The Tucumcari news and Tucumcari times. [volume] (Tucumcari, N.M.) 1907-1921, 1916-03-16
U. s. TROOPS CROSS
MEXICAN BORDER


border last night and are pushing
southwark in pursuit Of Villa. The
American army will work in conjunc-
ton with Carranza troops coming up
from the south. II is expected to cap
ture the bandit and his followers in
short time.
General Gabriel Gavira, command
ant at Juarez, said today he had re-
ceived information that American
troops had not yet crossed the border
and that they were awaiting permits
sion from General Carranza before
doing so. Gavari said he believed
Carranza's reply would bc favorable.
Says u. S. Commando Made Inquiry
Gen. Gavira, after stating that the
American troops had not entered Mex
leo, said.
my commander at Palomas, Gen.
Bertani, informed me that the Ameri-
can commander at Columbus asked
him what the attitude of our first
chief would be toward American troops
passing upon Mexican soil. am now
awaiting reply. But feel sure that
my instructions will be favorable to a
friendly cooperation Of the American
and Mexican troops against Villa"
Consul Andres Garcia, today, before
whom this statement was made, said
he agreed with Gavari's opinion.
JuareZ is Calm and Quiet
Rumors of the advance of the puni-
tive force did not disturb the usual
calm of Juarez today. The garrison
soldiers appeared entirely friendly to
visiting Americans, as was the native
population.
Gutierrez Directs Campaign
Even the departure of Gen. Luis Gu
tierrez, commander in the state of Chi
huahua, in special train for the
south, occasioned nothing beyond a
mild interest. The generals train con-
sisted of two passenger coaches and
three box cars, filled within and on
top with his armed escort. He will
personally direct operations against
Villa.
No Hostility Against Americans
Speaking Of the rumors Of popular
resentment against Americans in Mex
leo, consul Garcia said:
"The excitement, so far as arm able
TO learn. is entirely on the American
side of the border. haven't heard
of a single authentic case of Carran-
cista soldiers threatening the persons
Of Americans. Perhaps few indivi-
dual soldiers have called the Ameri-
cans names, as has been charged, but
I myself have often been called names
on the American side. Our forces are
well under discipline and there is no
likelihood Of any outrage against
Americans of any sort"
All Friendly-Gavira
Gavira added:
II know that there has been none Of
the reported resentment among my
men. We are all friendly disposed to
the United States and her citizens"
Washington, u. C.. March l5.--The
senate today approved unanimously
the joint resolution adopted by the
house late Tuesday to bring the mobile
army to its full strength, which would
add about 10000 men to the present
establishment.
The joint resolution which will re
suit in increasing the present stand.
ing army TO about 10000 men. was
adopted by the house without dis
sentng vote and without debate.
Senate action on the resolution was
the first business brought up today
The resolution went first to the senate
military affairs committee. Senator
Chamberlain reported the committee
unanimously agreed TO favorably re-
port the resolution and that he would
rise in the senate and ask that the
resolution be given unanimous approx
al by the body as a whole.
Having been approved by both the
senate and congress, the resolution
now goes to the president for his
signature. II is considered certain
the president will Immediately sign
it, and be ready for business.
The present strength of the army
ia about $1,000 men. The additional
troops are desired to fill the places of
men who may be withdrawn from
their present locations for service in
Mexico.
Secretary Baker explained that il
was proposed TO increase all regiments
Of the mobile army to full strength.
which would bring the total of the
regular army up TO approximately
10000 men, including the quarter
masters corps, medical corps and the
other military troops. The strength
Of the mobile army would be raised
from $4,000 to $4,000 which would be
the number available for border duty.
Less than 10000 are now on duty on
the Mexican border.