The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-04-14
WAR, TROOPS REMAIN


eating Carranza troop movement in
northern Mexico in that part of the.
country through which the line Of
comm unication extends and officers in
charge of attachments distributed
along the line from Columbus to CasaS
Grandes had taken steps to guard
against attacks.
Any extensive movement OF troops
along the line, the seizure of railroads
or the dispatch of additional men into
Mexico will depend upon the exact
wording of Secretary Bakers instruc-
lions and upon character of General
Pershing's expected report. No i'm
portant change will be made until
General Pershing has communicated
with headquarters.
Villa Spies in Camp.
With the American Army in Mex
leo, by Wireless to Columbus, N. M,
April 14.-Villistas are keeping
sharp watch on the United States
forces pursuing their wounded leader.
This was suggested by the report that
Manuel Bacca, Villa lieutenant, was
seen in Namiquipa, near which town
General Pershing's field headquarters
are now located. If true then Bacca
was not killed at San Geronimo in the
fight of March 20 as reported.
Detachments from headquarters are
securing the hills around Namiquipa
for Villista Colonel Cervantes and a
band of 100 followers reported to
have been cut off from the main band
south of the American advance. The
hiding place of Pablo Lopez, wounded
Villista leader reported left behind
with friendly MeXicans, is also being
sought.
Large villa Band Near Parral.
Ell Paso, April 14.-United States
troops around Parral are facing a
critical situation, according to reports
received here today.
A supposedly Villista band defeated
by American troops at Troya last Mon
day, retreated toward Parral, an Off
cial Mexican report stated. The VIC
torious United States army pursued
but found sentiment against them at
high pitch in Parral. The fight
between the Mexican mob and the
American detachment followed on
Wednesday.
Reports were also received of Viii
listas or independent bandits between
the American advance and the San
Antonio (Mexico) base of the Ameri-
can expedition. One force of 200
bandits attacked a cattle train only
three miles from Parral.
This force may have been among
the Mexicans who fought the Ameri-
can troops in the streets of Parral.
Bandits Defeat De Factos.
Another bandit force in that vicin-
ity defeated the Carranzista garrison
at Pillar De Cochas, driving them back
on EdrIdl. Inc IdClO troops dI l)el
Vale also were beaten by the guer-
rillas.
If the Carranza garrison in Parral
| Joined these Villistas or independent
| bandits against the Ami -ican forces.
the situation would become critical,
| it was admitted here.
The question whether the Carran-
vista troops took part in the fighting
against the American soldiers in Par
raj was regarded as the most signifi-
cant phase to be cleared up by await
ed official advices from General
Pershing. The Mexican account, post
ed in Juarez today stated that civilians
attacked the United States troops who
entered Parral by mistake. No men
ton was made of any deaths or injury
to Mexicans, the Carranza officials
evidently seeking to prevent i'll feel
| ing among the Juarez soldiers.
Juarez Anti-American.
| The Juarez garrison is considered
/ strongly anti-American.
When Consul Garcia was reminded
of his recent claim that the inhabi-
tants of Parral had been disarmed
weeks ago, he replied that the civilians
! hid out" guns and ammunition.
i 1T was the citizens, not the soldiers,
who opposed the entry of the Ameri-
/ can troops into Parral and who fired