The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-16

50 t
 The one important fact, that the Amer
 icans had gone into Mexico again, was
 an event witnessed by hundreds of spec
 tators, who crowded into Columbus. They
 saw the troops move off toward the imag-
 inary boundary line until, when the men
 crossed they were tiny, but distinct brown lines in the distance in the clear western air. As the troops passed farther into the low gravel hills. clouds of white dust hid the men and their further movements as effectually as the censorship. Behind the troops who moved forward, new reGi- ments rapidly filled the vacated camps in Columbus. The Eleventh cavalry ot Fort Oglethorpe, Ga, was one of the new arrivals.
 NEW REGIMENTS TO FOLLOW The new. regiments expected to follow but their officers would not say how soon nor from what points. The disposition of the first aeroplane squadron, which passed west through here last night loaded on fiat cars, was one of the most interesting of the military secrets, being
 
 arm of the service,
 Unofficial reports came into Fl Paso that about 50 miles west of Columbus near Hachita, N. M.. another column had gathered and probably had entered Mexico. Nothing more definite than the fact of this columns existence was es- tablished, despite reports that these troops miQht have gone in first
 San Antonio, Tex, March 15.-Brig. Gen. John J. Pershing. with more than 400C troops, today began the pursuit in Mex fec of Francisco Villa. whose raid across the border last week caused President Wilson and his cabinet to decide to use the United States army to run him down. General Pershing's repor. that he and his command had crossed the interna- tional boundary line just south of Colum- bus, N M.. reached Maj. Gen. Frederick Funston. in charge here of general oper- ations. late today. Reports of progress In the country where the search has been begun will be made by General Pershing to General Funston. but 1t is not antici- pated that these will be frequent or deal with any but the more important develop lnents.
 DEVELOPMENTS NOT
 EXPECTED BEFORE FRIDAY How far into Mexico the column had reached tonight was not known here. nor did General Funston appear greatly con cerned. General Pershing's course for the next two days Is known at headquarters and not until after Friday are sharp de |velopments expected. Col. George J. Dodd. heading smaller column that en- tered Mexico some distance west of Co., lumbus, also is moving in southerly ,di- rection and these two forces should be within touch of each other before the end of the week. By that time 1t Is expected an infantry support will hold the lines of communication along which motor trucks for the transportation of ammunition and supplies will be operated.
 CENSORSHIP RELAXED
 BUT PLANS KEPT SECRET Although the censorship Imposed by General Funston wal relaxed tonight details of the plan of campaign, the exact number of men engaged and their actual locations,
 Genera, Pershings report of his en- trance into Mexico served to dispel to . great extent fears that had been enter tained in some quarters that resistance would be offered by troops of the de facto government Colonel Bertani the com manding officer of the Carranza garrison at Palomas. on tho south side of the di- vidine line. promptly joined General Persins. His, force was only some \oo men. but they were reported to have dis played willingness and even eagerness to join in the chase AS body the Mexican troops will remain under their own com n~pder. hut a number of them are being employed as scouts by General Pershing. &Csatisssa .. 1ass Siasl