The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-03-21
RUSH SUPPLIES
BY TRUCK TRAINS
Gen. Scott Orders More Autos
for Mexican Expedition.
Use of Railroad Still Is Denied
by Carranza.
FIRST CHIEFS PROPOSAL
Use of u. 5. Lines TO Be De-
manded for His Troops.
Chase Must Be Speeded Up to
Insure Success.
FIRST CHEFS proposal

washington. March 21.-CarranZa
DELAY in granting the request OF the
American government Tor use ol " -
lean railway facilities has forced the
war department to take immediate
steers to increase facilities for rushing
supplies to the expeditionary FORCES by
motor truck trains.
After a conference with Acting sec
Rotary Polk, General Scott placed d
large order for motor trucks to length
en- the motor train forming the only
present line of communication lot
General Pershing's army.
This action was taken after Eliseo
Arredondo, Carranza's ambassador
formed Mr. Polk that Carranza
wished to discuss" the railway re-
quest before making reply:
Carranza is said to desire recip-
rocal arrangement by which ne VIII
be given permission to use American
military operations in return for ms
permission to the United states TO
send supplies to the eXpeditonary
forces over the Mexican Northwestern
railroad.
Carranza's Motive.
It is not the understanding of Off
cials that Carranza is trying to drive
/ ! baraain' but rather that he is seek
4 ing a means of permitting the United
"A states government to use the Mexican
railway and at the same time appeas-
ing Mexican public opinion by show
. ing that il is part of Il reciprocal ar
rangement 1t was on this basis that
i Carranza acquiesced in the plan of
sending American troops into Mexico
to ca pture Villa.
Acting Secretary Polk said that at
his conference with Mr. Arredondo
they discussed not only the request for
the use of the Mexican railroad but
the entire expeditionary movement.
He intimated that a written agree
ment might be reached between the
4 United States and Carranza that would
cover every phase of the Mexican
campaign and would provide a means
n for greater cooperation between the
Funston and Carranza forces.
There was keen disappointment at
4 the state and war departments when
f it became known that Carranza is
Withholding his consent for use of the
railroad. Inability of the war depart
ment to rush supplies to the expedi-
tionary forces by rail is seriously ham,
pering the campaign against Villa
This fact was communicated to Mr..
Arrendondo.
Speed Is Essential.
Not only is the advance of the
American forces retarded by lack of
supplies at a time when speed is the
most essential factor but the necessity
of providing an ample guard for the
Extended line of communication
weakens the pursuing army
The state department realizes that
Carranza is placed in an embarrassing
position as the necessity of sending
armed guards with the supply trains
might give Mexicans an impression
that the railroad had been taken over
Moreover, the sending of large ship
ments of supplies to Casas Grandes
might make it appear that the United
States was establishing a permanent
base there.
Officials. made it plain that the
United States forces will not wait long
flor Carranza's cooperation. but will
PROCEED along the lines first decided
on when General Funston was given
orders to send United States troops
to capture Villa.