New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-03-13
w ar Department Con-
vinced 1t Will Fol-
low Invasion.
CARRANZA MEN
MAY JOIN VILLA
Troops Pursuing Bandit
Would Join Him TO Fight
Americans, Is Belief.
From Ths Tr'hun. Bureau

Washington. March l.. Practically
convinced that the campaign TO get
Villa" will develop into thorough going
partment IS making its plans with the
greatest caution. Though it was be
lieved at first that a small detachment
could be dispatched in pursuit Of Villa
within twenty-four hours. three days
have elapsed without single American
soldier crossing the line, and il IS now
declared that the troops that lead the
expedition will not be fewer than 5000.
Army officers declare that it would
be folly to send a small force in view
Of the certainty that Villas army Of
5000 will be greatly augmented and the
probability that Csrranzs troops now
pursuing him will desert 10 his side as
soon az the Americans appear. This
argument has prevailed in high army
councils.
Secrecy regarding General Funston's
plans for moving against Villa and his
bandits has been so rigidly enforced at
the War Department that even high
officials OF the government are in doubt
as 10 whether American troops actually
have crossed the Mexican border.
Prepare for Border Troubles.
Secretary Baker announced late to-
night that the 23d Infantry, now at
Galveston, Tex, had been ordered TO
FL Paso. because of fear Of Mexican
attacks felt IN many towns along the
border. The regiment, about l,OOO
strong, will be stationed at points
designated by General Funston.
Orders calculated TO complete IN de-
tail every arrangement necessary for
the movement Of the American forces
into Mexico have been issued by ON
GERS Of the General staff and heads OF
the various bureaus of the department
Nothing has been omitted in the pro-
gramme recommended by General Fun
ston.
Major General Tasker II. Bliss, chief
of the Mobile Army Division, in
formed Secretary Baker late to-day
that machinery had been perfected to
meet any contingency that might arise
incident to the Mexican campaign, and
could be set in motion at a word. Sim
liar reports came from the adJ Jutspt
general. the inspector general, the
quartermaster general. the surgeon
general. the chief Of ordnance and the
other divisional officials.
Neai' every officer. official and clerk
at the War Department has been busy
since the Presidents announcement
Friday that the army would be sent
into Mexico to punish Villa and his
bandits. Every move By the depart
ment to execute the Presi idents order
has been cloaked in secrecy, IN accord
ance with General Funston's sugges-
ton. Sunday was a day Of activity to-
dav for the first time since the mob
ilization Of the army on the Mexican
border two years ago. Secretary Baker
postponed his visit to his family at
Cleveland and spent the day comforting
with officials Of the General staff re-
gardirg the various phases Of the sit
uation. Direct telegraphic communi-
cation between the department and the
border was established.
Officials reiterated expressions OF
confidence that the forces already along
the border would be sufficient TO carry
out the campaign. II was said that no
additional orders for troops 10 proceed
10 the border would be issued, at least
for the present. The three cavalry
regiments ordered south will consti-
tutc the only movement OF troops from
the interior posts unless the present
arrangements we're altered. Should
General Funston ask TOR additional
Continued on page ?. column