The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-03-14


with Carranza. The attitude of the
first chief was not known but he was
expected to raise no further objections
to the American expedition.
Will CarranZa Cooperate?
Border reports that Carranzista
forces were mobilizing and threaten
ing armed resistance to the American
expedition are declared by officials
to be exaggerated. While not assured
that Carranza's troops will cooperate
in the Villa hunt, it was confidently
believed they would not be ordered to
oppose the United States troopers.
Censorship hid the movements of
both American and Carranzista troops.
Secretary of War Baker intimated
that he might not receive word of the
actual crossing of the United States
troops until some time after the chase
was begun.
To Launch Expeditions.
The United States forces may final
ly be much larger than originally
planned. The three expeditions ten
tatively agreed on it is said, from Co
lumbus, Ell Paso and Douglas Or Ha-
chita, may be Swelled to 10 1000 men.
1t is believed certain the main body
would drive directly south from Co
lumbus, led by Pershing. This is the
most direct route as the crow flies
and over splendid trail. Six miles
opposite at Palomas, 1900 'Carranzista
troops are reported waiting-whether
to join or oppose the American troops
was not known.
Scent a Plot.
Washington, March 14.-Adminis-
tration officials toda. momentarily
awaited word from General Funston
that American troops were moving
into Mexico in pursuit of Villa and his
bandits. Latest official information
from the border indicated that he
mobilization of troops had such prog
resS th-t the first force was ready to
cross the international boundary line
at any time.
Officials are confident that the sit
uation so far as General Carranza
himself is concerned, has been allevi-
ated by the acceptance of his proposal
for a reciprocal arrangement by Which
either his troops or American troops
may pursue outlaws on either side of
the border. A note of acceptance was
on its way today to Carranza. Under
this arrangement General Funston will
carry out his task with the expecta-
ton that Carranza will heartily CO.
operate. Mexican embassy officials
were especially pleased with the agree
ment-
An U-erlying Motive.
PuDlication Of reports that the
United States expects trouble from
Carrapza is understood to be resente
by administration officials, including
the president, some of whoI say that
they are purposely disseminated by a
certain element in order to ring
about war with Mexico. Officials have
made ii clear that steps already TAX
EN- were deliberately taken to preclude
the possibility of armed intervention
and they are seriously considering
taking action to stop publication of
reports of an alarming nature.
Official reports thus far received
from interior points in Mexico and
along the coast are all to he same eff
fect-that there has been no outbreak
or ill feeling against the United States
because the United States troops were
to hunt Villa.
There was further talk at the cap
itol today in regard to the proposal to
aside for the present other legis-
.ation in order to dispose of the pre-
paredness bills and it is believed that
an agreement to that end may be
reached between the two houses. The
president is particularly anxious for
action on the preparedness measures