Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-04-08
Given Wide Latitude.

In carrying out lneSe INSTRUCTIONS
you are authorized to employ whatever
guides or interpreters are necessary;
you are given general authority to en-
ploy such transportation, including
motor transportation. with necessary
civilian 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 mate
rial you need. Notify this office as to
force selected, and expedite move
ments."
Maj Gen. Scott. chief of staff. said to-
day that Gen. Funston had not yet re-
ported that this task had been accom-
plished. The Mexican embassy today
announced that no advices had been re-
ceived from Gen. Carranza that the de
facto government forces were prepared
or desired to relieve American troops
and assume the task itself. Gen. Scott
would express no opinion as to whether
had been completely carried out.
No "fmrnediate. withdrawal.
Publication of the order DISCLOSED that
it made no mention Of taking "viIla
dead or alive" which was described as
its purpose by oficials when IL was is
sued. It was said today, however. that
such specific wording hardly would be
included in an official order. and 1t was
pointed out that instructions to dis
perse the Villa bands cover whatever
action its execution entails.
It was noted. however. that the or
der does say the work of the Ameri-
can troops would be regarded as fin-
ished when the Villa bands are known
to be broken up and that they would
he rvffh drox IN Am
when the Carranza government was
able to relieve them of the chase.
When questioned specifically today as
to whether a withdrawal of American
troops was planned, officials at the
State and War departments uniformly
responded that no Immediate with
drawaI' was contemplated, and added
that it was expected, of course, that
the troops would be withdrawn some
time.
Repeated declarations of Carranza
officials that the troops should be re-
moved. as they had dispersed the Villa
bands and the de facto government had
large numbers of troops on the scene.
coupled with the issue of the original
order to Gen. Funston. led to a good
deal Of speculation as to just what the
administration was planning to do. but
In no quarter could a statement that
the troops were about to be withdrawn
be substantiated.
Secretary Lansing confirmed reports
from Queretaro that counter proposals
had been made to the Carranxa gov
eminent in connection with the pro-
posed protocol. These were understood
10 be today before Carranza and his
cabinet. The Secretary would not dis
close their nature.
Regarding use Of the Mexican rail
ways. Secretary Lansing issued the fol-
lowing formal statement:
Il do not consider the railroad Ques-
ton worthy of discussion. 1t really
isn't factor in the situation any long
er:" He indicated that this govern
transportation situation.
Natives Act as Scouts.
Gen. Funston reported that natives
were beginning to aid in secret scout.
Ia Maria valley. and that Col. Brown Of
the 10th Cavalry stated that high windi
had interfered with aeroplane commu-
nication. He wired concerning the foul
men wounded at Guerrero. as follows:
Wounded Of the 7th Cavalry verJ
slight. not considered serious enough I,
| report practically all healed now" Tit
| names OF the men were not given.
Ten CarranzA soldiers held by Villa al
prisoners at Guerrero and released BY
Col. Dodd, have been examined and al
lowed to retoin their commands with tn,
de facto troops. "A large number of other
| made their escape during the hght," Gen
Funston added. Understood some helt
| for execution and seven soldiers ant
civilians were executed March q by tn,
Villistas"
Tank Cars for Gasoline.
Purchase of fifteen motor gasoline
tank cars for Gen. Pershins was an.
nounced at the department. indicating
the extreme frightening of communi.
cation lines from Columbus.
The department was without fnfor.
| nation of a revolt reported from the
| border to be brewing at Juarez or the
massing Of Carranxa troops also re.
ported along the border.
Gen. Pershfng reported ten troops o,
L uHIS fAAlH lao -