South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1916-03-22

international News Service
Ell PASO. Texas. March %
Gen. Pershing's forces moved with
such rapidity following the battle
between Francisco Villas bandits
and Carranzistas at Las Cruces that
Villas retreat toward Babicora was
cut Off, according to the Ineagre re-
ports received al Gen G@efera S
headquarters in Juarez today. The
bandit leader and his demoralized
followers were compelled 10 leave
the trail they were following and
take 10 the Sierra Madre mountains
a rumor in Juarez today said that
Villas American pursuers had had a
clash with the bandit leaders pa
trolls. but no official confirmation
was Obtainable. If the United States
troopers have been fighting the VII
listas the details probably will not
arrive for several days owing 20 the
rapidity OF Gen. Pershing's move
ments.
Gen. Gaviera understands that the
Carranzistas who defeated Villa at
Las Cruces are pursuing the outlaws
into the mountains.
being urged TO the last shred OF eff
fort in attempt TO cut off retreat
before Villas wild horsemen reach
the depth of the mountain country
which they regard as their sanctu-
airy.
Battle Ground i'm Clouds.
According TO dispatches received
at Mexican headquarters i'm Juarez.
Villas men are approximately 30
miles southeast OF NamiQuipa and
within 10 miles OF a great plateau
stretch which makes "a great battle
ground almost I'm the clouds.
The exact location of the Amer
lean troops has not been revealed
but. IL is believed that at least one
column is within a few hours march
Of actual hostilities. if the fighting
has not already begun The Amer
ican officers have been on the alert
for one Of Villas typical swift moves.
Villas men are now believed TO be
in three groups il was considered
possible that the band being pur-
sued by the Cerranzista forces from
NamiQuipa might be drawing the
Carranzlsta forces to a fighting
ground of Villas own choosing.
where the other two bodies OF villas
galloping cavalry might join their
chieftain 10 turn back the pursuit
villa. Gen. Gaviera believes viii
have 10 make a decided stand within
a few hours He has gathered fresh
recruits on his boast that he could
whip the American army and an the
Villa has faith i'm his boast But
mis- men viii grow impatient without
"a decisive test. say those who know
the ways Of the Mexican fighting
men. and the retreat from Namiquipa
is not especially reasSuring To them.
supplies Problem for L. :.
Cattiemen. riding ia from the
neighborhood Of The lighting bring
reports that Villas forces ha--e been
greatly strengthened 10y ores OF
new followers anxious 20 fight the
hated "gringoes."
The problem OF supplies is not
worrying the Mexican forces at pres
ent The Mexican soldier. being sat-
ished with little. is able 20 forage as
he goes. IL is his own country and
variety OF weat1sr bothers him a
great deal.
The American troops have not
leen so fortunate. however The
problem OF carrying supplies 10 the
front is a difficult one There came
10 RI Paso today over the Communi-
eating lines reports that the men at
the head OF the expedition are suffer
ing from a shortage OF food and are
even on half rations. such condi
tions az this stage Of a limited cam