Arizona republican., 1916-03-29
They are never alone that are ac companied with noble thoughts.
 Sir Philip Sidney.
A Task of Increasing Difficulties

The beginning of the end of the failure of the at tempt to capture Villa as a result of the punitive expedition that has been launched into Mexico is rather clearly indicated. We do not mean that Villa cannot be taken but that in order to take him the campaign will have to be changed and the scope of the undertaking will have to be greatly broadened. We uncertain whether government under stood difficulties that lay in the of such expedition when it ordered; or, whether it counted upon the hearty support of the faction that had been opposed Villa; whether it felt, after the Columbus massacre that something must be done pacate the outraged American people and that show of action demanded
 If the expedition could have been prompt; if the blow had been struck quickly Villa might have been overtaken; at any rate, considerable part of his command could have been captured destroyed. But after the lapse of week, to hunt for Villa aided by the Carranzistas to hunt for needle ill haystack with the added disadvantage of uncer- tanty to whether it in the haystack.
 latest reports regarding the location of Nliia placed him in the most nearly inaccessible regions in all Mexico remote from any transportation ne pen ctrated only by trails where horseman cannot go. Men enter at time only in small numbers and on all sides are opportunities for ambush. That locality the of two revolutions against the Diaz government. In one of these revolutions less than 100 men in rebellion and they poorly armed and equipped. Yet it cost the government nearly 2O00 soldiers lost in fighting in that hidden stronghold to put down the uprising. In the other rebellion overwhelming federal force of 17O0 almost annhilated in the place by hand full of rebels and the revolution thereupon gained such headway that it swept almost to the gates of Chihuahua. Guerrero and several towns of lesser importance occupied by the rebels.
 Without the aid of the Carranzistas it is plainly impossible prevent Villa from leaving this vast and secure hiding place in any direction he may be advancing. He can form junction with any escape south and join forces of Zapata.
 But the Carranzstas appear to be doing nothing to facilitate the pursuit of Villa. They are reported escape from Namquipa. The negotiations protocol which have been in progress for than week still lingering Even if cessfully concluded it will be hard what has really been accomplished. The American govern ment may be given the of the railroads for the transportation of men, equipment and supplies. but the railroads take them into very near to the mountain fastnesses
 Carranza, it is evident, has found that his troops cannot be depended upon to cooperate with the Americans It will be recalled that The Republican predicted that he would probably that diff ficulty, and doubtless the slowness with which he is moving toward any form of effective operation is to avoid an outbreak within his own ranks, In that not only would his hopes vanish but there would be nothing left for retirement or intervention.