Pine Bluff daily graphic. (Pine Bluff, Ark.) 1893-1942, 1916-03-16

San Antonio, Texas, March b.
General PERISH ng and his immediate
command crossed the border into
Mexico opposite Columbus, n. M, at
o'clock this afternoon, according to
an official announcement made by
Maj-Gen. Funston, commanding the
Southern department.
About the same time, Col. George A.
Dodd,' temporarily in command Of the
Second cavalry brigade, crossed the
border from Culbertson's ranch. Is
miles west of Columbus.
General Pershing's column was &C
companied by Carranza troops. The
American troops were met at Palo-
mas, Chihuahua, about four m les
from the border by, General Bertain
md a detachment of 500 .Carranzista
cavalry The allied column then
turned in a. southerly direction.
General Funston stated that mas
much as it is known that Villa -
many miles distant to the south, it
is probable it will be several days be-
fore VITAL developments will be re-
ported.
Brig-Gen. Pershing, riding at the
head of the Thirteenth cavalry, lei
the expedition from Columbus. along
the cattle trail which crosses the
theoretical border line, at a poiat
known as 1.-THE Cap" The Mexican
town on the opposite side is Paromas.
Censor at Work.
Censorship still IN force prohibits
the announcement of the strength Of
the expedition, except to say it is an.
proximately 1000 mounted men.
With pack trains and munitioa
trains attendant. this number is In
creased several hundred.
| The advance guard was followed by
the aeroplane corps. The flying ma
chimes were loaded On 40 MOTOR
trucks. Next came a motor truck
train W tn light artillery and ammunl-
ton, followed by the hospital corps.
we'll across the border, halt was
made to permit the supply trucks to
catch up.
A reserve supply II water for
troops is being carried in a special
train of tank cars. Orders have been
issued that no water shall be used
either by men or by the animals, I'M
til it has been analysed for poison.
Funston Notifies washington.
washington, March 15.-Secretary
of War Baker made official announce
ment tonight that the American ex-
petition into Mexico had crossed the
border.
At 10 O'Clock. the secretary, after a
conference with President Wilson
gave out the following statement:
1.-THE department received tonight, IN
code, message from General Funs-
ton, which announces that American
troops crossed the border into Mexico
today, but does not give the hour Of
the crossing. l am very happy te
say that the dispatch showed that the
military representatives of the d,
facto government of Mexico not on.y
interposed no obstacle, but appear tt
be cooperating"
The last part Of the statement wa;
interpreted in official quarters to in
G'cate that both the president an.
Secretary Of War Baker were uncer
tain to the last minute of reception
The Carranza forces would give to tn,
American troops.
)! Will Comb Country.
! From other sources it was learne.
; that the American troops intended {,
comb the entire territory south >
Columbus in their search for Will,
and his band.
The best information obtainable il
Washington is that the American
forces consist Of $500 men. and ths
they are advancing in three columns
40 miles apart The columns vii
4 proceed directly south for three o
four days and then come togethes
J probably in the nsighborhood D
(c0ntinued on page ID