Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-04-09
Secretary Baker Has News OF
Hot Pursuit by Ameri-
cans.
DENIES THERE is BASIS
FOR WITHDRAWAL RUM0R
Saws Orders Given When the Expedi-
ton Crossed the Border Have
Never Been Changed.

Secretary Baker, in formally
denying yesterday that immedi-
ate withdrawal from Mexico OF
the American expeditionary force
was contemplated, indicated that
the War Department had infor-
nation that the United States
troopers were close upon Villas
trail, and that the expedition
might soon accomplish the pur-
pose for which it was sent across
the border.
"The object Of the expedition
was stated when it was under
taken," said Secretary Baker. ut
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 Prospect of Withdrawal.
Reports that preparations for with
drawal were under way were declared
by Mr. Baker to have absolutely no
basis of any kind All the War De-
partments plans for pursuing the
chase were going forward actively, he
nj
Yesterday for fifteen gasoline-carrying
motor trucks for Gen. Pershings cam
paign. The American forces were
pushing ahead" he said. but he had no
details of the operations.
Publication yesterday of the text OF
the original army order to cross the
border a month ago revealed that no
specific direction to capture or XIII
Villa was included. The order, made
public by Mai. Gen. Scott. chief of
staff, stated that the work of the Unit
ed States troops would be regarded
finished as soon as Villas band or
bands are known to be broken up. and
that the Americans would withdraw
..as soon as the de facto government of
Mexico is able to relieve them of this
work.
Saw Order Still Holds.
Secretary Baker and Gen. Scott said
the order was unchanged, that no new
or SUPPLEMENTAL order had been given
and that Gen. Funston had not yet re-
ported that the American expeditions
object had been attained. II was re-
called that on the day the troops
Secretary Baker said their OBJ
iect was to capture or disperse" the
bandits who raided Columbus.
Secretary Lansing also issued a
statement yesterday. saying he knew of
no intention to withdraw the troops.
He said also that no intimation had
come from the CarranZa government
that de facto government officials
Gen. Pershing had accom-
plished his mission and should return
to United States territory.
1t was stated officially yesterday that
Gen Funston's orders were broad
enough to include dealing personally
with Villa in case he should be en-
situation was indicated at the War and
State departments yesterday. With
private shippers getting supplies
on the Mexican railways. ulti-
troops. Secretary Lansing believes the
railway situation has ceased to be a
factor.
Carranza Limits Paper Issues.
Gen Carranza has decreed that in the
of MeXico's finances the
issue of paper money shall be limited
to 500 900 900 pesos. with an equivalent
will provide currency circulation of
about sl7 gold per capita. On the basis
of dispatches from Mexico City. the
Carranza embassy here yesterday is |
sued this statement:
Such limitation as this is made be- !
cause the constitutionalist government |
is convinced that the sum of 500, ,000. 900 |
pesos is ample to meet every commercial !
need of the country. and also in order |
that liabilities of the people of Mexico ,
may be clearly known and defined. The |
limitation also simplties the steps nee |
essary TO be taken IN providing and pro-
tectjne the metallic reserve of the de- |
partment of hacienda treasuryD.
The total amount of paper currency |
issued by the various authorizations of |
First Chief Carranza, in combination |
with the issue from time to time made |
by different military chiefs to meet the
of the campaigns. do not |
aggregate more than 700 1000 600 pesos
These issues will be reduced to 500, ,00O-
300 pesos, and all these old issues re-
tired by January I. 1917. The new non
bills will be put In cir
.ulation on or before May I. 1916. and |
thereafter the retirement of the old is
sues will proceed as rapidly as pos
sible."
Secretary Baker, who was at the War
Department until late hast night, SEEM
I'd even more optimistic after reading
The evenings dispatches from the bor-
Ter. He gave out none of the informa-
tion transmitted by Gen. Funston, but
Indicated strongly that his hope for |
an early capture of Villa had been in ]
creased by the dispatches.