New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-06-27
ARMY CLOSING
ON PERSHlNG
Carranza Troops Mas
sing in Positions Men
acing Americans.
tBy Telsgrsph 70 The Tribune ]

FL Paso, June 26.-Advices from
Mexican sources tonight tell Of con-
tinued concentration of Csrranza troops
in positions to menace the American
army. Stretched along the Mexican
Central and Mexico Northwestern rail-
roads at points where Mexican COM
manders think General Pershing would
be likely to attempt seizure Of the two
lines, large bodies OF Mexican troops
have been massed. The defiant an
nouncement has been given out that
the Americans will not be permitted to
move a mile from the Colonis Dublan
base, except toward the border.
Immediately after the evacuation OF
San Geronimo and Bachinsbs by Amer
icsn troops, General Jacinto Trevino
occupied these points and issued strict
orders that any attempts OF General
Pershing's men to return south must
be forcibly prevented.
Bloodless victories over the Ameri-
can forces are being claimed by Mexi-
can army officers in their reports to
the Mexican War Department, through
General Trevino.
Believe Pershing Is Retiring.
Because General Pershing, for strate-
gic reasons, has concentrated his forces
at Colonia Dublan, abandoning former
positions at Namiquipa, San Antonio
and Ell Vale, Mexican commanders as
sert the Americans are retiring for
fear of being attacked by Mexican
forces. The Mexicans have reoccupied
all the abandoned camps.
The Mexicans have been eSulting
over what they have been told is re-
treat of the entir, American force, and
they confidently expect Geheral Per-
shing's army to leave Mexico.
Meanwhile, General Pershing's force
is ready for action, II action is neces
sary. About 10000 men, IN splendid
fighting trim, compose his army. Re-
ports from the front indicate the high
est morale among the men.
Equipment has been put in the best
of condition. Horses and mules have
been tested until only the At and strong
remain. Big motor trains. loaded with
the necessary supplies for an advance,
are lined up.
Every empty truck which remained
at Columbus has been sent to the front
to aid in the speedy transportation OF
infantry.
With the lines Of the Americans and
Mexicans parellelling for at least one
hundred and fifty miles the rash action
of some subordinate commander, it Is
considered here, might at any time en-
broil the main command before the ex-
changes between Washington and Mex
leo City are considered.
Commanders RedoubIe Vigilance.
Fears that events might be thus hast
ened prompted border commanders TO
redouble their vigilance to-day. At all
points soldiers were ready TO spring
into action at a moments notice. Troop
dispositions were made with a view TO
meeting sudden and unexpected emer-
gencies.
Word was received at headquarters
at San Antonio to-day that a force of
fifteen hundred Mexican troops had ar
rived opposite Naco, Ariz., and were be-
ing held in trains at that point. II was
announced at headquarters tonight
that reinforcements had been sent to
the Nsco garrison. The point from
which these troops were sent was with
held.
To provide for handling wounded and
sick soldiers in Mexico and on the bor-
der extensive preparations were started
in FL Paso to-day by officers Of the
medical corps. All wounded and sick
soldiers in field hospitals in Mexico are
being brought TO Fort Bliss to relieve
General Pershing of the handicap Of
having 10 care for them II hostilities
open.
The Fort Bliss base hospital is being
doubled in capacity. Leases are being
taken on hospital buildings and houses
suitable for hospital purposes. Hos
pital corps preparations are under way
for extraordinary field service, and Red
Cross organizations are preparing for
field service. Provisions are TO be made
here, il is understood, TO care for two
thousand wounded at a time, and addi-
tional facilities will be available at CO.
lumbus.
Report Of Fight Unconfrmed.
A report was current at Columbus to-
day that another clash Of American and
Csrranza troops had occurred in the vi
cinity Of Villa Ahumads. Army officers
there have not confirmed IT.
Mexican officials in Ell Paso and
Juarez said they had heard nothing Of
fighting at Villa Ahumada or any other
point.
Reports that General Alfredo Ricaut
commander Of the Matamoros garrison,
had been replaced by General z. P.
Nafarrate were not credited to-day by
Mexican Consul Josa Cara, at Colum-
bus. Consul Cara pointed out that
General Nafarrate, as commander of the
State of Tamsulipss. had a more i'm
portant position than General Rieaut