Omaha daily bee., 1916-03-27
PERSHING INTIMATES
HUNTING GDOWN VILLA
MAY TAKE MONTHS
Field Commander Of American Puni-
tive Forces Tells People of
United States Not to Ex-
peot Quick Job.
HARD TO SURROUND BANDIT
Late Report from Front Says Out
law Has Escaped from
Mexican Troops.
PURSUED BY FUNsTON's MEN

SAN ANTONIO. Tex. March 26.-
Francisco villa has escaped from the
Mexican troops that had checked
him near Namiquipa and three
columns of American cavalry are
pursuing him The American troops
are almost 950 miles south Of the
border. This information was con
tained In detailed report by Gen
eral Pershing that reached General
Funston here today.
COLUMBUS, N. NJ. March ga
speedy termination Of the American
expedition into Mexico Is not looked
for by General j. J. Pershing. COM
manding the forces in the field. ac-
cording TO advices received here to-
day.
Not Hush J0b,
II was assorted that, following staff
conference, General Pershing announced
that the people Of the United States
should not place too much confidence In
reports that Francisco villa. the factonaT
town several weeks ago. has been battled
IA, either by the American forces or by
Mexican troops. The nature OF the coun-
try in the vicinity OF Namiquipa where
villa is supposed 20 be- II was pointed
out. renders it difficult for any force 20
surround effectually a small band, in tho
mountain passes and trails offering a
means OF escape.
May Take Months.
While It was understood that General
Pershing does not attempt to predict the
length OF time American troops maybe
occupying Mexican territory. Il was in
timated that the period may extend into
months
other reports also received today from
unofficial sources indicated that with
(deletedD troops In the field. American
military authorities believed sufficient
number OF men OF all arms of the service
have been concentrated at la Ascension,
Casas Grandes. Colonia Dublan and other
American field points to meet the ext-
7 gepcies OF any emergency that. may arise.
Several thousand negro infantryanen aisd
two squadrons OF cavalry. who arrived
here from Forts ID. A. Russell. wyo.
lLeavenworth. Kan. and Sheridan. Chi
oago. H.. during the last few days. are
to remain on station here, II was as
serted.
| The cavalrymen will assist in the bor-
der patrol and the infantry will garrison
Columbus,
I Find villa.
Captain Richmond Smith. in command
at Boca Grandes. reported by wireless
that his men had found and buried the
body of Cook oNeill. who was murdered
! by Villas company on its way to attack
Columbus.
! O'Neill was one OF the three ranch
hands of the Palomas Land and Cattle
company, murdered at the same time.
Captain Smith gave no details in his re-
port as TO the discovery Of the body.
which was the second OF the three TO be
found That OF II. ]. Mckinney was
found several days ago horribly mutt
lated, and hanging from cottonwood
/ tree.
/ Reports received here today from
ranohmen that an American aeroplane
had fallen near Janos, injuring the avi-
ator and wrecSing the plane. were re-
futod by the report OF an investigation
. ny iAlcdlthhHl H. a bpThbue Oh Nhe aero
corps.
Reports received from the front indi-
Gated also that with moderating weather
today throughout Chihuahua American
troops are not suffering so greatly from
the cold for which they were not
equipped
Officers In Conference.
Efforts Of the New Mexico authorities
to cooperate with the regular troops In
the policing Of "A number Of towns In
the state was discussed at confer
ence between Major w. II. Sample. com
mandant Of the base here. and H. d.
Herring, adiutant general OF the New
Mexico National Guard.
Labor with Mexican employees In mines
has caused several towns to appeal for
protection. Among these are Deming
Hachita, Lordsburg, Silver city, Rincon
Santa Rita and MoTencl
General Herring said that he is max
ing a personal investigation OF condi.
tions in these town and that in the event
he finds that there Is any basis foI
fears, which have been expressed, the
state has available for duty a full regl.
ment OF militia and battery OF ar