Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1916-03-21
Three Strong DetachmentS of
Cavalry Are Headed for
Towns Where Bandit Chief
Was Reported Seen,
FUNSTON HEARS OF
CARRANzA ASSISTANCE
Contact With Outlaw May Be
Made Within SO Hours, Is
Belief From Reports Reach
ing San Antonio,

tsV nossisa JOURNAL SPECIAL thssEo WISH
San Antonio, Tex. March 20
Francisco villa may be forced into
the fight with American troops within
the next thirty-six hours, if reports
coming to General Funston, both
from General Pershing and from
Mexican sources, are correct.
General Pershing reported today
that villa had been reported defeat
ed by Mexican government troops
near Las Cruces and that he was re-
treating northward General Per
shing's report was followed, however
by the unofficial report that Villa was
still fighting at Namiquipa, south of
Las Cruces
Retreat Is Difficult.
If the Carranza forces win in the
fighting that was said to be contn-
uing late today Villa will have to
move northward along a road over
which detachment of American
troops is riding south~urd, or leave
the road and head for the Santa Ma
ria mountains that parallel the road
to the east or to the Oriental range
on the west side. Retreat, according
to the report is impracticable be-
cause of the presence in his rear of
Mexican troops who forced him to
turn northward from Las Cruces.
Americans Across Pathway.
The detachment that is headed
south on the road along which Villa
was reported advancing is one of
Casas Grandes. one column was sent
towards Lake Babricora, seventy
miles south of Casas Grandes, and
somewhat to the west. The other two
detachments moved as one to Gale
ana south and east of Casas Grandes,
and there separated, one continuing n
more easterly direction toward Car
men, sixty-five miles from Casas
Grandes, and the other south toward
Las Cruces, fifty miles from Casas
Grandes, which now has become the
advanced base of the expeditionary
forces.
Pcrshing's Whereabouts Unknown.
Just where General Pershing Is was
not announced. but he is directing the
work of the three detachments and
by means of scouts is attempting to
keep in communication.
II was known at headquarters, how
ever, that divergent directions will
make this difficult, also the noun
famous character Of the county Will
afford elevations that will make more
feasible communication by signalling.
From all points to which the three
detachments are moving Villa has
been reported. Although it is realized
that he could not have been at all
points where he was said to have
been, the three delachments will be
so widely separated by the time they
have gone a short distance further
east that it was regarded as almost
certain that one Of them would come
in contact with him. The force NOV
ing toward Las Cruces was only a
short distance north of Vale, twenty
eight miles north of Las Cruces. this
afternoon
Supplies Necessary.
The steady and rapid advance Of a
part of General Pershings force into
Mexico has increased the desire Of
those at army headquarters here to
be permitted to use the Northwestern
railway for moving supplies. Cruces,
q point that probably will be reached
by one Of the cavalry detachments, is
about 200 miles from the border, and
Lake Bahicora like distance. 1t
was pointed out that any delay i'll
getting supplies through the border
to Casas Grardes, from where 1t can
be sent forward to the mobile units
operating south of there, might inter-
fere seriously with General PERISH
ings plan of pursuit. General Fun
ston evinced no impatience but he did
show concern and expressed the hope
that Carranza would not misunder-
stand the motive for his request.
Delays Inevitable.
Even II the request Is granted II
will be some days before the road can
be used because al two points at least
repairs will have TO be made Ameri-
can rolling stock viii have to be sent
across the line on account of its lack
on the other sidG. and American
crews and dispatchers will be used.
The reasons for their use should
be obvious" said am army officer to-
night. General Funston made IL plain
TO the war department that his only