The Topeka state journal., 1916-04-04
VILLA, SURRENDER

Continued from Page One)
today that additional troops may be
required to protect the constantly
lengthening line of communication
The line already extends nearly 800
miles south of the border and must
be guarded against attack along its
entire length. If the line should be
cut, it is admitted in official circles
that the expeditionary force would be
placed in a dangerous position
Officers regard the troops engaged
in the chase of Villa as adequate, but
the line of communication is causing
them anxiety. They do not believe I
can safely be heightened without being
reinforced by more troops.
Ten Companies Available.
None of the regiments on border
duty can be released for the service,
but there are a few regiments left IN
l.other parts of the United States, one
of cavalry and two or three infantry
organizations which might be used
|, Consular reports received at mead
quarters late last night gave conflict
ing information regarding the where-
aboutS of Villa General PerSh1ng mas
not been heard from since the dlspatch
in which he told that the search 1of
Villa in the Guerrero district was be-
ing continued.
Fleeing in Coach.
N
men here are satisfied, despite ru-
mors to the contrary, that Francesca
Villa has not been captured by Col.
Geo. A. Dodds eavalrymen, VINO lor
almost a week have been threading
their way through the intricate noun
tain passes of the Guerrero district IN
relentless attempt to discover the
whereabouts of the bandit chieftain.
There is no doubt, it was asserted
that should American troops capture
tod
uncertainty in a Mexican coach
through the Bosque Sierra Tarahu-
mares, an aero scout would be sent
Immediately to field headquarters at
Colonia Dublan with dispatches con-
tanning the news.
Gated that every pass in the mountains
every canyon and every means OF es-
cape over the rocky slopes was Delng
guarded by the khaki clad cavalrynen'
assisted by a detachment OF mountain
infantry especially fitted for the work
as a result of observations of field
service of the Alpine troops OF the
European belligerents. 1t was said
the pursuit was progressing under
more favorable weather conditions, the
high winds which have for some days
swirled snow and rain in the faces OF
the trooper having abated and been
replaced by a warm April sun
Reported Near Parral.
Ell Paso, April 4.-Reports received
here today from Mexican sources sup
ported the story brought from the IN
terror yesterday by Mexican to the
effect that Villa with few of his most
trusted followers was far to the south
of Satevo and nearing Parral. One OF
the reports said the bandit had al
ready reached that town but it was
generally believed this was at least
premature. There is little question any
/ f70 c
heading for Torreon, in the neighbor-
hood of which city he will find Can
uto Reyes. one of his most trusted
lieuteSants. Reyes has successfully
! defied the Carranza forces for severa
months He has ravaged North Duran
go and is believed to have several
i hundred men in his command, with
many smaller guerrilla bodies operat-
| ing in conjunction with him. If Villa
can effect a junction with Reyes suf-
ficiently in advance OF his pursuers to
attempt a concentration of the bandits
it is said that he can muster 1000 men
at least.
Know Villas Plan.
Both Mexicans and Americans who
know Villa personally have little ques-
ton as to the action he is trying to
pursue. They say that the fugitive
bandit is not alarmed over any op-
position he may meet from his own
countrymen, but that he is devoting
all his energies to planning the dis
comfiture of the American forces,
whom he fears almost as much as he
hates. According to the observers
Villa is anxious to push as far south
as possible with the purpose of
stretching out the already thin line of
communications of the Americans to
the breaking point.
With the comparatively few men
under the command of Pershing a line
of communication 400 or 500 miles
long becomes serious problem.
While Mexican bullets have not
taken the life of single soldier in the
American expeditionary force and
only wounded four the Mexican eli
mate has been more inconsiderate.
Climate Kills Two.
In the neighborhood of $50 sick
American troopers have been brought
back from the front, suffering from
various ills due to the climatic condi-
tions. Eighteen arrived yesterday. TO
date two have died, Lieutenant Jos.
w. Allison, and Jesse P. Taylor, a
private, both of the Thirteenth cav
airy.