South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1916-03-23
De FaCtO Government Faces
Great Task in Keeping
Northern Forces From
Joining Villa Ranks.
CONGRESS AWAKENS TO
NEED FOR QUICK ACTION
Many Members Favor lmmed-
late Passage of Volunteer
Bill But Presidents Wish
Causes OeIiberation.
International News Service:


WASHINGTON, March %. - The
supreme test for the Carranzista de
facto government in Mexico has ar
rived. officials declared TO-DAY that
on his success in preventing a gen
eral desertion TO Villa Of his forces
i'm the north depends whether the
United States can continue its efforts
10 cooperate with him. The fact
that Gen. Luis Herrera, with a force
estimated at 1000 men. is reported
10 have deserted and cast his lot
with Villa and his bandits while
not in itself Of supreme importance,
must inevitably have an influence or
other CarranZista leaders. If the
first CHIEF can hold them in line
he will greatly surprise officials who
know the Mexican characteristics.
The situation in Mexico today was
more serious than at any time since
the American landing at Vera Cruz
in 1914. Nearly every official who
was in touch with developments in
sisted that coalition of the Carran-
zistas and Nilistas in Chihuahua
may take place at any time. villa,
they say, has sent Representatives to
every CarranZa garrison calling upon
their forces to join with him in driv-
ing the Americans from Mexico
territory. Although the censorship
has been made more rigid by the
Developments of the last 10 hours.
enough is fltering through TO show
that Gen. Funston and his com
manders now are preparing for real
war.
VIII Need RcinfOrcemcnts.
1t is believed here that Funston
has called for all of the troops in
the United States not already on the
border and they soon will be en-
route to join him. Army officers say
that if Luis Herrera effects a juno
ton with Villa it will be necessary
10 materially reinforce Gen. Perish
ings punitive expedition. This Will
make Il necessary TO utilize infantry
as practically all of the cavalry is
in use either with the main column
or at strategic points from which It
cannot be withdrawn.
Meanwhile there is a growing dis
position evinced in congress for
more speedy action. Many senator's
and Representatives favor the i'm
medite passage Of the Sherman resO-
luton which authorizes the president
to call for so, goo volunteers. Prac-
tically all of the border states SEN
tors and Representatives favor this
action. but up to the present the
wishes of the president that nothing
be done which might cOmplicate the
situation are holding congress in
check.
However, Sen. Sherman announced
that he intended to press his resolu-
ton for passage. He contends that
the Pershing expedition is too mad
equate to do any good and that not
only should volunteers be authorized,
but that the president should also
mobilize the crack regiments Of the
national guard and send them TO re-
lieve the regulars now acting as
border patrols so that the entire reg
ular army could be sent into Mex
leo.
Embassy Without Facts.
The Mexican embassy was with
out information regarding the move
ments of Luis Herrera. 1t was stated
that Herrera was relieved Of his
command about a month ago and
that no information was available
as 70 the number Of his followers.
Most of the latter. it was admitted,
were former Villista soldiers. The
form Of the protocol between the
two nations has been agreed on be-
tween Acting Sec'y OF State Polk
and ADMINISTRATORS gnate Are
dondo and the latter has telegraphed
the agreement TO Carranza. As soon
as the latter approves il, officials
say. it will be signed and made pub
lie