The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1916-04-29
PERSHING READY
TOLEAVE MEXICO?
TOrreon Dispatch Says Ameri-
cans are Negotiating for
Use of Railroads.
NATIVES ARE LESS FRIENDLY
Punitive Force Now Practically on the
Observation-Disclosures Awaiting
Gen. Scott's Report

Torreon. Mexico, April 2I.-CoIoneI
Brown, in La BoquiIla, is reported here
to be arranging with Gen. Luis Her
rera at Parral by telephone for the
use of the railroads to facilitate the
withdrawal of the American troops.
Chihuahua City, April 21.-The gov
eminent organ publishes an interview
today with Gen. Luis Herrera. ST.
mayor of Parral and father of Generals
MacLOvio and Luis Herrera, in which
he said he had instructions from Gen
Luis Gutierrez, in command of the de
facto government forces in Chihuahua
to request the American troops not TO
advance south of Santa Cruz de Vii
legas, where the Americans now are
/ encamped- Santa Cruz de ViIlegas is
fifteen miles north of Parral.
Pershing on the Defensive.
San Antonio, Tex, April 21.-while
Maj. Gen. Hugh L Scott, chief of staff,
is hurrying to the border as the per
! sonal envoy of Secretary OF War Bak-
er, General Pershing is holding his
forces in Mexico in what practically
is defensive position No develop
nents of great importance were told
of in reports received at General Fun
ston's headquarters and II was evident
that the pursuit of Villa had been halt
ed. Unofficial reports were that Villa
. had made his way south into Durango,
although official Mexican advices con-
! tinued to indicate that officials at the
/ war department in the City OF Mexico
yet gave some credence TO the story
that the bandit chieftain had died of
his wounds at some point south OF
CusihuiTachic.
carranzistas Less Friendly.
General Funston did not make pub
lie the facts contained in General Per
/ shing's report received today other
| than to say that it pictured a state Of
| frightfuI restitution OF the country and
i reflected the apathy Of the poor to-
wards the American forces
The attitude of the government
forces was described as lacking in
friendliness and cooperation
Washington, April 2I-Diplomatic
negotiations with General Carranza as
well as the pursuit OF Villa by the
American soldiers apparently are at
a standstiH while President Wilson
awaits full advices as to the military
| problems the troops have encountered
in Mexico.
Chief of Staff to Border.
Washington, April '2O.-No decision
as to withdrawal of American troops
7 from Mexico is expected for a week
/ or ten days, unless there are new out
/ breaks against the forces in Mexico
Z
/ made clear today when Secretary of
War Baker dispatched Maj. Gen Hugh
L. Scott, chief of staff, to the border
as his personal representative to make
| a complete report on the military
| problems confronting General Fun
ston.
The administration final action on
General Carranza's suggestion that the
expedition be recalled was based large
( IL on what is shown in this report.
| General Scott, who left Washington
tonight, hardly will be able to make
| the round trip and complete his OBJ
servations in less than ten days.
To be eye of Secretary"
! Secretary Baker described General
! Scott's mission as being to Assem- BILE
complete information as to the border
situation for the use of the depart
! ment He also will establish a per
! sonal touch with that situation for the
secretary, which Mr.. Baker has felt
need of in advising the administration
as to the military aspects Of the Mexi-
| can question.
General Scott. himself, explained
| that he would be the eyes Of the sec
rotary on the border" Accompanied
| by his aide, Lieut.. Col. Robert E. L
Niche OF the general staff, he will
| reach General Funston's headquarters
at San Antonio, Tex, next Friday
! evening
Sixth Cavalry to Pershing.
San Antonio, Tex, April 19.-Gen-
eral Funston is sending to General
Pershing more than 1000 additional
troops and there is reason to believe
that even more will be placed at the
/ disposal OF General Pershing If the
campaign against Francisco Villa is
1 continued The frOODS which have