Omaha daily bee., 1916-03-18
mo CASUALTIES
AMONG AMERICANS
Funston Says There Have Been No
Clashes with villistas Nor Amy
Attempts at sniping.
ARMY WILL MARCH BY NIGHT


SAN ANTONIO, Tex, March H.
The American expeditionary force
has had no casualties and has had
no clashes with villistas to date. ac-
cording 10 reports received today at
Fort Sam Houston. There have been
no instances OF sniping reported.
Night marches probably will be made
by General John J. Pershing's expedi-
tionary forces IN their search for Fran
cisco villa. II was indicated today at
Fort Sam Houston.
Night marches would help TO mystify
villa ns 10 the movements OF the Amer
lean columns and would be easy OF se-
complishment. II IL said. becAUss there
ia sufficient light for the purpose. Also
they would keep the men and horses
fresher. Days could be used 20. recon
noitering.
Daylight marches make v impossible
20 hide troop movements Huge clouds
OF dust indicate the marchers' progress
and are visible at great distances.
BANDS Left at Home.
There will be no music for tie soldiers
OF either General Pershing's or Colonel
Dodd's commands to enjoy while on the
march or In camp. Not a single resi-
mental band has been taken with the ok
pedition. This r. because It was de-
sired not 20 handicap the expedition
with any useless appendsge. not beosuHe
the absence Of martial music was ex-
pected to aid in secrecy regarding troop
movements.
Word was received today that c. A.
Williams. American consul. who quit
| Torreon when trouble with villa broke
out. IL on his way here from Laredo
where he arrived yesterday. At the army
/ post nothing was known OF Williams
coming. II was said he had not been
asked 10 make any report to army Off
cials.
American Mines Close.
EoGAIsEs. Aria. March l7.-Reports
were received here today from apparently
authentic sources that numerous Ameri-
can mining properties in the Hermosillo-
Guaymas district OF Sonora are suspend
ing operations temporarily through fear
OF disaffection among the natives a. a
result OF the American pursuit OF villa.
The largest OF these was said 20 be the
Minas Prietas OF the creston Colorado
company, north OF ouaymas. which has
| emplOyeu ABOUT slsuVJ men.
A train from that district tomorrow
night is expected to bring number OF
the Americans TO the border. train
leaving here for the south today carried
a number OF Americans. none OF whom
Expressed any fear.
The towns on either side OF the border
here continued tranquil today. A train
load OF Carranza troops who had been en-
cemped a few miles south OF Nogales.
Sonora. left today ostensibly TO reinforce
the garrison at Cananea An ammuni-
tion car said 70 be carrying about 600 900
rounds was attached.
Boths the American military men and
the carrRnza authorities here are making
every attempt TO discourage sensational
and usually unfounded reports which have
Originated In this district.
Mormons Act as sceutR.
Brigadier General Pershing's dispatches
TO tho Southern department headquarters
confirm reports that Mormon colonists
from Colonia Dublan and Coionia Nor
raies are acting as scouts for the expedi-
tion.
Absolute secrecy IL maintained here al
to the distance the American troops have
penetrated into Mexican territory. Col
onel Dodd, commanding the Seventh and
Tenth cavalry. makes no reports direct
10 General Funston bat n In wireless
Communication with General Pershing
Varying reports have been received Al
Fort Sam Houston regarding the attitude
OF Mexicans toward the expedltlonary
force.
Colonel Robert l.. Buliard OF th,
Twenty-sixth infantry at Hariingen
Tex, however, reports there Is considera
bic excitement in the lower Rio Grand,