Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-03-16
UNCLESAM'S BOYS KICK
UP DUST AND SING HOT
TIME IN VILLA SEARCH
Gay Scenes, Interspersed With
Little Army Language,
Mark Launching of Mex
ican Campaign
BATTERED FLAG LEADS

Ell PAso, Tex, March 1e.-A long trail
Of alkali dust hanging over the skyline
marked the course of the United States
troops into Mexico today, according to
American passengers who arrived yester.
day on the Golden State limited from
Columbus
The column was moving across the fat
sloping plain Just as the train from the
west passed through Columbus, and be-
cause Of the congestion of the troop trains
there the delay gave the passengers an
unexcelled opportunity to watch the move-
ment of the American troops across the
border.
A corps of engineers were the first to
leave. Behind them rode the 13th Cav
airy, the organization picked by General
Pershing for the place OF honor because
of its baptism of fire In the battle at Co
lumbus a week ago between Villa and the
troopers Of Colonel Slocum's command.
The bullet-torn Sag OF the 18th was at
the head of the column as the troopers
swung across the plains.
Behind the 18th Cavalry marched the
9Th and 9Th Infantry Regiments. AS the
troops marched toward the line, singing
"There'l BE n Hot Time in the Old Town
Tonight" the little Mexican flag on the
Palomas custom house could be seen wav-
ing In the breeze from the rear of tho
column
AS the first expeditionary force moved
into position the wagon trains, pack trains
and motor lorries swung in behind and
headed due south toward the main border.
AS they swung in another line formed
from behind the line Villa occupied when
he charged down into the little border
town. Troops all over the mosquito-cov-
cred plains were forming in platoons.
The cavalry troops cantered out of the
little town where they fought the ban
dts, swung across level country. which
slopes sharply toward Palomas, and pro-
ceeded In a canter until they were clear
of the town and camp when they settled
down to n cavalry march with the in |
fantry stepping along behind.
Columbus was filled with civilians |
watching for the crossing, and they
cheereG the American soldiers. The eng-
neer on the passenger train blew his |
whistle constantly as a farewell to tho |
troops, and the train pulled out as the |
colors of the cavalry could be seen wav-
ing as dark patch against the white |
adobe of the nearest border house.
SO rode the vanguard of an expedition |
gathered in less than a week, but never
theless one of the most powerful forces |
assembled by this country since the Span
War
There was no opposition on the border
and no sign of armed opposition as the |
American column passed Palomas and
near other towns where Mexican troops
are known to have been stationed The
route which had been chosen is, II is said, |
one that will afford least opportunity for
antagonistic feeling among the
Nfexicans.
with dawn the incessant shouting of
orders the rattle of harness and the
tumble of noises that belong to an army
Just ready to move. Orderlies galloped
here and there. Mule team drivers lashed
heir teams and cursed--as only an army
nuleteer can-the animals as they hur-
'ied into harness. ready for the long
strain over the uneven face of the desert
Buges sounded the assembly at about
10 o'clock. Tents had been folded and
equipment packed; guns had been newly
cleaned knapsacks contained every need,
from shoe polish to a tooth brush. Slowly
ragged the hours delay before orders
we're issued for the move The men
ounged on the ground, rolling cigarettes
Ind through the companionable smoke
lazardng guesses as to the eventful hour
If departure.
When the command to fall In was
,arked by the ofilcers-about IL o'clock
he troopers sprang into their places
amp now bristled in warlike aspect.
The 9Th and 10th Regiments sprang to
heir feet. and on the eastern side the
9Th Cavalry and the 14th Artillery
pounded into position.
Headed by half a dozen cowboy scouts,
louchIng lazily in their saddles, the
avalry took the lead. They rode four
lbreast, and laughed and joSed among
themselves as their 1.-the bodies swayed
n rhythm with the thuddlng hoofs of
heir mounts.
Then the foot soldiers quickly formed.
t the shouted commands Of their officers.
md moved into line. From the thousands
4 pounding feet of the men in khaki
rose a cloud of dust. Greater grew the
lust and of increasing volume the noise
IS the slower moving field guns, with
heir shouting guard riders dartng
mong the horsemen rolled into view.
General Pershing, surrounded by his
ides, was next in line With him went
ne news syndicate correspondents. on
he heels of the field wireless came the
ear guard. Here the three arms of the
ervice, cavalry. infantry and field guns,
rotected from attack from behind the
olumn that stretched on ahead of it for
early three miles.