Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1916-04-13

General Funston's headquarters it
is not held that the object of the
expedition into Mexico has been
accomplished. Although Villa bands
have been defeated in two engage
Anents since American troops en-
tered Mexico. it was pointed out
today that the units of the com
mand ave not been broken as in
dicated by reports that his force
was still considerably south of Chi
huahua City.
Washington, April 1o.-Recurrence of
reports that American troops We're to
be withdrawn from Mexico were met
today at the state department with a
statement by Secretary Lansing that
no such withdrawal was contemplated.
so far as he knew, and at the wal de-
partnent by publication for the first
time Of the original order to Major
General Funston. The order follows:
You will promptly organize an ade-
quate force of military troops under
the command of Brig. Gen. John j.
Pershing, and will direct him to pro-
coed promptly across the border in pur-
suit of the Mexican band which at
tackled the town of Columbus, n. NJ,
and the troops there on the morning
OF March 9.
''These troops will be Withdrawn TO
American territory as soon as the de
facto government of Mexico is able to
relieve them of this work. In any event
the work of these troops will be re-
garded as finished as soon as Villas
band or bands are known to be broken
up.
In carrying out these instructions,
you are authorized to employ whatever
guides or Interpreters as are necessary.
You are given general authority to en-
ploy such transportation, including mo-
tor transportation, with necessary CT
william personnel, as may be required.
You are instructed to make all prac-
ticable use of the aeroplanes at San
Antonio, for observation. Telegraph for
whatever reinforcements or material
you need. Notify this office as to force
selected and expedite movement"
Funston Hasn't Reported.
Brigadier General Scott, chief of staff,
declared today that General Funston
has not yet reported that this task had
been accomplished.
The Mexican embassy today an
that no advices had been
received from General Carranza that
the de facto government forces were
prepared or desired to relieve American
troops n assume the task itself.
General Scott would express no opin-
.on as to whether he believed the or
ders to General Funston had been COM
pletely carried out.
Publication of the order disclosed
that it made no mention Of taking
Villa dead or live" which was de-
scribnd as its purpose by officials when
issuted. 1t was said today, however.
hat such specific wording hardly
would be included in an official order
and it was pointed out that ~instruc-
,tions to dispense the Villa bands owe
whatever action its execution entails.
1t was noted, however, that the order
does say the work of the American
troops would be regarded as finished
when the Villa bands are know to be
broken up and that they would be
withdrawn to American territory when
the CarranZa government was able to
relieve them Of the chase.
When questioned specifically today
as to whether a withdrawal Of the
American forces was contemplated de-
partment officials merely said they
would be withdrawn some time.
Repeated declarations Of Carranza
officials that h troops should be re-
moved as they had dispersed the Villa
bands and the defacto government had
a large number Of troops on the scene
coupled with the issue of the original
order to General Funston led to a good
deal of speculation as to just what the
administration WIS planning to do, but
in no quarter could a statement that
the troops were about to be withdrawn
be substantiated.
Secretary Bake stated most en-
phatically late today that there was
absolutely no basis of any kind" for
reports that preparations were under
way for withdrawing American forces
from Mexico. He said the American
troops were moving rapidly south, and
that b orders IA GAnAral Funston fol-