Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-03-13
MEXICAN TROOPS RUSH
TO AMERICAN BORDER
Continued from Page One

Continued from Page One
and his bands, but also from a united
Mexican party
Information has reached Fort Bliss that
Carrnnza soldiers are digging trenches
across the line. This is regarded an an
indication that the Carranzstas will OPP
pose American operations In Mexico,
It was reported that Carranza troops
were being gathered at Juarez, just across
the river From Columbus came the re-
port that 1000 Carranzlstas were gathered
near Las Palomas. short distance across
the border from Columbus.
The temper of the CarranZa followers
ut Las Palomas was doubtful. In the
ranks of the American troops there Is
the report that carranZa soldiers fired on
the Americans who gave villa chase after
the Columbus massacre.
The presence of the Carranza men at
Las Palomas and the persistent rumors
of CRrranza enmty took on fresh sig
nificance when 1t was learned that the
American troops we're being brought to
points between Columbus and FL Paso.
cARRANzA TROOPS DESERT.
Carranza soldiers in the Guerrero dis
trict are deserving and enlisting with
Villa. They feel sure that he will lead
them to victory. Before the Columbus af-
fair 1t was reported that Villa had to
force men into action. Today, with ths
American troops gathering. his forces are
said TO have doubled with eager volun-
teers.
All reports reaching here early today
indicated that one point OF concentration
for American troops is somewhere in the
vicinity OF Columbus II was to this
point that the 4th Field Artillery, when
departed from Fort Bliss last night with
considerable secrecy, was sent. With the
4th were entrained three companies OF the
Goth Infantry and machine gun squads.
Another report had Funston himself ready
20 go to Columbus to take direct charge
of the campaign.
Columbus Is near the head OF an old
wagon trail that leads most directly to
the Guerrero district for which villa will
head. From this point an advancing col
umn could connect with another column
advancing by rail from the vicinity of El
paso.
The Americans arriving in Juares from
the Chihuahua district declare that Car
ranEa officers openly insuted them
why do you worry about getting TO
JuaFsz." one OF them is quoted as saying.
I'VE will hang all you gringoes before you
reach the border anyway"
Others saw an important development
In the report that Herman Miller, the
British diplomatic representative In
Juarez, had been forbidden TO send coda
message to Captain Harry Scobell. the
British vice consul i'm Chihuahua.
Villa meanwhile was reported rapidly
approaching the vicinity OF Casas Grandes,
yowinE to wipe out the Mormons trapped
there. When he left Columbus, Villa
made his boast that he would massacre
the Mormon followers, whom he accused
OF supporting Carranza. He cut off their
desperate attempt to escape by tearing up
the Mexican Northwestern Railroad tracks
near coraliltos
villa Is going back to his home hills as
the hero Of the people Of that district. To
them he Is the man who dehed the Amer
lean army, who galloped right into the
midst OF an American camp. killed Amer.
leans and fought Off the soldiers sent TO
take him.
me roundup OF MsXlcans who might be
inimtcal 10 American interests Is going
on without cessation. Three more former
villa geneTals-Julies FabslA, Samuel
RodFiguez and Juan Rodriguez-haYe been
taken into custody here. At present more
than 50 Mexicans suspected OF being spies
are under arrest.
While the American troops are rapidly
concentrating at the points assigned them
by Major General Frederick Funston, Car
ranza troops are also active south OF the
Arizona. New Mexico and Texas border.
They appear 10 be keeping close 10 the
line, rather than proceeding southward In
pursuit Of the Villa forces. This leads 10
the belief here that the CaIranzlstas are
preparing Tor operations against American
forces rather than against villa
JUAREz A MILITARY CAMP.
Provost guards from Bliss and special
deputies patrol the streets and keep an
e4sf-Natrhful eye on the known Villa
aEents. In Juarez, too. there Il q mili-
iafy aspect Every other Mexican on the
street carries at least two cartridge belts.
CazFanxa soldiers. carrying rides, are
posted everywhere
n Jnares yesterday q good portion Of
the population was summing itself Ia the
streets. apparently Tegrettlng the Car
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