The Oskaloosa herald., 1916-03-16


eral Funston announced General Perish
ing had seized the telegraph station at
Columbus, N. M. Funston said: THE
seizure of the station was made neces-
sary because correspondents are send
ing out information about troop move
ments and concentrations, the number
OF field pieces being assembled. and
other facts regarding plans for the ex-
petition. The activity was proving
ruinouS to our efforts"
Troops Ready to Start. ~
Funston declares he will give out no
more news until after the forces cross
the line. He said: The start is so
close at hand that to keep telling about
the movement would have the effect of
keeping Villa informed"
1t is believed only matter of hours
until the troops enter Mexico.
Pershing's Plans Complete.
Columbus, N. NJ, March 15.-Gen
John j. Pershing, at the head of the
cavalry division which will start the
hunt for Francisco Villa, has completed
plans to cross the border today.
Troops in Mexico for Two Days?
Columbus, N. NJ, March 15.-Despite
the veil of censorship imposed on this
town by the American military authori-
ties, news of feverish activity all along
the international boundary trickled
through. The actual invasion of Mex
leo by 10000 troops is expected here
almost any minute. 1T is a question
Of mere hours" is the word that came
from Funston headquarters in San An
tonic.
Columbus was excited over two bits
Of news and discussion at times even
oyershadowed the larger fact of the
imminence OF the start after Villa. 8
Troops Reported in Mexico.
First, the rumor would not be
downed tina; $500 picked American
cavalry, with light equipment for a
two weeks campaign. have been on
Villas trail for at least two days. The
military censorship prevents confrma-
ton Of this report by a tally of the
American cavalry troops. Then Colum-
bus almost lost its breath when word
was flashed from Mexico that Carranza
had asked for two weeks time in
which to get" Villa himself
News Withheld to "save U. S. Lives"
No information of military value to
Pancho Villa or any other enemy will
escape from Columbus if military au-
thorities can prevent it, and that they
can prevent it has already been amply
demonstrated. A high staff officer in
discussing with correspondents the re-
strictions on news said:
This is a matter of saving lives,
the commanders of this expedition are
determined that no life shall be lost
uselessly, and for that reason-we must
take every precaution against informa
ton Of military value reaching the
bandits"
That a flying column of 1900 Ameri.
can troopers, under the lightest pos
sible equipment, supplied with two
weeks rations and plenty of water,
crossed the border early Tuesday. is
persistently asserted by men in close
touch with army circles.
The column is said to have crossed
the international boundary, headed
west and south of Columbus, with the
intention OF throwing a line of United
States soldiers between Villa and the
Sierra Madre mountains. long Villa
stronghold. It is believed here this
purpose has already been accom-
plished.
Plains Dotted With Tents.
This little town is a city of tents,
cavalry. artillery and infantry camps.
The plains are dotted in all directions
with canvas. Troop and supply trains
are rolling in hourly from east and
west
General Gavira, the Carranza COM
mandante at Juarez, asked General
Pershing to delay the movement of
American troops for two weeks and
give Carranzistas additional time to
capture Villa.
Pershing is reported to have replied
that he could not delay, as the troops
had been ordered across the border.
General Gutierrez, at Juarez, said he
could get Villa in ten days. He says
columns commanded by Gems. Rafael
Malonado, Jose Cavasos, BENJAMIN
n