Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-04-02
Confident Men Are Close Up.

Three days have passed since Col,
Dodd's cavalry dash at Guerrero scat
tered Villas main COMMAND and estab-
lished definitely the presence in that
locality of Villa himself. and army otli-
GERS are certain that the American
troopers did not allow ,-le trail to grow
cold.
While the probable capture of Villa
brought JOY to the hearts of the admin
istration. one alarming aspect of the sit
uation did much to dispel the jubilation
caused by the success of the United
States troops This was the possibility
that the United States troops might con-
tract typhus fever. which is epidemic upon
the grand plateau of Mexico The fear
that the troops might contract the dreaded
disease caused the War Department to
issue a special bulletin yesterday, warn
ing the troopers to guard against infec-
ton
The bulletin says the soldiers should OBJ
serve the closest attention to their per-
sonal cleanliness. and under no circum
stances occupy native unfumigated houses
Or use native clothing or bedding.
Wires for Further Details.
Secretary Baker wired Gen. Funston to
endeavor to get further details of the
Guerrero engagement, and inquired es-
pecially regarding condition of the four
cavalrymen reported slightly wounded 1t
was believed their injuries were so trivial
that Gen Pershing refrained from for
warding their names
Col. Dodd is far from a point of COM
munication, at least fifty or seventy five
miles. While he probably halted his
troops for brief respite after their
fifty-fvemle dash. followed by a rum
ming fight for FIVE hours. officers here do
not believe he tarred long. Difficulty in
securing supplies and WatAr at their dis
lance from the main command of Gen
Pershing may have handca pped him. but
probably did not delay the chase many
hours.
Railway Negotiations Halted.
Initiation of the agreement by which
the American troops would have tenn
porary use of the Mexican Northwest
ern railway. pending ratification of a
more comprehensive protocol. appar-
emily has been halted through the fail
ure of the Carranza authorities at
Juarez to receive instructions regard
ing IL Secretary Baker said yesterday
he had not modified his instructions to
Gen. Funston to tender supplies for
shipment TO the railway authorities
The last information from Gen Fun
ston, was that Gen. Gavira was await
Ing Instructions from Gen. Carranzs
VINO agreed to the arrangement several
days ago. to put il into actual effect
State and War Department officials
reiterated last night their intention to
await results Of fair trial of the ten
tetive arrangement before pressing
Carranza for further concessions to Sc
cure shipment of supplies. The ques-
tion of whether Gen. Funston may fur
n1sh guards or whether the Carranza
government shall supply such protec-
tion for supply shipments is consider
ed possible factor in the delay. Some
omcials believe the protocol viii be ar
ranged before actual ShIpnepfS no
gun.
Late last night Gen. Funston wired to
the war department request for ad-
ditional motor trucks and truck sun
plies. HIS message contained no further
information regarding the operations Of
PershinSs force, and department off,
Gals took II for granted he had none
Praise for Col. Dodd.
Cnstinted praise was given in all quar-
tiers TO Col. Dodd, the veteran cavalry
omcer. who rode with his command
continuously for seventeen hours, COW
cred ffty-fve miles and then en-
gagged in fve-hour fight Col. Dodd
II eixty-four years old and has heen
in the saddle practically ever since the
troops were ordered TO the border He
VIII retire on account of age next July
Appointed 10 the Military Academy
from Pennsylvania, he graduated in
.o'o- ~ ''h'iildIlueu tne 50 cavalry
during the Apache outbreak in Ari-
coma, fought during the Indian cam
paign in Oklahoma, in the Chicago
riots in 1894. and distinguished himself
during the Spanish-American war, par
ttctpating in the battle OF San Juan and
many nights in the Philippines. He is
declared TO have been the first to
suggest the now famous monkey
drill of cavalry training
For some time Col. Dodd had charge
Of recruiting at Columbus barracks
Ohio. and is credited by Adjt. Gen. Nc
Cain with having done much to reduce
army assertions. although strict dis
ctplinarian.