Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1916-04-19

dispositions have the departments
entire approval"
Await Advices
Decision of the Washington govern
ment upon the question as to whether
the American forces hunting Villa
shall be recalled or reinforced for
further operations, to-day awaited the
receipt of further reports from Amer
lean officers in Mexico. General
lengthy report of the situation and
additional advices from him are
momentarily expected. Meanwhile,
indications are that the chase for Villa
is at a standstill
May BE Withdrawn
The general belief here is that the
German situation would have some
bearing upon the impending decision.
Should break in diplomatic relations
occur, it was pointed out that the
troops now in Mexico would be needed
at home as military prudence would
require that steps be taken to prepare
for eventualities in Europe.
1t was suggested that inasmuch as
the main purpose of the expedition,
the protection of the border, has been
accomplished, an agreement for the
withdrawal might be reached with
General Carranza on the basis that if
Villa or his bandits again head north
ward American troops would again
cross the international line.
Wants to Shift
1t Is known that General Funston
has been urging the department that
he be permitted to shift his head
quarters and the border base in order
to shorten his line of communications
The department apparently has
hesitated to authorize any radical
change in the status of the expedition,
s,, L, F,s, sf Cd. -
CarranZa that the troops be recalled
believing it might be intendent to in
crease anti-American feelings.
Until the German situation is
clearly understood it is impossible to
forecast the administrations decision
as to Pershing's expedition. Military
observers appear to agree that some
radical move must be made soon
either to back up the troops i'm Mex
leo or to withdraw them, as in their
present condition officers feel they
are unable to press the pursuit of
Villa properly and their presence only
serves to irritate the Mexico people.
1t is believed that General Funston's S
decision yesterday to place nearly g.
forces at General Pershing's disposal
aroused the department to determine
upon the course to pursue with as
little delay as possible.
General Scott is acquainted with
Villa and with many Carranza off,
cials and with his knowledge of the
border and the confidential informa-
tion General Funston is able to supply
he will be able to advise Secretary
Baker.
Concentrating Forces
Confirmation of reports that the
American eXpeditionary force was be-
ing concentrated at three points in
Mexico preparatory either for the
withdrawal of the troops or the or
ganization of a new and more extern
sive campaign was received here to-
day from Mexican sources.
1t was said that General Pershing
had withdrawn all outlying detach-
ments south of Namiquipa and that in
the neighborhood of 5000 men were
camped at San Antonio, twelve miles
west of Cusihuiriachic, and that a
force estimated at almost double this
number was being concentrated. near
Namiquipa.
The belief that the American troops
are about to leave Mexico is wide
spread among the BneaiMcXsSma |
and has completely changed the atti-
tude of the people, who, after the