The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1916-04-26
TROOPS TO REMAIN
UNTIL BETTER Times
Washington is Determined
Not to Move Yet
TO PROTECT FRONTIER
AGAINST VllLISTAS

AGAINST VllISTAS
Understood That Carranza VIII BE In
yited to Cooperate More Freely in
Suppression of Banditry. Redispo-
sttion Of Forces Recommended by
Funston. VIII Shift Lines.
Washington, April 23.-Besides a
formal announcement today that
President Wilson has approved
plan for the redisposition Of the
American troops in Mexico there was
a plain intimaton tonight that the
Washington government had deter
mined to maintain a military status
quo beyond the border until the Mex
ican dc facto government had dem
onstratcd It's ability to capture or
crush Villa and his adhcrents and
prevent rcpctitions of the Columbus
raid
II the interim ii is understood the
American troops will be so placed as
to safeguard the border towns by vir-
tually policing the area south of the
line whore Gen. Carranza has been
heretofore unable to check bandit op-
erations.
Secretary Baker announced the ap-
proval Of the redisposition plan af-
ter consulting with the president to-
day over joint report submitted by
Maj. Gen. Funston and Maj. Gen.
Scott, chief Of staff, in conference on
the border. The plan was proposed
by Gen. Funston and concurred in by
Gen. Scott. The secretary announced
the administrations decision as fol-
lows:
Gen. Funston has recommended
redisposition Of the forces In Mex
leo for the purpose Of recuperation
and pending opportunities for further
cooperation with the forces of the de
facto government Of Mexico. The
recommendation has been approved
and It's execution left to his discre-
tion."
Later the secretary dictated the
following:
"Thc statement I have made indi-
Gates nothing whatever on the sub
ject Of when the American troops
will be withdrawn from Mexico. The
whole subject of withdrawal OF the
forces is under arrangement and ne
gotiation by the state department"
Mr.. Baker declined to say whether
Gen. Funstons recommendation in
cludcd his previous suggestions that
the border base be shifted from Co
lumbua, n. NJ, to Preside, Texas, or
some other point to the east Of Co
lumbus in order to shorten the line
Of communication. He stated posi-
lively, however, that no additional
regiments had been ordered to the
border and that no such order was in
contemplation. The secretary made
it clear also that military officials OF
the government were not considering
the question OF withdrawal from
Mexico, that the matter being solely
In the hands Of the state department.
1t was announced tonight that Gen.
Scott had completed his mission to
the border and would return to Wash
ington In few days.
The new military plan leaves the
pursuit Of Villa at standstill but
frees Gen. Funstons hands to make
the position Of the forces In Mexico
secure by grouping them in posts OF
such strength as to protect them from
attack by irresponsible elements Of
the defacto governments forces. 1t
also Will serve as plain warning to
Gen. CarranZa that he must bend
every effort toward getting complete
control Of the territory south Of the
most advanced American post If he
hopes to have the troops recalled.
During the rearrangement Of the
line, at least, there will be opportuni-
ty for the state department to make
counter proposals to Gen. Carranza
urging greater cooperation as
means to cause early withdrawal. The
halt will also give the men and
horses OF the American flying col
umns chance for much needed rest.
With the troops concentrated in
positions where they can control the
entire situation In the territory around