuit Of the rebels who
fired into American territory isn't
pleasing to the Carranza government
and to stay on. the border and
watch Mexicans fire bullets into the
homes of American citizens isn't
pleasing to the Washington govern
ment. President Carranza has made
no public protest against the entry
but he doesn't like it bit. Dis
patches from Mexico city would
seem to indicate that he is depend
ing upon General Candida Aguilar,
his confidential representative in
Washington to make his position
clear.
The general was called into con-
ference by acting Secretary of State
Ph1ll1ps and given an idea of what
the American troops were trying to
do-to protect the border Aguflar
wasn't asked whether he agreed with
the American governments position
or whether his government consent
ed~Nhe was simply told the situa-
ton.
In principle. the Carranza govern
ment has accepted in, writing be-
tore the idea that raid into Amer
lean territory by Mexicans can be
repulsed by American troops who
may continue the pursuit into Mex-
lcan territory. Difficulties arose over
Ine notlhcat1on to be given the
mexican government upon each oc-
cas1on that troops were to be dis
patched into Mexico and over lin
ltat1ons upon the size of the expe-
ultlons so the reciprocal agreement
was never ratified. But Major Lang
horne' in charge of border patrols.
mas frequently pursued raiders into
mexican territory, returning with
~ Jay or two and there has been
no complaint from the Mexican
government,
Fears as TO villa
Some apprehension is expressed.
however, over the effect upon Viii
OF the practical cooperation between
the United States and Carranza
FORCES. The department of state once
sranted permission for CarranZa
troops to travel through Texas to
Juafez and Villa attacked Columbus,
New Mexico, as a reprisal. Recentlv
the state department refused to give
any such permission. But when the
Villa troops opened fire on America n
territory there was no hesitation.
Inc plan of action had been CAREFUL
~ worked out. The border was to be
protected at any cost.
1t is new policy in the sense that
nght!ng. will not be permitted even
on Mexican territory if there is any
prospect of damage to American citi-
Zens living on American soil. AS
Tor Americans in Mexico. it is re-
allzed that Villa may exact reprisaIs,
that ne may capture some American
mining men and make an example of
them, but if he were wise. he
wouldn't provoke the American gov
eminent on that score for it is not
unlikely that the next time any Villa
forces came near the border, the
American cavalry would be ordered
to continue in pursuit of Villa him
self just as was done when General
Pershing set out on a punitive expe-
dition in 1916. The Carranza govern
ment protested against that expedi-
ton at the time and argued that it's
forces were fully capable of handling
Villa.
The lapse of time has proved that
the CarranZa government is either
unwilling or incapable of suppress
Ing lawlessness in northern Mexico.
The logical outcome which observ-
ers here expect is a renewal of or
ders to pursue Villa should he de-
liberately do injury to any American
lives in Mexico