The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-09-06

(By WALLACE e. SMITH. Interna-
tional News Service Correspondent
Headquarters American Punitive
Expedition. Mexico delayed and for
warded by aeroplane to Columbus, N.
M, Sept 5.--Ragtng rivers and flood
ed lowiands did not halt the progress
of General Pershing and his staff on
their recent tour of inspection OF the
expeditionary force in Mexico.
BY motor, on foot and in the saddle
forced four times to ford and swim
the swollen Santa Maria River-they
expedition. Ell Vale. and returned In
good time to the starting point OF
Colonis Dublan.
General Pershing plans soon to start
on an inspection OF troops to the
North, including those at Ojo Fcderi-
co and Columbus. N. NJ.
So far approximately 5000 troops
have been reviewed and inspected.
with their animals. supplies and
equipment.
The first sign of bad road condt-
tons on the trip Just ended. came
when San Joaquin was reached. and
dispatches from the South told OF the
rapidly-rising Santa Maria River. 1t
Wa6 the news kHdl Ino pTIukS SCH-
structed by army engineers at Ell Vale
had been washed out. The Santa
Maria flood roared between the IN
spection staff and Las Galeras. the
next point to be inspected.
General Pershing ordered the party
to proceed. The five touring cars
the first carrying the American flag
and the commanding generals star
crested red pennant-followed by two
supply cars, went forward. At Car
boli1ena, twelve miles from tho Santa
Maria, a young lieutenant rode up
at the head Of a detail of cavalry
men.
TT will be impossible to cross the
river. general" he reported.
''Why?" asked General Pershins.
The floods have made it impos-
sfble, STR" returned the young offi-
Ger.
Wen see." said General Pershing.
Four hours later the cavalry escort
and the guard that accompanied the
Pershing party were hauling the ma
chimes out of the miro with tho Aid
OF q long tow-line. For 4 milo the
staff led by the general. plodded
through mud and water. Six miles
from Las Galeras horses had been or
dered from camp. General Perish n &
and his party mounted.
At a swift pace they rode through
Jungle of mesquite. AS they rode
the sound Of rushing waters became
more distinct Finally. through the
trees. one caught a glimpse Of muddy
water roaring Its charges as 1t sucked
at the highest point OF its banks and
carrying with 1t the debris swept from
the land.
A few minutes later General PERISH
Ing. followed by his party, rode out
on a rise over the turhuiant river.
From the other side. one Of the e1-
peditionary scouts waved excitedly
and shouted something. HIS words
could not be distinguished over the
noise Of tho flood.
Tho eyes Of the staff turned to their
general.
Pershing, on the brink, ala not hest
tate. His spurred boot swung against
his mounts side. Tho frightened
horse. sensing the danger OF tho an
gry waters had splashed above Its
withers. It struggled for . footing
and found It. The whole stretch of
the outraged rivor dfagged and jorked
at tho horse and rider ana tried to
pun them under.
Then, one by one. the entire staff
sent their horses leaping into the tur-
bid flood. Every step OF the way was
. night, Ths mount Of one Of tho o.
soxtlnG aAvals5snen Lost ~ 1Aek