The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-08-15
Might Need Them at Home to
Protect Trains.
TAKE GEN. FUNSTON'S ADVICE
Cancellation of Order Followed
Message From Him.
Food Supplies at Border Towns
Only For Few Days.

washington, aug. 1b.-OrderS Tor
the remaining modified units of the
national guard to proceed to the bor-
der have been suspended by the war
department. No official explanation
has been made. but it is known that
the delicacy of the railroad strike sit
uation has been the moving consider
alton.
The suspension of the orders to the
troops which would have moved some
$4,000 men to the border, should not
be taken as an indication that the
presidents negotiations with the rail-
road brotherhoods and the railroad
managers have taken an unfavorabIe
turn but is measure OF caution. 1t
was considered highly undesirable
That all the remaining guardsmen
should be moved to the border while
there was a possibility Of a railroad
strike in which they might be called
upon to preserve order thruout some
or the states. There is even the pos
sfbility that some Of the troops, in the
to guard or operate mail trains and
trains supplying the troops already on
the border.
May Go to Border Later.
The suspension of the orders pre-
vents the immediate movement of
troops from Kentucky, Ohio and YER
mont and the movement of all ether
mohilized units which were to nave
gone forward as soon as they were
equipped. Some OF the Kentucky,
emo ana Vermont troops were about
ready to go to the border. 1t is clear
tnGt the suspension is not a revocation
OF the orders and that if the strike sit
ustion clears up the troops will be
moved to the border line. The official
explanation of the change at the war
department is that difficulties of
transportation and equipment sudden
ly developed have made a delay nee
essary. 1t is known, however, that the
railway situation is the real cause.
Funston Wires War Department.
San Antonio, Aug. 5.-Suspension
OF the movement of $4,000 additional
guardsmen to the border was an
| nounced at Fort Sam Houston here
today, 1t being explained that this ac-
ton was the result of a recommen-
datlon sent to the war department
Yesterday by Maj. Gen. Frederick
Funston. General Funston suggested
| that the Ohio, Vermont, Kentucky and
other guardSmen be kept in their state
camps until the trouble between the
railway brotherhoods and the railway
mas passed. He pointed out that IN
event of strike, a food shortage
might ensue at the border and that it
would be best, therefore, to keep the
1000 men at their present stations.
The generals announcement devel-
oped the fact that estimates give the
| civilian population of the border states
flour for only one week ahead The
army has but little more. With rail-
way transportation interrupted the
situation might soon become acute
Many border points, most important of
all FL Paso, where most of the $4,000
men were destined to go, have only
their meat supply from contiguous
territory. They obtain from far dis
tant points flour and canned goods. 1t
was understood here that none but the
South Carolina guardsmen had gotten
under way.
No Food But Cattle.
A telegram from Major General
Funston made public by the war de-
partment disclosed that the general
| recommended the suspension of the
orders His telegram follows.
I'm view of possibility of a general
railroad strike. I desire to call atten-
ton of the war department to difficult
ties that will follow in maintaining
food supplies not only of troops in this
department but of the civilian popula-
| ton as we'll. These border states pro-
| duce but little foodstuff except cattle.
| I'm view of foregoing, I recon-
mend that the national guard organ
| izations which are about to start for
| border stations be retained in their
mo Utilization camps until such time as
| the question of a general strike shall
have bean dafarn1fned