The Hartford herald. [volume] (Hartford, Ky.) 1875-1926, 1916-03-15
BARS Down FOR
VILLAS PURSUIT
And Soldiers Preparing
To Go After Him.
CARRANzES OFFER ACCEPTED
No Invasion of Mexico in Force
Is Contemplated by
Washington.
NO PURPOSE OF AGGRESSION

Washington, March 1Oi-Amcri-
can troops were ordered across the
Mexican border to-day by President
Wilson to take Francisco Villa and
his bandits, dead or alive.
Under the direction, if not actual
leadership of General Funston, who
ended the Philippine Instruction by
taking Aguinaldo single-handed, the
American columns are expected to
be moving into Mexico before to-
morrow night.
They go to meet about 5000
guerilla troops in the mountainous
region from which the Carranza
troops have fed. The number of
men who will comprise the Ameyi-
Lcan expedition was withheld for
military reasons.
Whether this long deferred arm
ed action, which begins purely as a
punitive measure will clear Northern
Mexico of the menacing bandit
bands, over which Carranza has no
control, shall grow into a general
armed intervention or occupation of
Mexico, depends in large measure
upon Carranza and the Mexican peo-
| pie.
It begins with the Presidents dec
laration that it is entirely in aid of
the Carranza government and with
out thought of aggression.
President Wilson's decision to de-
part from his policy of watchful
waiting was fastened by the Column
bus massacre yesterday and an
nounced to-day after it had been
unanimously approved by the cabi-
net and administration leaders in
Congress. The Presidents position
was explained fully to the latter,
who agreed he should not be embar-
raised at this time by discussions of
the minority which might arouse
trouble in Mexico.
After a brief cabinet meeting at
which the President was described
as being as determined to eliminate
Villa as he was to eliminate Huerta,
Secretary Baker hurried to the war
department. and as his first act sent
orders to the border troops.
Carranza in telegram to the
State department, expressed regret
at the Columbus massacre. but did
not comment on the proposal for
sending American troops to hunt
down the bandits.
Movements Kept Secret.
Washington, March 12.-Secrecy
regarding Gen. Funston's plans for
moving against Villa and his bandits
has been so rigidly enforced at the
War Department that even high off,
Gals of the Government are in doubt
as to whether American troops ac-
tually had crossed the Mexican bor-
der.
Both the White House and War
were again flooded to-
day with offers of service by pros
pective volunteers. Mr.. Baker re-
peated to all inquiries his statement
that no call upon the National
Guard or for volunteers Is contem-
plated.
Secretary Baker announced late
tonight that the Twenty-third In
'antry. now at Galveston, Tex. had
been ordered to Ell Paso because of
ear OF Mexican attacks felt in many
owns along the border. The regi- ,
nent. about 1000 strong, will be ,
stationed at points designated by
Zen. Funston. |,
Carranza's Proposal Accepted.
Washington, March 13.-The |
nited States this afternoon accept I
"a Gen. Carranza's proposal for a
ecim ocal arrangement by VIII n '
ithtr his troops or American tr,cps a
nay pursue bandits on either side c
the border. A note OF acce pts nee Q
'as sent forward to Gen. Carranza {
I oueretaro. 4
The War Department was stpl
'sthout advices early to-day as to
Ihether American troops had cross =
d into Mexico. Secretary Baker
sid he had not heard of any cross
NJ and reiterated his promise TO
'aEe that news public as soon as II I