The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-04-19
Object of Expedition Impeded
By Open Hostility OF Soldiers
and Populace
FUNSTON SENDS MORE
MEN ACROSS BORDER
Takes Steps to Protect Line
of Communication -Presi-
dent and Secretary Lansing
in Conference

Washington. April ls-Grave de-.
velopments in the Mexican situation
were tho subject of a conference be-
tween President Wilson and Secretary
of War Baker at the White House to-
night The conference lasted half an
houi
Earlier in the evening Secretary
Baker conferred with Secretary of
State lansing
The principal question discussed
was whether a new policy in Mexico
is demanded in the light of reports
from General Pershng OF the bellig-
erent attitude of Carranza troops.
These reports indicated that GEN
eral Pershings expedition against
Villa has been brought TO standstill
by the opposition of the Carranza
forces.
Can't Restrain Their Men.
General Pershing reported, through
General Funston, that he had been
warned against entering any Mexican
towns, because the Carranza COM
manders would not be able to re-
strain their forces from attacking the
Americans.
Secretary Baker said tonight that
no new orders had been sent 10 Gen
eral Funston either extending or linn
ting the pursuit of villa. Mr.. Baker
said
we have given no orders to Gem
eral Funston that change in any way
the character OF the expedition or its
move E3e pts. =,
Al the same tine the War Depart
nent was informed officially that Gem
eral Funston has sent $500 more troops
across the border to guard the line
Of communication.
Asks New Instructions
General Funston Is understoo' to
have asked Washington for new IN
structions governing the Mexican
campaign, The orders under which
he is now operating are 70 act in CO.
operation with the Carranza forces in
the pursuit of villa. General Pershing
has made 1t plain his dispatches to
I Funston that not only Is cooperation
not to be expected. but he must be
prepared to meet armed resistance.
Since the Parral attack. in which
the war Department has been advised
the American cavalry was practically
led into ambush. there have been
other cases reported OF attacks on The
American forces by Carranzistas.
General Funston wants his orders
extended so that he will have authority
TO proceed regardless OF Carranza He
has asked for authority to change his
supply base so as TO shorten his line ut
communication. He has insisted that
he must have use of the Mexican rail-
ways in the pursuit of Villa.
Faced by the long delayed crisis in
the submarine situation. the adminis-
lration delayed decision.
Secretary Lansing said reply had
not been made 20 Carrsnzas note,
which amounted TO a demand for the
retirement of the American troops
though it was accepted as a request to
the United states 10 treat for with
drawal.
Definite announcement with respect
10 the administration intentions and
the future policy in conducting the
Mexican campaign are expected to be
made in replying to this note.
No News A. To Villas Death.
Neither the State nor War Depart
ments today had any advices relating
10 the report of Villas death. Con
sui Letcher, of Chihuahua reported on
conditions there in telegram TO the
state Department, but made no refer
ence to the villa report This was ac-
cepted as an indication that he did
not consider 1t worthy of any credence.
Secretary Baker said the War Depart
ment had received no dispatches con-
tanning even the rumor of Villas
death.
1t was authoritatively announced to-
iuced President Wilson will not ac-
cept the claim of de facto government
officials that Villa is dead Further
more, 1t was announced that the hunt
for the bandit will continue II such
evidence In not Forthcoming.
Decision 20 disregard the villa re-
ports was reached by the cabinet to-
day. 1t disposed of the possibility that
any move toward withdrawal of the
troops will he made on the basis 81
claims from Carranzista sources that
villa Is dead.
Nevertheless no official would say
today that the troops will remain In
Mexico until villa is captured The
/ only thing any Official would say that
the orders under which the expedition
/ is being donducted have not been
/ cha sged. No official OF the adminlsfra-
! ton In position 10 know the Prssi-
/ dents intentions would outline future
| policies.
! ssernnnn CeasUI Urged Resistance.
| Unofficial dispatches from Msxice
| that the German consul 1t PArFal ~