Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1916-03-16
MEXlCANS SHOW EVIDENCES OF STRONG
FEELING OF HOSTILITY TOWARD u s.
Not Before Friday Are
Sharp Developments
Really Expected.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, March 15.-
Gen. John J. Pershing, with more
than 1000 troops, began the pursuit
into Mexico today of Francisco Villa.
General Pershing's report that he and
his command had crossed the inter-
national boundary line, just south of
Columbus, reached Gen. Frederick
Funston late today. Reports of pro-
gress in the country where the search
has been begun, will be made by Gen
eral Pershing, to General Funston, but
it is not expected these will be fire.
quent or deal with any but the more
important developments.
How far into Mexico the column had
reached tonight was unknown here.
Not until after Friday are sharp de-
velopments expected.
Col. George A. Dodd. heading a
similar column that entered Mexico
some distance west of Columbus, also
is moving in southerly direction
and these two forces should be with
in touch of each other before the
end of the week. By that time it is
expected an infantry support will hold
the line of communication along which
motor trucks for the transportation OF
ammunition and supplies will be
operated.
Although the censorship imposed by
no ;Clt
efforts still were made to keep secret
the details Of the plan Of campaign.
General Pershing's report of his en-
trance into Mexico served to dispel
to great extent fears that had been
entertained in some quarters that re-
sistance would be offered by the troops
of the de .facto government.
Colonel Bertani the commanding
officer of the Carranza garrison at
Palomas, on the south side of the line.
joined General Parshing. His force
was only some 40Oimen, but they we're
reported to have displayed willingness
and even eagerness to join in the
chase. As a body the Mexican troops
will remain under their own command
er. but number of them are being
employed as scouts by General Perish
ing.
General Pershing has gone into
Mexico with orders to wipe out Villa
and his organization. Unless orders
to the contrary are received from
those higher in authority than Gen
eral Funston, the campaign that was
begun today will continue until Villa
is captured or Killed. No limits have
1>nn ,1n "a ho s11I 10
News that the expedition was under
way reduced tension evident at army
Headquarters here during the earlier
part of the day. It was expected the
troops would cross earlier in the day
but minor troop movements and other
details of organization delayed the
start.
There now are available in this de-
partment for operations in Mexico,
more than 10000 troops. and if the
plans for recruiting the companies to
full strength are carried but. this num-
Der will be increased quickly.
Cavalry posts have been relieved by
infantry in most cases in order to fur
nish more mobile force for the pur.
suit of Villa, although in expedition
that went in today there is a consid-
cradle force of artillery, which can
be reinforced at any time by several
more. batteries that now are held on
the American side within easy distance
of the border.
If the exact whereabouts of Villa are
known at army headquarters, the fact
has net been disclosed. Generally, it
is believed he has moved southwark
toward the Guerrero district, in the
foothills of the Sierra Madres, but re-
ports from Mexican sources indicate
that the de facto government troops
will do their best to turn him north
ward towards the advancing American
columns.
Bands affiliated with Villa in other
parts Of Northern Mexico have not in
dicated their intentions. but brisk ac-
tivity on their part will be no surprise
to, the American army officers. 1t is
expected that in chasing Villa these
bands will have to be engaged from
tine to time.