Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1914-04-30
THREE ARMIES To
BE THROWN INTO
FIELD IN MEXICO
Troops to Strike First at Vera
Cruz and Then Rush on to
Mexico City.
FIRST CALL FOR $4,000 MEN
Brigade Under General Funston on
Way 60 Vera crUz-Volunteer Bill
Becomes EffectIve-Mobs Cry
death to Americans"

Washington, April 25.-The war de-
paTtmeRt has completed preparations
for throwing three armies into the
field Of Mexico.
The movement OF the first army has
begun with the advance Of the brigade
of infantry and FIVE companies Of ar
tiIlery under Funston from Galveston
to Vera Cruz.
These troops are under command Of
Brig.-Gen. Frederick Funston, who
won undying fame By dashing with
handful Of men into the lair Of Agui-
naldo, the Filipino rebel, and taking
him away a prisoner.
FunstOn's men will be followed by
others as soon as transports can be
commandered.
Major General Wood, who will take
command when the main army enters
Mexico, is ready to go. General Wood
has selected as his personal staff Cap
tain Frank R. McCory of Washington
and Captain Halstead- Dorsy, now at
Galveston.
Vera Cruz Faces Water Famine.
DisQuieting word comes from Vera
Cruz that the water supply Of the city
is in danger. The reservoir is not
within the zone of American occupa-
ton. It is believed that in the face of
disaster, which would follow a water
famine, the admiral commanding will
order his inadequate force to advance,
engage the forces of Mas and at
tempt to hold the reservoir until Fun
gton arrives with the relief column.
The administration has just been in
formed that Quartermaster General
Aleshtre has supplies on hand and
properly distributed for the field equip
ment of 10000 men over and above
the combined forces of the regulars
and the national guard.
This means that we can throw an
army of 100000 men into the field to-
day with the assurance that it will be
properly equipped for a six months
campaign. In the meantime, equip
ment viii be made and properly dis
tributed for the use of the same force
in the future and for all additional
forces which it may be necessary to
raise.
The guns, the ammunition and the
camp equipments are ready.
Plan Three Lines of Attack.
There are three lines Of attack and
campaigning laid down. Funston will
be reinforced at Vera Cruz, but it is
possible that General Wood may go
to that city to take chief command Of
the expeditionary force, which is to
march to Mexico City. If Wood does
not go, Funston will have the honor
Of heading the army which meets the
federals under Banquet and Mas and,
in all probability, the forces of the
constitutionalists and of fighting his
way through the fortified mountain
passes to Mexico's capital
If Villa, now in the north of Mexico
with an army estimated at 5000 men.
makes one hostile movement a divf-
sion Of the regulars will advance
across the border. .s--
When the hour comes to take Tam
pico, which IS the deadliest place of
all, a division will be sent by water
to take that place and to give battle
TO the 5000 armed Mexicans who are
in its Immediate vicinity
Volunteer Bill Passed.
The senate, without debate, passed
the volunteer army bill as agreed to
by the 60nferees Of the house and
senate. 1t was signed by the presi-
dent and became effective at once.
Under the provision of the bill ma
tiona1 guard regiments, of which three
fourths OF the men signify a willing
ness to fight for their country, can be
taken instantly into the federal serv-
ice. They viii go with their own
officers, but to the president is re-
served the right Of appointment, which
means that neither political nor social
pull can save the commission of a
colonel or a field or company officer
who proves unfit for duty.
Will Go to the Border.
Here is the plan which, it is ex-
pected, will be adopted the instant
state troops become federal troops:
They will be sent to the border to