Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-03-28

W nile there IS no shortage or food or
other supplies for the troops at the
front, cavalry mounts already are on
short rations.
Steps 10 meet the situation have
been taken by Secretary Baker.
Seeretary's Statement
Mr.. Baker issued this statement late
today:
All information the department has
from the border shows conditions TO
be quiet ana the excitement of the last
few days somewhat allayed. We have
no dispatches indicating actual con-
fiict between American soldiers and
any forces OF any kind in Mexico.
The expedition is. of course. NOV
ing forward and so heightened the line
of communication. For that reason.
Cen. Funston has requested and the
department has purchased two addi-
,ional automobile truck equipments,
comprising "a cars in all
Aeroplanes Destroyed
In addition TO that Gen. Funston
tells us that additional aeropianes will
be Of service. both in reconnaissance
work and in carrying MESA es from
the advance column 10 the base at
Columbus. OF the aeroplanes already
there TWO have been destroyed. 9th
ers have need of replacing parts, but
two Of them are in actual continuous
service. The department is now nego-
tiating for the purchase Of additional
aeroplanes, but neither the number nor
NO. ja- inc
Wireless communication is quoted
intermittent because of the static con-
6itions in the electric field there. For
this reason. additional Importance Is
given to the request for larger aero
plane facilities
The secretary said the destruction
of two army aeroplanes had not been
explained as Yet TO the department
The army has plenty Of skilled avIa-
tors to operate the machines that will
be purchased. Mr.. Baker added. he
said that while the Aero Club had vol
unteered the. service of its men and
machines. the law forbade their &C
ceptance.
The negotiation Of protocol cover
ing use of the Mexican railways ana
other matters beyond the border en-
countered a delay today with the re-
ceipt Of Gen. Carranza's suggestions as
to notifications, and additions TO the
plan worked out by Counsellor Polk
of the state department and Eliseo AZ
redondo. ambassador designate.
GaIIinser's Statement
Senator Gallinger's statement said:
Republican senators fully recognize
that the duty Of dealing with the pres
ent Mexican crisis rests with the Pres
idsnt and they have not at any time had
any purpose of interfering with the ex-
ecutive or any department of the gov
eminent in that matter but they have
been and are now very solicitous that
the military expedition in Mexico shall
be adequately protected and, If neces-
sary. reinforced. and that the border
line shall be provided with forces suf-
fcient to prevent raids similar to the
one that occurred at Columbus.
While realizing that their informa-
ton may not be fully complete they
believe that upon the information which
they do have all available regulars
should be sent to the border to be re-
inforced by detachments from the ma
tional guard II circumstances demand
It. Not only should Villa and his MUIR
derous band be captured and punished
but the lives and property Of Ameri-
can citizens on both sides Of the border
should be fully protected. thing which
has not heretofore been done by our
government"
Pressing for Railroads
General CarranZa desires to delay
replying to the request for the use of
certain Mexican railways until the