Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1916-03-17
A Trying Adventure.

The American troops that have entered Mexico
in pursuit of villa and his outlaw band face pecu-
liarly trying adventure. The first thirty miles OF
their march is across desert to the stark foot
hills of the Sierra Madre mountains. Thence Tor
a hundred and twenty-five miles they must make
their way through a desolate land that has no roads
and no inhabitants save the half-savage rancnmen
who tend their herds in the bleak valleys around.
At the end of this stage the troops will enter the
sierra Madre proper. as wild and lonely region as
the earth affords.
These mountains" explorer writes
ARE split by canyons, some of which
have a sheer depth of between two thousand
and three thousand feet, and there is not even
recognized trail through their, soltudes
From Casas Grandes south, the country is
thickly wooded although devoid of vegetation
which could provide forage for horses or food
of any kind for men. In this section the
Casas Grandes river sweeps westward and di-
vides into three considerable branches; by fol-
lowing one of these soldiers would be able to
obtain SUFFICIENT water. But between the
streams the mountains rise in vast BARRIERS
presenting country almost inaccessible even
to men on foot, and impossible to wheeled
transports of any sort"
In these Businesses Villa is supposed TO have
made his retreat, and thither no doubt will flock
all manner of picaroons who regard the red bandit
as a chieftain of romance. Aside from possible at
taeks on the way and the problem of food and
water supplies, the American expedition will have
extremely difficult task when it encounters the
guerilla warfare that will ensue. Villa is not likely
to stake his fortune on a fight in the open Rather,
he will scatter his men. through the wild passes
he knows well and trust to the nature of the
country for his main defense and attack.
In these circumstances months may be required
for the American troops to accomplish their mis-
sion. Fortunately, they have gone we'll prepared.
Nearly a week was spent in equipping them and
in anticipating as far as possible the needs and
perils of the march. They can expect no supply of
food and little of water from the country they
to traverse These necessaries they must take
with them draw from their base
If present assurances continue, they will have
opposition from Carranzas forces. But the
volatile nature Of Mexican soldiery has been evil
denced too often to relieve all anxiety on this
score until the expedition is over. There is no
reason to doubt the good faith of the Carranza
government; indeed, all it's interests require the
determination of Villas power and it should well
come American aid to that end Yet there is the
possibility of impulsive or treacherous acts ON the
part of subordinate leaders or among remote de-
tachments of troops, At least, this is a contin-
gency to be guarded against.
General Funston spoke advsedly when he said
that the task ahead would be long and arduous
one. From his experience in the Philippines, he
could foresee broadly the trials to be met, the
traps to be avoided. the peculiar obstacles to be
overcome. Because of this foresight however the
problem has been simplhed as much as 1t we'll
could be in advance. Under the command of Gen
eraI Pershing the expedition assured of skllful
and courageous leadership. The rest is for events
themselves to determine. Whether our forces will
discharge the single duty for which they have set
forth and return in peace depends on the Mexican
attitude. 1t is earnestly to be hoped that the
crushing of Villa will be the sole end as it is the
sole purpose OF the expedition.