West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1916-03-30


WASHINGTON, March 2S.-Diplo-
matte and domestic aspects Of the
Mexican problem over-shadowed it's
military side here tonight, official re-
ports from Gen. Funston disclosing
no change in the situation on the bor-
der or in Mexico. Congress rushed
through an emergency appropriation
OF SS,611,502 to pay for the pursuit of
the bandits. and the State department
prepared to press Gen. Carranza for
permission to use Mexican railways
to solve the troop supply problems.
Fears expressed in press reports
from the border that failure to obtain
use Of the railroads might seriously
hamper the pursuit of villa, were not
reflected at either the State or War
departments. Senator Gallinger, Re-
publican leader In the Senate, pre-
sented to Secretary Baker a telegram
from Senator Fall at FL Paso, dealing
with the border question. II declared
shipments OF gasoline intended for the
American forces in Mexico were being
held up by Carranza officials.
| THE departments dispatches OF last
night and today, while meagre, and
dealing with technical matters, indi-
cate continued and growing good will
toward our expedition In Mexico"
Secretary Baker said later in a state
ment. Its object seems to be thor
oughly understood by the people of
Mexico. We have no dispatches indi-
eating any cause for apprehension"
The communication to General Car
rama will be made by Special Repre-
sentative Rogers at Queretaro, to
whom instructions went forward to-
night. State department officials said
tonight 1t seemed necessary to impress
upon the de facto government the
need of using the railroads south be-
fore the conclusion OF the protocol.
There was no question that the expe-
dition in pursuit of villa would press
on, 1t was said, and sufficient supplies
could be furnished the troops by mo-
tor truck trains, although general use
Of the lines would greatly simplify
matters
News dispatches from the border to-
night indicating the American troops
already were using the railway lines
in some sections, were read with sur
prise at the War department, officials
declaring there had been no official
advices to that effect. It was thought
that IL the American commanders had
used the lines in some cases on their
own initiative, 1t probably was done In
cooperation with the local Carranza
authorities. officials do not think any
extensive use Of railroads has been
made.
Secretary Baker was emphatic to-
day in saying no objection TO the use
Of motor truck trains 20 supply the
troops had been raised by Mexican Of
fcials. With the 100000 emergency
/ appropriation available, the depart
ment will be able TO carry out its plan
for establishing a complete independ-
ent supply system for the troops at
the front, regardless Of what may be
the result OF diplomatic negotiations
| over the railroads
The aerOpiane sitution also will be
relieved IN the near future now that
the War department has funds to call
upon. The machines purchased will
be Of sufficient size and power to carry
two persons and a supply Of fuel 10
last four hours.
Another matter under discussion
which may be put through at once is
that Of building a chain Of three high
power radio stations along the border
TO provide for continuous communica-
ton. night and day.
With the high power stations Il
would be possible signal officers say.
10 reach the field sets on the troops
/ far south in Mexico at any time. The
/ low power field equipment would not
De able, however, 20 reach the border
stations under favorable conditions.
Omcial reports from consuls ln Mex
leo again today dwelt on the lack Of
popular excitement there over the en-
try Of American troops Consul
Letcher AZ Chihuahua City sent the
following:
Governor Enriquez published yes
terday March 26J address 70 Cblhua-
hua citizens recounting circumstances
o. Columbus incident and American
expedition consequent thereupon and
calling upon their patriotism % re-
main calm and give Mexican govern
ment fullest support IN present crisis.
This address, IN my opinion, will have