Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-06-20
MORE THAN 100000
GUARDSMEN CALLED
CONTINUED From Page ~

contemplated President Wilson only
wants stronger forces to defend the
border against bandit raids and to be
prepared should Carranza troops carry
out their threats to strike at American
forces engaged in chasing bandits
south Of the border.
With about 100000 militiamen under
mobilization and about $4,000 troops
already at the border, the United
States reply to Gen. Carranza's last
note demanding withdrawal of Ameri-
can troops Is ready to go forward. 1t
announces a refusal to withdraw until
Mexico curbs it's own bandits and 1t IL
emphatic. assss
Mobilize With 4 Zest.
Unofficial reports received here to-
day indicated that national guardsmen
are mobilizing with zest. In each
state and the District of Columbia they
are preparing to meet In single con.
centration camp, where they will drill
pending further orders from the war
department. Most units will have to
recruit up to the minimum standards
required by the government.
Infantry. cavalry, signal and sani-
tary troops are included In the call.
Only coast guard militia il not being
modified. Texas, New Mexico and
Arizona guardsmen are already at tho
border under call issued several weeks
ago. ..
Gen. Funston, commanding the Dor
der forces, will determine when the
militia organizations shall be dispatch
ed from their home states and to what
points along the border.
While these troops were getting
ready today, war department ofacials
| were awaiting anxiously news Of
whether Maj. Apdersons squadron Of
cavalry was attacked by Carranza SOL
diers during successful bandit chase
south OF the Rio Grande Saturday.
Get Quick Responses.
| Responses from governors of the
states to President Wilson's call on
the national guard for service along
the Mexican border reached the war
department today in rapid succession.
BY the time Secretary Baker was at
his desk seventeen states had been
heard from, announcing that mobiliza-
ton was in progress.
The messages were substantially
identical and followed this general
| form:
Telegram received and mobilization
| in progress as directed
None contained any estimate OF the
| time required to get the troops under
arms. @ @ q"
viii Hold Men. =
Secretary Baker reiterated the
statement that none of the guardsmen
affected by the new order would be
sent to the border until Gen. Funston
decided where and when he wanted
them. The men will be held at state
mobilization points until mustered In
to the federal service.
If the entire force Is not immediate
ly desired for border service, the
units sent south probably will be
granted furlough until such time as
they may be required to relieve the
| regiments sent Immediately or to re-
inforce the border line in the event
of open hostilities with Carranza
troops. H..
1t is certain. however, that the en-.
tire force. the minimum strength of
which will be upwards Of 100000 men,
will be held under arms for two weeks
or a month while the processes of
muster into the federal service and of
equipment are being worked out.
The first seventeen states heard
from today we're: B
Oregon, Georgia, Maine, Indiana,
Montana. Colorado, Idaho, Illinois,
North Dakota, Ohio, Virginia, Wash
ington. Mississippi, Vermont, Tennes.
see, Missouri and New York.
chairmen Summoned.
,Chairmen Chamberlain and Hay of
the senate and house military com.
mittees were summoned to the white
house for, a conference early in the
day. .....,
II have felt all along that we would
be forced to intervene" said Senator
Chamberlain when the call came. "The
Mexican people-so largely ignorant
have q notion that they can whip us
and it will be necessary for us to 80
in and clean up the situation"
A resolution making Immediately
effective tho militia draft provision
Of the new army organization bill
under which guardsmen consenting to
take the federal oath would be avail
able for service anywhere Immediate
ly has been prepared by war depart.
ment officials and Chairman Hay Of
the house military committee. It may
be presented to congress today.