Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-03-12
HIS DRIVE INTO MEXICO
TO BE QUICK AND CERTAIN
Extensive Movements in Prog
ress Along Border Dur
ing Day.
NO NEED FOR VOLUNTEERS YET
CarranZa Asks Permission to Move
His Forces Through L. S.
Territory.

WASHINGTON. March 1l~Gen.ral
Funston. under orders from President
Wilson to hunt down Villas bandit
army in Northern Mexico. was moving
his troops at the border tonight be-
hind veil OF rigid secrecy.
War Department officials, who had
given tho border commander q FREQ
hand In working out details of the OK
petition. made It clear that they re-
garded II imperative to success that
all information which might aid Villa
I'm Guiding the American forces must
be guarded scrupulously.
It was apparent only that tho mill
tary plans contemplated n drive into
Mexico that should be both quick and
certain. The War Department Is WILL
Ing to take no chances by weakening
tho border patrol. and General Fup-e-
toms orders were not TO move until he
was fully prepared.
Secretary Baker and his chief sub
ordinates remained at the War Depart
ment until late tonight receiving dis
patches from General Funston and do.
Ing everything in their power to back
ZIP his plans. Many OF the dispatches
were forwarded by wireless to Prcsi-
dent Wilson on the Mayhower mt Old
Point. But whether troops had en-.
tered Mexico or just when they might
move across the border. the officials
would not say.
FUNSTON URGES SECRECY
IN MOVEMENT OF TROOPS
General Funston himself has urged
that all secrecy surround the movement
OF troops, 80 he may have an oppor-
tunity to surprise the bandit chicftain.
While extensive troop movements
were in progress along the border dur
ing the day. the State Department re-
ccived from General Carranza, head OF
the do facto government of Mexico, a
request for permission to send his
troops, should occasion arise, across
the border into tho United States in
pursuit OF bandits. The note imme-
diately was forwarded to President
Wilson. and tonight he sent word lie
would consider il until his return to
the capital on Monday morning, and
then would confer with Secretary LanS-
ing before making any decision.
There was every indication that Of
fcials viewed General Carranza's re-
quest in q favorable light. 1t was sug-
gested. however. that such 81 reciprocal
arrangement probably never would re-
suit in n single Carranzn soldier cntcr-
ing the United States. for officials feel
that with the tightening OF the border
patrol, the possibility that any fugitive
bandits will cross Is remote At the
same time. IL Is felt that acquiescencc
by the United States in the proposal OF
the de facto government would go far
toward gaining the sympathy OF public
opinion In those parts OF Mexico which
are under the control OF the recognized
government.
RELIEVES APPREHENSION
OF SOME OFFICIALS
General Carranza's note relieved the
apprehension OF some administration
officials who had considered that there
was possibility he might object "a
the presence OF American troopers OIL
Mexican soil The communication in
dtcnted that no objection would d"
raised under such n reciprocal arrange
ment as was suggested. A reply prob
ably will be- sent some time on Mon
day.
II generally is expected that tho
American forces. which probably Will
number in the neiGhborhood OF 7,5Oo
men. Will by that time bo we'll on the
trail OF the bandits who raided Colu,n-
bus. One OF the chief causes OF delay
has been the necessity or replacing
with infantry the cavalry troops whici,
heretofore have been performing bor-
der patrol duty. Movements OF troops
have been In progress ever since Cen
eral Funston received his orders t.
catch villa, but their exact nature may
not be known for several days
STANDS S0UARELY
BEHIND THE PHESIDENr
to-day indicated further that Congress
stands suuarely behind the Prcsidcut
in his detcrminati ton to run down the
Villa marauders. The Senate Foreign
Relations Committee met and unani-
mously Endorsed the Presidents action.
In the House. Representative Mott. of
New York, Republican member ot
the Foreign Affairs Committee. intro
duccd a joint resolution justifying tha
President "in the employment: OF armed
ting forth that tho United States dis
claims any hostility to tho MozicaH
people or any purpose TO make war OH
Mexico There was no general dis
cussion Of the subject on the floor Of
either house.
Secretary Baker said that what
ever endorsements General Funston
might require 10 maintain an adequate
patrol along the border in addition 10
the eSpcditionary force would ba
promptly furnished. lie added that
tho War Department. had been daluSed
with kilograms from individuals ard
organizations Offering services as voi-
unteers.
There was ~ present Secretary
Baker said no need ior summcniug