The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1916-04-10
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his work of directing the big man
hunt. At headquarters today nothing
was known of the situation at the
front and no definite news had been
received for many hours. Under con-
ditions of this character Funston's
staff is compelled to work almost
blindly in their efforts to support the
columns in the Geld. 1t is hoped the
Carranza permission to use the tele-
graph from Chihuahua. will relieve
the situation somewhat.
Chase is One Month Old.
[By Carl d. Groat, United Press
Staff Correspondent
WASHINGTON, April 1O.-Hope
for "breaking up Villas band or
bands" grew today-exactly month
since issuance of orders sending Cen
eral Pershing's riders across the
border
Army men thought code letters from
San Antonio headquarters may bring
news before the week end that the
bandits have been scattered by the
death or capture of their leader. The
warm trair' they believe is growing
warmer, though actual news of oper-
atoms was lacking over Sunday.
Satevo. far beyond the boundary, is
marked on the war department STRAIT
egic map as vital point, for Villa is
believed to be in that neighborhood.
Once Pershing's men can come up
on him in anything like fresh con-
dition, Mexico will be rid Of the
scourge Of Villista banditry and the
border freed OF raids, authorities
said.
General Pershing will have addi-
tional aeroplanes-the eyes OF his
expedition-this week. Two Of the
eight ordered, are ready for delivery
to him and the remainder will soon
be enroute.
The usual crop of border rumors
arose to plague the war department
again today, but officials said they
had no official information to indi-
cate aught but friendliness and help
fitness on the part of the Carranzis-
tas Meantime, state department
probe into the "inspiration" for GER
tain rumors tending to prejudice re-
lations between the defacto govNrn-
ment and the United States was in
progress.
Secretary Lansing plans to bare to
the country the forces behind certain
stories if he can adduce the proof he
desires.
The supply situation. authorities
held, is now in control. Secretary
Baker arranged to give General Fun
ston further trucks, however, IL he
needs them, but looming above all
considerations today was the hope
that there will be no such necessity
by reason OF successful conclusion
to the expedition.
Speeding up the Work.
by E. T. Conhe, United Press STAFF
Correspondent
Ell PASO, Texas, April 10.-Rein-
forcements and supplies for the Amer
lean expedition continued to pour in
to Mexico today from Columbus as If
there was no prospect Of withdrawal
soon. Activities bent on catching
Villa were speeded up here also in
the purchasing and forwarding Of
supplies.
To keep pace with the rapidly
frightening line Of COMMUNICATIONS
the wireless station at Namiquipa has
been moved farther south. The field
telegraph already extends to Galeana.
In the meantime, Villa was south
of the Durango state line, which ru-
mors persist is the dead line" be-
yond which President Wilson is re-
ported to have promised Carranza
the United States forces will not pur-
sue Villa. With a band Of 200 follow
ers, Villa is rapidly making his way
into interior Durango, apparently to
form a junction with Canuto Reyes,
the Torreon rebel and the Arrieta
brothers, leaders of Durango City
bandits.
American troops are not believed to
have crossed the Durango line, al.
though they probably are close to it
around ParraL. Villa is at least fifty
miles ahead of the most advanced
American column and in territory I'M
favorable for swift pursuit.
= On the revival Of rumors that the
expedition was to withdraw from
Mexico, officials and leading business
men Of Ell Paso held a conference to-
day to meet any situation that might
arise from the local Mexican colony
and the Juarez garrison regarding the
withdrawal as a defeat of the Amer
lean army. The possible action OF
1isgruntled American refugees was
also considered
The whereabouts Of General Ynez
SalaZar today was causing Juarez
officials some concern. Department
of justice agents who only Thursday
questioned Salazar regarding his anti
Carranza activities, were informed
that he had crossed the border into
Mexico with small escort of former
Huerta troops. Salazar was reported
to be acting as Chihuahua state head
Of the Felix Diaz faction.
Almost on His Heels.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, April TO-
Continuing their drive toward Parral,
American troops today were believed
to be almost on the heels of Pancho
Villa. The bandit chieftain's where
abouts were not definitely known, but