T

MEXICO

HE time which has elapsed since the last issue of the WORLD COURT has brought forth many new phases in the Mexican situation. A sudden furor has arisen attendant upon the United States' reply to the Mexican note, and subsequently subsided; until now the seriousness of the situation is about the same as it was at our last writing, except for the fact that the border is now being effectively guarded by State Militia.

The note to Mexico, signed by Secretary of State Lansing, in reply to the Mexican note of May 22nd, is strong, forcible and comprehensive. The note states the case against the Mexicans without mincing words. The Mexican Government is charged with not making any effort to capture Villa, who was operating near the American border and who openly stated his object was to destroy American lives and property. "In this manner," quoting from the note, "and for these reasons, have the American forces entered Mexican territory. Knowing fully the circumstances set forth, the de facto

Government can not be blind to the necessity which compelled this Government to act, and yet it has seen fit to recite groundless sentiments of hostility toward the expedition and to impute to this Government ulterior motives for the continued presence of American troops on Mexican soil."

The note goes on to recite the events incident to the first invasion, and charges General Carranza with devoting his attention to the agreement relative to the invasion of American troops, rather than the practical object to be attained by such an invasion. The note resents the charges of bad faith on the part of the Mexican Government and states that they misinterpreted the results of the Scott-Obregon Conference at El Paso. The Mexican Note claimed that the Villa bands. had been dispersed and therefore the United States troops should be withdrawn. The United States note calls. particular attention to the memorandum in connection with the conference which states that the "American punitive expeditionary forces have destroyed or dispersed many of the law

less elements and bandits *** or have driven them far into the interior of the Republic of Mexico." The note then answers the other charges made by the Mexican note, relative to charges that the United States is impeding by diplomatic representations in behalf of American interests the pacification of Mexico and the reorganization of economic, political and social affairs. social affairs. These charges are met by illustrations of actual efforts of assistance on the part of the United States Government. The note proclaims an embargo on arms as long as the menacing situation continues to exist. This was done to protect the United States troops now in Mexico. Regarding the invasion of Mexico by United States troops following the incursion at Columbus without the knowledge or consent of the Mexican Government, the note says, "It is admitted that American troops have crossed the international boundary line in hot pursuit of the Columbus raiders and without notice to or the consent of your Government, but the several protestations on the part of this Government by the President, by this department, and

by other American authorities, that the object of the expedition was to capture, destroy, or completely disperse the Villa bands of outlaws, or to turn this duty over to the Mexican authorities when assured that it would be effectively fulfilled, have been carried out in perfect good faith by the United States." The incursions, it claims, were plotted and carried out successfully and that American interference was obstructed on every hand.

In response to the Mexican charge of insincerity the United States note says, "The Government of the United States, if it had designs upon the territory of Mexico, would have had no difficulty in finding during this period of revolution and and disorder many plausible arguments for intervention in Mexican affairs." This last statement shows with much force, that the United States stands ready and is perfectly capable of defending American rights if he, Carranza, insists on an antagonistic policy; and the United States government is prepared not only to defend itself, but to invade the country. After stating that the purpose of the Government of he United States in

Mexico is purely to disperse the bandits and restore order the note closes with a warning to the de facto Government and assures them that American troops will remain in Mexico as long as the present condition continues to exist.

The note is a broad review of the entire Mexican situation. It rests on three outstanding features, viz., the threat, if fulfilled, will result in "the gravest consequences," second, the obligation of the United States Government to carry out the task of pursuing the bandits in lieu of the Mexican Government's inability, and third, a citation of the outrages borne by Americans along the boundary. The note is long, but not too long for the rehearsal of the long series of acts which have led up to the present situation.

Together with this note to Mexico. came the call for all the State Militia to mobilize. The various concentration camps in the different States were made ready and some regiments proceeded there without delay. Then the situation became more acute, war was looked for at any moment. "A matter

Photo by Universal Animated Weekly

Artillery Off to Camp Whitman.

of hours," the papers said. Many of the regiments were then sent direct to the border without reporting first to the camps, and an excitement prevailed similar to that previous to the outbreak of the Spanish-American War.

The situation was made still graver by the Carrizal incident. This was caused by a southern trip made by the Tenth Cavalry. Upon reaching Carrizal they asked permission to pass south of the town. This was refused. The Mexican troops then flanked the American troops, right and left, and opened fire, The result was the killing and capturing of many of the troops. Upon receiving the authentic report

of the Carrizal incident the President sent a note to Carranza demanding the immediate release of the prisoners taken and their safe return to the United States. A time limit was set for a reply, and on June 28th orders were issued for their release. This was the first yielding upon the part of the de facto Government.

On July 4th a new note from the Mexican Government was received. It is of a conciliatory tone and designed evidently to to heal the