Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1916-04-18
Washington Is Undoubtedly
Anxious to Withdraw Expe-
dition Whenever There Is
Reasonable Excuse.
LANSING REFUSES TO
DISCUSS NEGOTIATIONS
Story of Bandits Demise Be-
lieved Circulated for Effect
on People of Mexicoi Baker
Is SkepticaI

s.osn'So ioussAL srGetal lesseo w,sst
Washington. April i7.--confirma-
ton Of the death Of Francisco villa
still was lacking tonight both at the
state and war departments, and at
the Mexican embassy. The only dis
patch from American sources IN
Mexico tending to lend color TO the
report WAS brief statement from
Major Howe. of the Eleventh cav
airy, now near parral that he had
information which led him to believe
that the bandit and small party of
his followers had fled some days ago
towards San Francisco Borja. which
IS close TO the place where unofficial
Mexican reports say the body was
found.
Report From border.
The outstanding features OF thu
days messages from the border We're
reports 20 the war department that
six Mexlcans who confessed TO hav-
ing taken part In the raid on Column
bus, N. NJ. had been captured and
sent TO Columbus for trial by the
New Mexico state authorities. An
other official report relieved anxiety
as TO the supply problem for the
troops at the front. II said the forces
now we're fully supplied, with the ex-
eeptIon Of small shipment OF horse
shoes and glothing. which would go
forward tomorrow An ample supply
of gasoline was on hand the mes
sage said, for the motor trucks and
acroplanes.
Two Days From I,ailipad.
The body supposed 10 be that of
villa was said by the last Mexican
reports To he en- route to chihuahua
city. Ii was pointed out ut the war
department, however. that the point
where II was found was nearly two
days journey By wagon from tho
railroad. That may account for de-
lay IN obtaining confirmation or de-
NAL of the report that the bandits
career has ended.
II General Funston and General
pershing have taken any steps to
make certain the Identification of
the body. they have done so on their
own initiative. No instructions TO
that end have been sent from Wash-
lngton, either 20 consuls or military
MAY Take Caranza's Word.
This fact may be significant Of the
attitude Of the state department. IL
was intimated today that the United
States government might be wiilirg
to accept formal declaration from
General Carranza that villa had been
killed and order the recall Of tho
troops.
Senator Stone. chairman of the sem
ate foreign relations committee, after
~.
Iary Baker, expressed the view that
The Carranza authorities hardly could
have any object I'M circulating re-
port OF Villas death unless they be-
Iieved 1t to be true.
lie agreed with Secretary Baker
and other officials. however. In ae-
'epting the reports of the finding OF
Villas body with utmost caution. Mr..
Baker took no pains to hide his
ioubts. although he expressed a fer
sent hope that II should prove true.
Clashes Likely.
II Is generally admitted that every
lay that the troops remain in Mexico
Increases the possibility of serious
flashes. While there has been no
violence of any opposition TO the
movements of the American forces by
military or civil officials of the de
acto government. the Parral incident
las served as a warning that the civil
population as well as the troops cam
rot always be controlled by those III
'ommand The attack on Major
Tompklns' command at Parral came
Ifter cordial relations had been es-
ablished with the Carranzi military
there. The Mexican Off
ers best efforts were unavalling TO
urb the disturhers, many of whom
we're said to he his own soldiers. 1t
S known that the Washington gov
rnment would gladly withdraw the
roops tomorrow il 1t could consider
he object OF the expedition accom-
llished
Report for Mexicans.
IN some quarters the suggestion was
made that reports of Villas death
night have been circulated for the ef
Get on the Mexican people and thar
hey were not intended TO reach the
order II was pointed out that Il
could add To The estimation in which
arranza military chieftains are held
y their own people, If they were able
> show the body ms proof that tho
merican expedition WAS unnecessary.
Secretary Lansing would not dis
liss the status of the negotiations
18th the de factO government over
he recall OF the troops. II was indi-
ated, however. that official informal
on as to the Paral incident, as Well
5 other Information. still was too
leagre TO serve as basis for reply to
enerai carranza's message about 1t.
Ir Lansing said replies To both the
0te and the passage were yet 10 be
RATED
II was thought possible, however.
iat Instructions had been sent to
pecial Agent Rodgers at Mexico City.