South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1916-03-20
Harried by Rapid Progress of
Gen. PerShing'S Cavalry,
He Splits Retreating
Force Into Two Bands.
PURSUERS WILL NEED
TO USE THE RAIL WAYS
Americans Are Likely to be
Baked When They Re-
quest Transportation of
Food and Ammunition.

International News Service:
Ell PASO: Texas, March 20
Francisco Villa, harried by the rapid
progress Of Gen. Pershing's Ameri-
can cavalry, has split his retreating
force into two bands that are fleeing
along the mountain trails in the re-
giOn of BabicOra lake, south Of
Galeana. according to information
that reached Carranza headquarters
in JuareZ early today. Gen. Gaviera,
the Carranza Commander at Juarez.
believes that the dividing Of Villas
forces indicates that the bandit lead
er VIII not offer ny resistance.
Scouts with the Americn forces
have nevertheless warned Gen.
Pershing to be on the lookout for
one OF Villas surprise attacks. Every
precaution is being taken by the
American soldiers as they press for
ward. Villa is in a country he knows
thoroughly. In the mountains he
Mexican government for > years.
Test of Carranza Troops
AS Villa scurries southwark like a
hunted rat the time for the real test
Of Carranza's troops is nearing. 1t
is believed that Villa will attempt to
get through the mountain passes and
join Emiliano Zapata. in the district
where that bandit leader has long
held sway If this is his intention,
only the Carranzistas can stop him.
Gen. Carranza has ordered his army
Gen. Carranza has ordered his
army TO cooperate with the Ameri-
cans, but 1t is feared on the border
that the troops of the first chief will
desert in large numbers as the Amer
leans march farther south, and per-
nit Villa. to pass through their lines.
some even joining his retreating col
umns.
Villas bandits, though travelling
swiftly, still take time for murder
and footing. Reports come over the
border that the American troopers
have come upon burned ranch
houses and mutilated bodies. These
are the usual marks Of a Villa trail.
This trial is being followed with
all the endurance Of the American
troopers. They left the border VOW
ing not TO return without the bandit
chieftain dead or alive and they are
eager to close in on him before he
reaches a territory where he can
prolong the campaign indefinitely
Reports have reached the border
that in case the pursuit now in prog
ress fails TO trap the bandit leader
orders from Washington may recall
the troops
VIII Need Railroads.
The rapid advance Of the troops
has added to the difficulties Of keep
ing open a line OF communication
and supply. To assure effective op-
Grafton it is deemed necessary here
that the United States viii have TO
get permission 10 use the Mexican
railways for the transportation Of
provisions and ammunition This
may be granted and il may not.
A large part Of the Mexican people
would not take kindly to the Ameri-
can troops using the Mexican lines
10 take ammunition into Mexico 10
kill Mexicans Popular feeling would
undoubtedly sway the Carranza gov
eminent.
The American troops are said in
the messages TO Gen. Gaviera to
so miles behind the fleeing bandit
leader. Villa is said 10 have had
narrow escape from capture in the
Casas Grandes district He delayed
his flight thinking the Americans
would be unable 10 make rapid
progress.
The speed with which the big
American cavalry horses have been
able to travel over the rough coun-
try was the first surprise Villa has
had since the United States troops
were able TO accept his challenge
Apparently it had been the intention
of the villa brigands surrounding
Casas Grandes TO make a leisureIy
retreat along the wagon trail 10
Galeana. Surprised by the speed
Of the troops rushed forward 10 pro-
test the Mormon colony at Casas
Grandes, they were forced to retreat
due south along the san Miguel
river.
Obtain Fresh Mounts
This took them through the first
wall Of mountains into the Guerrero
country. the Villa stronghold. In
this country they were able 10 get
fresh mounts. Relays Of horses are
scattered all through this country
in charge OF Villas horsemen. once
behind the hills and with fresh
horses under them. the Villa men
are thought 10 have made their way
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