Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-03-17
Expect That Several Days
Will EIapse Before Villa
and His Band Are Reached

The eyes of administration officials
centered today on the desert plains of
northern Mexico. where Brig. Gen. John
J. Pershin2 is leading American troops
in pursuit of Francisco Villa and his
band of outlaws.
The censorship surrounding the
movement of the expedition was
strict that up TO an early hour today
not single dispatch from the Ameri-
can columns had been made public by
the War Department since the an
nouncemelt of Wednesday night that
they had crossed the international
boundary line.
A long code message from Gen Fun
ston came to the department late
last night. but Secretary Baker de-
clared that it contained no news of i'm
portance, and would not make il public
Villa Far South of Forces.
Unofficial advices from the border
said that Villa and his men are far to
the south of the American forces Army
officials believe that ii probably viii
take several days for the American
pursuers, aided by the Carrsnza SOL
diers. to cross the desert and overtahs
the bandits. They do not expect :,
clash for several days.
Official advices from diplomatic lep-
resentatives in Mexico reported conan
tions as generally quiet. There Were
some signs of unrest in the Tampico
district. however.
The Mexican situation was discussed
very fully at todays cabinet meeting
and Secretary Baker read reports re
ceived from Gen FunstonA Cabinet
agreed that danger of serious
clashes with the Garranza troops prob
ably had passed.
Movement of Marine Forces.
Secretary Daniels told of the order
ing of 500 marines to Pensacola, Fla.
on the naval transport Hancock. but
later the President authorized the
statement that the movement had moth
ing to do with the Mexican situation.
Secretary wilson told of a marked
increase in Immigration from Mexico
since the recent. outbreak. Many Of
these MeXicans are destitute, he said.
Each case is being handled individually
on its merits by immigration authorities
at the border.
Three of the cabinet members. Secre-
taries Lansing. McAdoo and Lane were
The President told the other
members. however. of Bile reports
to him by Acting Secretary
Polk from consular agents in Mexico.
Very satisfactory assurances regard
ing the attitude Of the Carranza gov
toward the entrance of Ameri-
can troops into Mexico were conveyed
TO the State Department today by Con-
sui Slliman, who is with Gen. Carranza
He reported no trouble from the Car
rama forces was to be expected.
War Department Satisfied.
over night dispatches received by
Acting Secretary Polk of the State De-.
partment and Secretary Baker were
optimistic The text of none was made
public. out il was said by adminietra-
lion officials that the Mexican situation
seemed entirely satisfactory.
President Wilson received the reports
before the cabinet meeting. The admin
believes the danger of active
opposition by Carranza forces is grow
ng less.
Consul Silliman's dispatch from Cen
-arranza's headquarters reviewed the
-avora BILE sentiment there
The battleship Kentucky, al New or
cans, has been ordered TO Vera Cruz
~ Secretary Daniels. and will sail as
oon as provisioned and coaled. Ii WAS
explained at the Navy Department thai
he Kentucky. which recently went
rom Vera Cruz to New Orleans for the Z.
dardi Gras celebration. was returning
because there was no naval vessel now
IN the east coast of Mexico with wire
ess equipment sufficiently powerful to
maintain regular communication with
The intention had been
O send the vessel to Philadelphia from
lew Orleans