New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-03-16
Campaign Now Under
Way to Continue Until
Villa Is Taken or Killed.
NO RESTRICTIONS PUT
ON FIELD OPERATIONS
Carranzistas Will Try to Drive
Bandits North Into Hands
of Americans.

San Antonio. Tex, March Is. Gen
ersl Pershing's report that he and his
command had crossed the international
boundary line just south of Columbus
reached General Frederick Funston. in
charge here Of general operations. late
to-day.
General Pershing has gone into Mex
leo with orders TO overtake and wipe
out Villa and his organization. Unless
orders TO the contrary are received
from those higher in authority than
General Funston, the campaign that
was begun to-day will continue until
Villa is captured or killed. This, it was
said at General Funston's headquarters
tonight, is the idea of General Perish
ing which he carried with him across
tho line. No limits have been placed
on the field OF operations. After the
campaign il we'll under way, il was
pointed out, circumstance, mag cause
restrictions. but just now the troops
are prepared TO 60 anywhere TO carry
out the Presidents orders.
General Pershng's report served TO
dispel to a great extent fears that had
been entertained in some quarters that
resistance would be offered by the
troops of the dc fscto government:
Colonel Bertani. commanding officer of
the Carrsnza garrison at Palomss, on
the south side Of the dividing line,
promptly Joined General Pershing. HIS
force was only some 400 men, but they
were reported 70 have displayed will
ingness and even eageruess TO join IN
the chase. Az a body the Mexican
troops will remain under their own
commander. but a number Of them are
being employed as scouts by General
Pershlng.
Second Column on Move.
Reports of progress in the country
where the search has been begun will
be made by General Per.hing TO Gen
cral Funston, but II il not anticipated
that these will be frequent or deal with
any but the more important develop
ments.
How far into Mexico the column has
reached was unknown tonight. nor did
General Funston appear greatly con-
cerned. General Pershing's course Tor
the next two days - known at head
quarters, and not until after that are
sharp Developments expected.
News that the expedition was under
way reduced 20 marked degree the
tension that was evident At army head
quarters here during the earlier part
Of the day. II was expected the troops
would cross earlier. but minor move
ments and other details of organiza-
ton delayed the start.
Looks for Early Results.
General Funston regarded the situa-
ton optlmisticslly. lie appeared 10
have no doubts that the men in the
field would render good accounts OF
themselves in the work undertaken. and
he was hopeful that Villa would be
forced into a corner at an early date.
There are now available in this de-
partment for operations in Mexico
moro than 10000 troops, and II the
plans for recruiting the companies TO
full strength are carried out this mum
Der will, II is expected. be quickly in
creased. Cavalry posts have been re-
lieyed by infantry in most cases to fur
nish more mobile force in the pur-
suit OF Villa. although in the eXpedi-
ton that went in to-day there is con
siderable force of artillery, which can
be reinforced at any time by several
more batteries that now are held on
the American side within easy distance
Of the border.
VIII Try TO Hem In villa.
If the exact whereabouts Of Villa is
known At army headquarters. the fact
has not been disclosed here. Gen
orally. II ia believed he has moved
southwark toward the Guerrero dis
trict. in the foothills of the Sierra
Madrcs. but reports from Mexican
sources indicate that the de fscto gov
eminent troops will do their best 70
turn him northwsrd toward the sd-
yanclng American columns.
Bands affiliated with Villa in other
parts Of Northern Mexico have not in
dicated their intentions, but brisk &C
tivity on their part will be no surprise
TO the American army officers. II lie
anticipated that in chasing Villa these
bands will have TO be met from time
20 time and engaged.
Approval Of the stand taken by Car
rama in entering into q reciprocal
agreement for the passage OF troops
from one country 20 another has been
given by all general officers OF the de
iacto governments army, according TO
q telegram received by Consul Betran
from Mexico City. The Department OF
War. of which General Oregon is the
new chief, was given as authority for
the statement.