File No. 812.00/17158
The Secretary of War to the
Secretary of State
War Department,
Washington,
January 25, 1916.
The Secretary of War presents his compliments to the Honorable the
Secretary of State and has the honor to inclose herewith for his
information copy of a letter from the commanding general, 8th Brigade,
Fort Bliss, Texas, dated January 17, 1916, reporting on border
conditions for the week ending January 15, 1916
[Inclosure]
General Pershing
to General Funston
Fort Bliss, Texas,
January 17, 1916.
The murder of the Americans near Santa Ysabel, Mexico, on Monday
afternoon was reported in El Paso on Tuesday. Most of these men were
well known in El Paso and the crime caused great excitement among
Americans. The remains arrived in El Paso by special train from
Chihuahua on Wednesday night and precautions were taken against
disturbance of any sort, but the police and provost guard succeeded
in maintaining order. The funeral of several of the victims occurred
Thursday. During that day there was considerable talk of revenge and
a mass meeting was called for the afternoon by
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friends of the victims, but this
action was discouraged by the civil authorities and the meeting was
not held. That evening the situation indicated that the night would
pass without disturbance; but, with the closing of the saloons,
which occurs at 9.30 p.m., disturbances suddenly began in different
parts of the town. Crowds of several hundred Americans gathered in
the principal down-town streets and several Mexicans were beaten
before the crowds could be dispersed. Several soldiers on pass
joined the crowds, merely as onlookers, although some participated
in the ill-treatment of Mexicans. It did not appear to be the
purpose of this mob to kill; the spirit was more that of revelry
although it would have assumed a more serious aspect if allowed to
continue.
During the excitement all responsible citizens of El Paso have used
their influence to prevent outbreaks against Mexicans. The leaders
in fomenting disturbances have been outsiders, nonproperty-owners
and irresponsibles generally. The Mexican commander at Juarez,
General Gavira, has taken strong measures to prevent any move on the
part of Mexicans on his side of the river. Quiet now prevails in
both cities. The relations between the officials of Juarez and El
Paso are very cordial.
There are rumors of an early attempt by Villa to stir up Mexicans
along the northern border to commit acts of violence against
Americans by crying, “Down with the gringos!” as was done on the
lower Rio Grande. It is said Villa has declared his intention of
retaking Juarez and attacking El Paso. This information comes
directly from an ex-officer of Villa’s army. The object of all this
is said to be to provoke intervention.
There is little confidence in Carranza among Americans coming out of
Mexico and many Mexicans are of the same mind. Practically all
Americans think him powerless to establish anything like a stable
government. It is probably true that many Villistas who surrendered
to Carranza are only waiting an opportunity to turn to some strong
man. Many speak of Obregon as the ablest
man of them all.
John J. Pershing,
Brigadier General, U. S. Army
