Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-04-24
PERSHING REINFORCED
DESPITE CARRANZA

Confined from PAGE One
to Withdraw the expedition sent out to get
Pancho Villa, troop movements today in
dicated a strengthening of the forces par
ticniarly the lines of communication to
General Pershing.
According to advices. a mile-long col
umn of infantry crossed the border from
Columbus, N. M. to reinforce the expedi-
ton. This Is the second detachment of
new forces to go forward.
The Sixth United States Cavalry passed
through here early in the day, en- route
to Columbus. Virtually. all the troops
called to reinforce the expedition in Mexi-
co are now moving.
The new plan of operation, recom-
mended by Chief of Staff Scott and Gen.
eral Funston, is believed already in OPP
GRAFTON.
Dispatches from washington. following
Scotts report of Saturday night. caused
. sudden change of attitude at headquar-
terR. Scott abruptly decided to remain
here. instead of returning Immediately to
Washington. Though neither of the army
heads would discuss the expeditions next
move, II was established that the troops
would remain in Mexico "for the present"
The plans for redisposition OF the Amer.
lean troops were partly explained by Cen
eral Funston. He said that the American
soldiers would move farther northward
concentrate within n smaller area and
then await developments. These may come
from three sources: The negotiations with
Secretary Lansing, the negotiations be-
tween General Scott and General Obregon
and an attack on American troops by Car
ranzistas or further border attacks by Viii
listas.
Unless there Is an attack the American
troops will remain passive until further
orders are received from Washington.
More horses are to be sent to General
Pershing to replace the animals worn out
by the gruelling rides Of the first month
OF the expedition. The supply situation
also is expected TO be altered, though no
intimation was given as TO whether Fun
ston's recommendations have been adopted
in their entirety, When operations are re-
sumed, however, whether in the active
chase for Villa or in dispensing his bands.
the Americans will be ready TO act with
greater certainty and on much larger
scale.
General Villas approximate location is
known to General Pershing, according to
Columbus advices, but the commander of
the American expedition will not resume
the pursuit until his communication lines
are reinforced.
General Funston also has received word
that Villa had been definitely located,
but refused to tell the whereabouts of the
bandit leader, He intimated, however,
that the American troops would be in
position to round Villa up as soon as the
soldiers and horses had recuperated.
Funston announced the receipt Of
detailed report, the most thorough since
the chase began, stating that the bandit
leader was slightly wounded.
villa is as far south as any of the
American troops" said the commander.
He would not divulge the exact location
given in the dispatch.
Pershing was also watching the concen-
tration of Carranza troops at Chihuahua
City in view of the expressed desire of the
de facto Government for the expeditions
withdrawal and of the hostility OF the
Mexican populace.