Evening journal., 1916-04-28
BRAVERY OF AMERICAN TROOPS.


fT is the consensus OF opinion in Washington and
elsewhere that the American soldiers in Mexico
have made remarkable showing Of bravery and eff
cheney and that great credit is due both officers and
men for the small number of casualties which have
attended the punitive expedition. That feeling is also
shared here in Delaware.
Authentic accounts OF the affairs at Parral reflect
great credit on Major Frank Tompkins, who was in
command Of the little American force which was am
pushed there through the treachery of the Carran-
zistas.
II appears that tho day before Major rompkins
took the precauton send word TO Governor Herrara
OF that state, announcing his approach, asking adj
vice as TO camping ground and for permission for
the soldiers 10 make purchases in the city
The Governor sent messenger Major Tompkns
saying camp would be selected and prepared for the
Americans and that they would be welcomed at the
Governors house the following morning while an
American merchant with whom they could trade was
named.
The following morning Major Tomphns entered the
Town and marched to the Governors residence AS
he was leaving, Cauanzsta soldiers and citizens be-
gan 60 abuse and throw stones the command Major
Tompkins with great skill led his from the town
but they reached the outskirts the Caranzsta
dlers fred and two Americans fell dead. A few min
utcs later Carranzistas fired several voloys from
earthworks outside the city. II was when these vol
loys were returned that many Moxicans fell II was
necessary TO clear the oarthwOrks before the attack
ceased
An examination Of tho camping ground selected by
the Governor showed that would have put the entire
command at the mercy of the Carranzstas and the
military authorities believe that only to the refusal of
Major Tompkns to accept the site designated was a
complete massacre OF the command averted.
From all quarters arc coming reports highly crcd-
table to the bravery and discipline OF the American
soldiers. who have refianed from reprsas when
confronted with the utmost provocation.
While both the War Department and the state De
partment retcent regarding future movements of
the Mexican expedition the indications point to a
gradual withdrawal of the force, Irrespective OF whcth-
cr villa is or is captured The apprehension OF
that bandit is hardly expected while it is evident
either that the Carranza officers cannot control their
and prevent them from attacking the Americans
or that the Caranzistas, while seeking to create that
impression perfectly willing their should fire
ON the troops of the United States.
In either event it is regarded as decidedly unsafe TO
pursue the expedition further without large reinforce
mons, and the Americans arc about to undertake what
appears to be a gradual retreat conducted and
timed as TO protect American dignity and honor.
Meanwhile negotiations. pursuant to Carranzas
demand for the immediate withdrawal OF the forces.
being carried and it is predicted will result in
an agreement that within reasonable time all Amori-
troops will be Withdrawn
II is believed that if such withdrawal is gradual It
will make the failure Of the expedition less obvious
and will avert considerable political criticism which
inevitably would follow order for a prompt re-
treat The first movement Of troops toward the hor-
der be desc rbed "a redisposion Of the forces
in Mexico"