South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1916-03-24
U. S. Consul at Chihuahua
Wires State Department
Denying RumorS of Revolt
Among CarranziStaS.
MASSING OF FIRST CHIEFS
TROOPS CAUSES C0NCERa
Americans Watch ConCentra-
ton of MeXiaCnS Along
Border With Growing
Apprehension.

Iuternationa News Service,
WASHINGTON. March 24-Gen
Luis Herrera. Carranza's commander
in the state Of Chihuahua, has not
deserted the first chief 10 lead his
telegram 70 the state department to-
day from u. S. Consul Marion I,etch-
er. at Chihuahua City.
Consul Letcher stated that Gen
Herrera is now at chihuahua City.
that he has not left there with his
men, as reported. and that he and
his garrison are loyal TO The cOnsti-
nationalist cause.
Consul Detcher's message. assur-
ing the department that Herrera
was loyal was the first word receiv-
ed from chihuahua City in more
than as hours. in fact since the de-
sertion OF the Carranza general first
was reported. The state and war
departments made repeated efforts
yesterday 10 get in communication
with him. but all attempts failed
Grave fears had been felt for his
safety in view Of the reports that
Herrera had deserted.
Gen Funston also wired the war
department that his best informa-
ton is that Herrera remains loyal 20
Carranza.
Gen. Funsfon's telegram follows.
Gen. Herrera i'm a telegram TO
Gen. Gaviera strongly denies all re-
ports that he has gone over TO
villa.
Gen Gutierrez. governor OF Chi
huahua, I'm letter 10 Gen Gaviera.
also strongly denies that Gen Her
rera has gone over TO villa
Csigned) FUNSTON"
Has M Confirmation.
Although officials were very much
Interested over reports from the
border that villa was surrounded
and had been attacked by Amer
leans and Carranzistas. Secy Baker
said on reaching his Office that ne
had no confirmation whatever OF the
report from Cen. Funston.
While in no way questioning the
good faith OF Gen. Carranza. army
officers today were studying the ap-
parent massing Of his forces at
strategic points only a short march
from the border There is no way
of ascertaining here whether these
dispositions have been authorized
directly by the first CHIEF or
war secretary. Gen. Obregon. for
merly an army cOmmander-in-chic
At least at half dozen points
not more than five or six hours from
the border, however, strong bodies
OF Carranzista troops are being held
and II is admitted that they could
cause very much trouble should a
break between the United States and
the de factO government in Mexico
come
Il is understood that Gen. Funs-
ton quietly IS securing data OF tho
dispositions OF these troops. their
commanders and equipment. Mean
while the border patrols on this
side have been so adjusted as 90 be
in readiness for any possible emery
ency. Ia addition the Pershing eX-
petition has been so strengthened
that it can maintain its positions for
a reasonable length Of time
Want Guard Used.
Pressure is being brought 90 bring
about the immediate use or the ma
tOnal guard on the border az the
war department from a number %
the state where the militia is anx-
ious 10 see action.
Where plans are complete for the
use OF this auxiliary branch Of ths
service when the need arises. ofic-
ials say that no orders vet have been
prepared. Throwing the militia into
the field would be a very easy task,
but Pres't Wilson still Is strongly
opposed 10 such action as he fears
II would be gravely misunderstood.
II is for the same reason that he ~
opposing any agitation over Mexico
BY congress just now.
The United States coast guard -
quietly getting into trim for possible
action should a blockade OF tho
Mexican coast be ordered The
coast guard fleet was Of great SER
vice during the Spanish-American
war. and would be or great service
if called on now. Their cutters
could be quickly armed and sent %
places where warships could not 20.
The apprehension IN congress stiu
continued today. Sen Sherman
was endeavoring % devise some
method whereby he could get action
on his resolution directing the call
ing for 50, 600 volunteers. preferably
from the national guard
Republicans join Forces.
a number OF republicans. fnclud-
ing Sen. Lodge have TONED forces