New-York tribune., 1916-06-19
Carranza Leader Threat
ems Attack Unless Troops
Are Withdrawn.
BANDITS THEN FIRE
ON FORCE AT RIVER
Two Mexicans Killed-Band OF
Raiders Scattered by
the Expedition.

treated To-Day from MtNiOV "A''' w"
eral James Parker, commander OF the
Brownsville district, was warned by
General Alfredo Ricaut. Carranza com
mander Of the Matamoros district, that
the de facto governments troops would
attack the Americans unless they were
withdrawn Immediately.
The expedition dispersed Mexican
bandits who Friday night raided Texas
ranches and attacked a detachment Of
! the 26th Infantry east of San Benito,
Tex. There were no American casual
ties.
Promises were given by the Carranza
commander at Matamoros that he
would run down and punish the out
| laws.
Two bandits were killed and two
wounded in an action with a detach-
ment Of about sixteen Mexicans when
the Americans began TO withdraw.
Awaits Development.
The expedition tonight camped at
San PEDRO, Tex, about twelve miles
west Of Brownsville, awaiting develop
ments. after having. according to Ger
eral James rarker's official report,
Cleaned out a nest of bandits on
ranches opposite the San Pedro Ranch
ito district" These ranches included
the Tahuachal Ranch, about ten miles
west Of MatamOros, which is notorious
rs a bandit haven.
Military authorities ,to-night regard
ed the situation as fraught with the
gravest possibilities. This was occa-
stoned by the report that it was de-
tachment of de facto government
troops. commanded by young lieu
tenant. who led the attack on the
Americans as they were leaving MeXi-
co. This officer was killed, and his
costume was found TO be composed
partly Of the uniform of CarranZa
soldier.
Although the official report Of the
fight 10 army headquarters said one
was killed and two wounded. IL was
confirmed in Matamoros tonight that
two Mexicans were killed.
Rear Guard Attacked.
The attack on the rear guard was
made after two troops and a machine
gun troop of the Sd Cavalry had
recrossed TO the United States. Troops
f and T, commanded by Lieutenants
John Read, jr., and Peabody were
back from the river, covering the re-
treat 10 the Rio Grande.
The outpost reported the appearance
Of small band of mounted men who
on seeing the Americans opened fire.
Troop + quickly replied and was
Joined by Troop F. The firing con-
tinued for ten minutes at a range Of
approximately 500 yards. Two men
were seen 10 fall from their horses.
The supposed lieutenant went to the
aid Of one Of those wounded, but was
struck by two bullets.
The cavalry then charged the MeXi-
cans, who fed i'm the direction of Mat
amoros. The chase continued for three
miles, when Major Edward Anderson,
in command. ordered il halted, on
orders from headquarters here TO re-
cross the river
The first section Of the fourth puni-
tive expedition, commanded by Lieu
tenant A. s. Newman, crossed the Rio
Grande yesterday morning in pursuit
of a hot trail.' His command com
prised Troop II Of the Sd Cavalry. A
second section crossed at 3 o'clock yes
terday afternoon, headed by Major
Anderson. The entire expedition, which
swan the Rio Grande, - position
on the Mexican side I've miles from
the ford and sent out scouting parties
Bandits Scattered.
The bandits fled before the Ameri-
sons outpost was fired on from a Mexi-
can house. The house was charged by
the Americans, but the occupants fed
into the bushes. The entire section op-
posite San Pedro was thoroughly
searched, and while there was occa-
sional sniping none of the Americans
was injured.
The retirement of the expedition be-
gan early to-day, upon instructions
from General Parker, after he ex-
changed messages with General Ri
caut. Mexican Consul J. Z. Cara act
ed as intermediary.
General Ricaut, according TO the
messages, promised he would capture
and punish the bandits who raided the
American side of the Rio Grande. Con-
sui Cara told the American officer
that General Ricaut might not be able
TO stop the Mexican troops i'm the
brush who might attack He was told
the United States cavalry could stop
them.
Attack Means War.
Ricaut was told. il is understood.
such an attack meant war. General
Parker accepted his promise TO punish
the bandits, and the expedition re-
crossed the river on pontoon bridges.
General Parker's report to General
Funston on the expedition, filed be-
fore the expedition began withdraw
ing and was attacked. follows:
"Maior Edward Anderson and his
squadron of the Sd Cavalry, supporting
Lieutenant Newman's detachment which
had followed the bandits across the
river. cleared out nest of bandits on
ranches opposite the San Pedro
Ranchito district On the appearance
Of our command at the ranches the
bandits scattered. and sniped during
yesterday afternoon and occasionally
until midnight, since which time no
Mexicans have been seen, nor has there
been any further firing at our troops
There were no casualties on our side.
Object Accomplished.
"The object Of the crossing having
been accomplished, and in consequence
Of promises made by the Mexican com
mander, General Rictut. 20 capture and
punish the bandits. / have ordered
Colonel Bullard. commanding, 20 with
draw Major Andcrson's command 70
this side Of the Rio Grande.
"It is believed that the prompt and
vigorous action taken in hot pursuit
and following across the border 20 safe
refuge Of these notorious raiders will
have q fine salutary effect on conditions