The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-04-15
PERSHING WORD
Continued from Page one.)

have been located by American air
scouts, according to reports received
by General Funston today. Dispatches
forwarded through Columbus, de-
clared the Mexicans are in the force
of General Gomez. They have not
moved for several days, dispatches
said, though at last reports they were
said to be marching toward the Amer
lean line of communication. General
Gomez continues to supply the forces
with provisions.
Hear OF Second Parral Fight.
Washington, April 15.-State de-
partment dispatches from Ell Faso to-
day refer to unconfirmed reports of a
second fight with American troops at
Parral.
General Funston's message was
taken to indicate that silence of Gem
eral Pershing probably was due to in
ability to get information rather than
to interruption of communication.
General Funston has been in COM
munication with other authorities in
close touch with the advance expedi-
ton, but had asked General Pershing
to report oftener, If possible, to keep
the war department advised. Secre-
tary Baker said he still was waiting for
report on the conferences between
General Pershing and Generals Her
rera and Gutierrez.
Supply Line in Danger
Columbus, n. M, April 15.-Gravest
concern for the safety of the American
line of communication was manifested
in military quarters today. Every
preparation has been made at the
base here to keep the line intact
Motor trucks lined up and filled with
rations stood in front of military head
quarters awaitings orders to go for
ward and the telegraph station here
was ordered to keep open all night
zee
headquarters for the unusual activity
but unofficial reports gave assurance
that 1t was based upon reports made
by Captain U. S. Grant in command
of a small detachment of Americans
guarding the line at Ascencion. go
miles south of the border.
Lieutenants H. A. Dargue and E. s.
Gorrell of the army areo corps
planned to leave today for a 400 mile
flight to General Pershing's camp
carrying dispatches telling of condi-
tons in northern Chihuahua.
The greatest activity since the Unit
ed States troops crossed the border
was evident at the base camp here
throughout the night, while entrench-
ments were reported in the course of
| construction along the communication
| line in Mexico.
Increase of Truck Trains.
Fffty-four new motor trucks were
put into commission today This was
taken as an indication that the troops
| VIII not be withdrawn Immediately a.
least
The engineer corps has been divert
ed from the road to build defensive
works at Baca Grande, Ascencion,
Asplra and Dublan. The base camp
at Dublan has been prepared to re-
slst any attack. Double semi-circular
trenches have been built on three sides
with the river affording protection on
the fourth side.
Machine guns and light artillery
nave been placed in position there.
Sink Rifle Pits on Border.
Rifle holes have been made in the
sides of adobe houses and rifle pits for
the outposts in the advance trenches
Barbwire entanglements have been
put up in a few places.
Motor truck trains arriving from
! the communication line report anxiety
among the attachments since Car
rama requested the expeditions with
drawal and reinforcements were asked
for. Word of their request was
flashed along the line. Funston at
San Antonio keeps in constant touch
with the situation through the field
telegraph. Commanders have been or
dered to use their own Judgment l.. a
crisis affecting the safety of their -
tachments.
Even motor truck trains have been
ordered to travel close together All
stop in case one machine is disabled
Aviators Dargue and Gorrel plan an
other scouting flight today to keep
moves east of Pulpito Pass.