Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1916-04-09
Secretary of War Baker De-
MES Report That PefShing'S S
Forces Are to Be Recalled
Across Boundary Line,
PURSUIT OF BANDITS
MAKING PROGRESS
Lansing Declares Again That
No Intimation Has Come
From Carranza That Expe-
dition Should Back Track,

Lar nosnlNe youRNAL spseIAL LEAsEo wlatl ]

fsy MORNING JOURNAL SPECIAL LEAsEo wiesl
washington. April S.--Secretary
BAKER. informally denying today that
immediate withdrawal from Mexico
of the American expeditionary force
was contemplated indicated that the
war department had information that
the United states troopers were close
upon Villas trail and that the expe-
djtion might soon accomplish the pur-
pose for which it was sent across the
border.
The object of the expedition was
stated when it was undertaken said
Secretary Baker. ''It has never been
changed. No other orders have been
given, and the expedition is busily
pursuing it now with what | hope is
fair chance of early success
No Basis for Report.
Reports that preparations for with
drawal were under way were deciar-
ed by Mr.. Baker ia have absolutely
no basis Of any kind
All the war departments plans for
pursuing the chnse were goins for
ward actively, he declared, an order
being placed only today for fifteen
gasoline-carryin motor trucks for
General Pershing's campaign. The
American forces were pushing
ahead" he said, but gave no details
of the operations.
TO Break Up Bands.
Publication today of the text OF the
original army order to cross the bor-
der a month ago revealed that no
specific direction to capture or Kill
Villa was included. The order made
public by Major General Scott, chief
of staff. stated that the work of the
United States troops would "be re-
garded finished as soon as Vlila $
band or lands are known to be brok-
en up and that the Americans would
withdraw 'as soon as the de facto
government of Mexico is able to re-
lieve them OF this work"
II was recalled that on the day the
troops crossed the border Secretary
Baker said their object was to cap
lure or dispersc" the bandits who
raided Columbus.
No Request From CaiTarza.
Secretary Lansing also issued
statement today saying he knew of no
intention to withdraw the troops lie
also said no intina ton had come from
the Carranza government that de fac
TO government officials thought Cen
eral Pershing had accomplished his
mission and should return to United
States territory.
1t was stated officially today mat
General Funston's orders were broad
enough to include dealing personally
with Villa in case he should be en-
countered.
satisfaction with the transportation
system was indicated at the war and
state departments today. With pri-
yate shippers getting supplies, ulti-
mately available TO the American
troops, through on the Mexican rail-
ways, Secretary Lansing believes The
railway situation has ceased TO be a
factor.
Secretary Baker. who was at the
war department until late tonight.
seemed even more optimistic after
reading the evenings dispatches from
the border He gave out none of the
information transmitted by General
Funston, but indicated strongly that
his hope for an early capture Of Villa
mad been increased by the dispatches.