New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-06-29
u. S. Not to Depend on
Mexican Railways in
Case of War.
MORE LORRY TRAINS
REACH Ell PASO
Carranza Forces Occupy Towns
Evacuated by Pershing's
Troops.

Fl Faso, Tex, June Coincident
with reports that Carranzista forces
have been concentrated with a view TO
holding the railroads OF Chihuahua in
the event Of hostilities with the United
States, American military authorities
here were taking steps to-day that
would make them practically indie
pendent Of railroads for the transpor-
tation of troops and supplies.
A train of twenty-seven armed motor
trucks, with fuel tank cars and repair
trucks, arrived to-day and was assigned
to the local brigade, while at the Office
of the depot quartermaster it was an
nounced that two additional truck
trains are expected to arrive from
Eastern factories tomorrow.
Steps have been taken also looking
toward the Communicating Of such
trucks rs are available in FL Paso
should occasion warrant.
Reports to military authorities on
tho border indicate that General
Pershing is retaining at each of his
chain of field bases number Of
empty trucks for the rapid transpor-
tation, if necessary, of troops and
supplies across country. Only a few
Of the trucks of the twelve trains In
operation with the expeditionary
forces are being used to transport
supplies. From Columbus huge guam
titles of supplies and equipment have
been concentrated at Dublan, Ell
Vale and other American bases.
To Use Trucks on Railways.
Many Of the trucks in use here and
in the field are equipped with a re-
movable device BY means OF which
they can be used as locomotives on
railroads, and, in the event Of break
in the line, can be detoured over the
highways.
Military authorities pointed gu. that
in the event of hostiities General Ire
who's preparations TO hold the rail-
roads would avail little, as the efficacy
of the motor truck in the Mexican ter
ritory has been demonstrated repeat
eddy.
For the second timo within q week
Juarez. the Mexican town acros. the
Rio Grande, was practically evacuated
by Carranzista troops, only General
L,
small bodyguard remaining in the city.
II was asserted that about 900 men,
including the command of General jose
Flores, left Juarez in the last twenty
four hours for Villa Ahumada, from
TO the various Carranzista concentra-
ton camps.
Civilians, many of them In new
a rlr c1o 80
had crossed the border at Carranzs's
recent call, mounted guard at the com
mandancia. the Customs House and the
international bridges. Also doing SEN
try duty were numbers Of poems. fresh
from the ranches, their tapping SOM
breros and sandalled feet being in strik-
ing contrast to the dapper clothing of
their comrades in arms.
Consul Seeks Compromise.
Andres Garcia, Mexican Consul to Ell
Paso, issued a statement tonight in
which he explained that his reason for
remaining in Juarez during the crisis
was to remove every possible chance
OF friction. He admitted, however,
that he felt safer in the Mexican town.
General Bell" he said. had offerol
TO put guard about my house in FL
Paso, and | have full confidence in the
American authorities, but since | was
routed out Of bed and insulted not
long ago by a squad of police at 1
o'clock in the morning, | have feared
that my presence in FL Paso might
start trouble. Every effort of mine is
bent in removing causes Of friction at
this point, with view to easing nego-
tiations between the First Chief and
the White House"
Reports from the field indicate that
small columns of Carranzistas are ap-
pearing to the south of General Perish
ing's line, occupying communities evac-
uated by the Americans. However, in
Mexican circles it is explained that
some Of these troops are recruiting de-
tachments. American reports indicate
that at no point are they sufficiently
close to General Pershing's lines TO
cause alarm.
The Carranzistas also recognize tho
value of motor transportation, three
American-made trucks having been
sent south from Juares several days
ago, and six light cars having been
purchased for army use in FL Paso to-
day. Mexican military authorities say
they expected no trouble In taking
them across the river.