The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-07-12
MAJ.-GEN. BLISS r TO INVESTIGATE BORDER REPORTS
Criticism of Militiamen's Treatment Leads to Estab-
 lishment of Probe.
TROOPS WELL CARED
 FOR, SAY OFFICIALS
Information on Transports tion To Be Reported in
 Congress.

WaSn1ngton. July 1Z-W1th Congress clamoring for information as to the treatment received by the National Guard, and press despatches coming in from various sources relating the trials to which the men are being sub jected en route, and of the lack of sufficient equipment. Major Gen. Tasker H. Bliss, Assistant Chief of Staff of the army, was sent yesterday to the border to make thorough in- spection of all conditions.
 Meanwhile. the House adopted two resolutions directing the Secretary of War to give information regarding the National Guard en route to Mexico, and on the status of it's members in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. The resolutions were reported fayorably from the Military Affairs Committee by Chairman Hay and adopted quick lyt &a r
 Conditions Not Hidden.
 At the War Department it was stated that no attempt had been made to hide any hitch in the mobilization and transportation of the men, but that despite. persistent inquiries, the Division of Militia Affairs had been unable to confirm any of the rumors of mistreatment.
 The first resolution seeks informa- ton on CD whether troops of the National Guard mustered into service of the United States lacked sufficient sleeping space; t2) if they travelled in cars without lights; (3) whether they were delayed en route; g(4 whether the troops subsisted accord ing to army regulations or had to pro- cure their food from civilians (5) whether the cars were inspected with l a view to protecting their health, and 1 (6) whether the troops were equipped 1 for actual service.
 The second resolution asked CD how many officers were in the Ma l tional Guard of Arizona New Mexico and Texas when they were ordered | into service; (2) how many failed to present themselves and refused to respond: (3) how many were re- ! cruited to take the places of officers An amendment by Representative Gardner to ascertain the net loss or gain of members of the National Guard during the 10 days prior to the Presidents order to arms was adopted. < Received Best Treatment 1 Officials of the War Department declared that Congress would be in- l formed immediately of the fullest re- l ports the department has received rel l ative to the information sought in the resolutions. If these are taken at their face value, there can be no question in Congress. it was stated. that the troops had received not only the best treatment, but better by far than that which any European gov ernment would afford it's troops. | When Gen! Bliss returns from his trip, what information he may gather, it was said. immediately will be placed at the disposal of Congress. r The War Department sent re quest to Congress today for an ap- proprfation of $2,061 900, to be used in preparing Sthe National Guard for service on the Mexican border, and $690,0 ,00o for additional equipment provided in Legislation enacted in the iAdministration's preparedness meas ures.
 The items connected with prepar- ation of the Guard are: Armament of Qualifications, alterations and main tenance of mobile artillery, $861.000; mountain, field and siege artillery practice, $1 200 900; Rock Island Ar senal, Rock Island, Ill, S$307,500; Frankford Arsenal, Philadelphia, $23,- 400; sodium nitrate storage plant l $36O,000.
 F Officials of the State and War de- parements. today denied that any in- l formation had reached them which confirms the border reports that a l large body of Carrapza troops had rebelled in Chihuahua and joined the Villista bandits. Steps have been taken to ascertain the basis of the rumors.l The Mexican Embassy also denied the reports.
 l No despatches have reached the State Department during the last few days which indicate that starvation is rampant in Chihuahua, as indicated l by other border rumors. 1 It is no secret that State Depart ment officials believe that Gen. Fran cisco V1lla, the bandit leader is alive. Some War Department officials think he is dead. An effort is now being made to ascertain whether the bandit chief is alive and leading large body of outlaw troops.
 There is no doubt in the minds of officials that a considerable force of
 
 direction of thes Texas Big Bend coun- try. This fact has been officially com municated' to the State Department by Eliseo Arredondo. the Mexican Am bassador Designate.
 While the War Department will not make public the exact strength of the force of American troops in the Big Bend district, it was said that an am pie mixed force" is guarding the bor- der there. This is taken to mea-A in- fantry. cavalry and artillery troops of the regular army, supplemented by National Guard troops. f1-
 No Delay In Negotiations. The Carranza government has been advised that the absence of Secretary Lansing need not delay the negitia- tions for a settlement of existing diff ferences.
 Both the Navy Department and tht
 State department today denied the
 published report that two sailors o
 the United States scout cruiser Saleu
 were shot by Carranza soldiers a
 Tampico. At the State Department i
 was announced that launch carryfn,
 refugees from the shore to the trans
 port Dixie was fired on, but that no
 body was hit and the launch was no struck. The American naval com
 mander demanded an explanation which was promptly made by Gen Navarette, and the incident wa closed.
 Il High officials today paid thei last tribute to Capt Charles T. Rovd