Meade County news. [volume] (Meade, Kan.) 1900-1918, 1916-03-23
MEXICAN SHIPPERS
HARRASS TROOPS
Several American Soldiers are
Reported Victims of the
Guerrilla Tactics:
NO NEWS FROM GEN. PERSAING
Washington Completely in Dark Re-
garding Movements of Army
South of Mexican Border.

Soutn OF mexican Border.
Columbus, N. NJ, March 17.-While
most of the reports reaching here I'M
officially today from the Mexican Dor
der indicated that the American troops
in Mexico were unmolested in their
advance, there were also reports that
a few snipers had been encountered.
There was nothing to show which of
the American columns might have en-
countered snipers.
According to these reports six or
seven soldiers of the American expe-
dition had been hit by snipers.
Troop trains came in here during
the night and Columbus awoke today
to find the camp had grown consider
ably in population since last evening.
~ new lot of cavalry horses was not
iced. Great piles of supplies in boxes
and stacks of baled hay had sprung
up near the railway station. Quarter
master wagons left constantly over the
road to the south during the day.
In sage brush plain off to the side
of the camp a number of aeroplanes
were tried out. None of the aviators
has yet joined the advance column, so
far as could be ascertained here.
The strict military censorship of all
news on troop movement out of Co
lumbus has not yet been relaxed.
Led by Mormon Scouts.
El Paso, Tex, March 1.-THE Sew
enth and Tenth cavalry, said to be adj
vancing in Mexico by forced marches
from Culberson's ranch, near Hachita
N. M, were nearing the Villa territory
in the Casas Grandes region tonight
according to the most reliable informa'
ton which could be obtained here.
These troops are reported to be
marching with the minimum of equip
ment and to be led by Mormon scouts
from the Mormon colonies at Colonia
Dublan and Colonia Morales. From
their point of departure the distance
is eighty-five miles to Casas Grandes
If Villa intends to offer any organized
resistance to his pursuers, it is con
sidered possible that United State!
soldiers may come in contact with hi!
outlying posts very soon.
Villas Intentions Mystery.
What the intentions of Villa are re
mains a profound mystery today. An
dres Garcia, the Carranza consul here
asserted today that from information
in his possession, he was satisfied
that Villa had disbanded most of hi
men and intended to take refuge il
the heart of the Sierra Madfes will
only three or four trusted companions
Thousands of men are not wanted
to pursue Villa" said Consul Garcia
HE has no intention Of fighting any
one, but will take refuge in the noun
tains, which he knows so well. He will
be captured, believe, when price il
put on his head
Washington in the Dark.
Washington, March 17.-An impen
etrable wall Of secrecy surrounded, to
night the movements of American
troops beyond the Mexican border. Sc
far as official Washington was advised
the columns virtually might have van
ished into thin air when they crossed
the international boundary in pursuit.
of Villa. Even the commandment
chief President Wilson, did not know
where General Pershings men were.
ConsuIs Give Little Aid.
American consuls in Mexico so fan
have been able 10 give little aid to the
troops, although all are on watch fol
information that might indicate the
bandits movements. Consular ad
vices today continued to report gener
ally quiet conditions. Officials dis
played some concern over the situa
ton in the Tampico district, however
where there are signs of unrest. The
battleship Kentucky was ordered bacl
to Vera Cruz from New Orleans.
Troops Cross 2order.
San Antonio, Tex, March 16.-Gen
John ]. Pershing with more than foul
thousand troops began the pursuit ir
Mexico today of Francisco Villa, whose
raid across the border last weel
caused President Wilson and his cab
met to decide to use the United States
army to run him down.
General Pershing's report that he
and his command had crossed the in
ternational boundary line just south
Of Columbus, reached Gen. Frederick
Funston, in charge here of genera
operations late today. Reports o.
progress in the country where The
search has been begun will be made
by General Pershing to General Fun
ston, but it is not anticipated tina
these will be frequent or deal with any
but the more important developments
T,,rL nraaL N0ffh Dne4.,daI