File No. 812.00/854.
The President to the Governor of Texas.
Washington, March 6, 1911.
Sir: I have received your letter of the 23d ultimo, in which you inform me of the steps you have ordered to be taken for the apprehension of Fransisco I. Madero, for alleged violation of the neutrality laws of the United States, and for the apprehension of Pancho Moreno, Antonio Carrosco, and Julio Mendosa, three other leaders of revolutionary bands in Mexico, for crimes committed in Texas.
I desire to express my appreciation for the efforts which you are taking to prevent a violation of our neutrality laws within the borders of the State of Texas, in connection with the present insurrectionary movement in Mexico. It is clearly incumbent upon both the Federal and State Governments to take the legal steps necessary to execute faithfully, not only the laws of the United States, but the international obligations of neutrality which rest upon this Government. It is of course unnecessary to add, however, that it is equally necessary that both Federal and State officers shall have a care in their enforcement of the law that they do not themselves commit illegal acts by adopting measures beyond and outside of their legal powers.
Regarding your suggestion as to the crossing of the Rio Grande in sufficient force to apprehend certain persons named by you, I [Page 415] venture to say that, under the present circumstances and at the present time, such a request lodged with the Mexican Government would almost certainly be refused. I therefore suggest that this matter be held in abeyance. In the meantime, however, opportunity may be presented to apprehend the men within the United States.
Respectfully,