South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1916-04-08
Original Order to Funston
Permits Abandonment of
Chase Without Capture
of Bandit Chief.
WHITE HOUSE DENIES
AMY CHANGE IN POLICY
PreS't Wilson Cuts Short
Weekend Cruise on May
flower to Return to
Washington.
InternationaI Jews Service

luteTudtlouNi sreWE rtEFlte.
WASHINGTON, April S.-A most
serious muodle in the Mexican stu
alton became evident today follow
ing the development that the orig
inaI orders sent to Cen. Funston
made it specifically plain that the
Pershing punitive expedition could
be withdrawn without accomplishing
what has been regarded as its chief
object. the capture or death Of
Francisco villa"
In the absence OF Sec'y Of War
Newton y. Baker. who was testify
ing before the house committee on
military affairs. Gen. Scott chief OF
staff. admitted that the original or
ders TO Gen. Funston were such that
the American forces could be with
drawn at any time. Almost immedi-
ately the white house denied that
there would be any change Of policy
and made the statement that the
reason for making public the orders
a. sent 10 Funston was 10 relieve
Gen. Carranza of the embarrassment
caused by claims by members of his
cabinet that ne was playing into
the hands Of the United States
Secretary Declines statement.
The president was out of town on
the MayGower and Sec'y Tumulty
refused 10 make any explanations
that would clear up the apparent
friction with the army chiefs.
II was learned. however, that Gen.
Funston has taken the position that
ne should have more men on the
border Immediately. The outlying
field columns OF cavalry now chas-
ing villa are in danger of being en-
velOped at any time and Funston
wants troops enough 10 extend his
communication guard. To do this
will require the calling out immedi-
ately OF some 1900 coast artillery
men 10 act as infantry or an order
10 the national guard TO mobilize as
border defense troops. two steps
which it was declared he admins
tration is loath TO take
Because of the increased serious
ness OF the Mexican situation and
the possibility that the German sub
marine crisis may he forced at any
time. Pres't Wilson. after talking by
wireless with the state department.
has cut short his week end" trip on
the Mayfiower and is rushing back
10 Washington. where he will ar
rive late this afternoon.
Try To Keep Order secret.
Despite efforts on the part OF
Stc'y Tumulty aud others in close
touch with the administration 90
prevent the making public of the
paragraphs III the original orders to
Sen. Funston which show that the
punitive expedition may be recalled
at any time. the official text was OBJ
tanned. IL Is as follows.
Washington. March 10.
TO the Commanding General OF
the Southern Department
Fort Sam Houston Texas.
You viii promptly organize an
adequate military force of troops
under command of Brig. Gen. John
j. Pershing and will direct II 90 pro-
coed promptly across the border i'm
pursuit OF the Mexican band which
attacked Columbus. y. NJ. ON the
night of the 9th.
These troops viii he Withdrawn
20 American territory as soon as the
lie factO government Of Mexico IA
a Die TO relieve them Of their work.
In any event the work OF these
troops will be regarded as finished as
soon as Villas band OF bands are
known TO be dispersed and broken
up. In carrying ont these instruc-
TONS YOU are authorized 90 employ
whatever guards are necessary. in
terpreters. and also 90 use such
transportation. including motor
trucks. as YOU need. You viii also
get the necessary civilian personnel
required. ~-F
you are instructed 10 make all
practical use of the aeropIanes now
az san Antonio fo. the purposes OF
observation.
Telegraph for whatever rein
forcements or materials YOU need.
Notify this Office as 10 the force Sc
lccted and expedite the movement.
(Signed) GEN. MCCAIN.
Adjutant General. -"