Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-06-17
Troops Are to Continue
to Cross Mexican Border
Whenever Necessity Arises

SAN ANTONIO. Tex. June 17.-Gen
Funston and his staff gave careful at
tention today to the activities of out
law bands along the Mexican border,
but far greater interest was displayed
in the attitude being assumed by the
troops of the de facto government
Gen. Parker, at Brownsville, Tex,
made brief report of the latest mani
festation OF outlawry near San Benito,
and Gen. Mann reported the continua-
tion of the search for bandits that raid
ed the cavalry camp at San Ignacio, but
it was evident at department headquar-
ters that greater importance was at
tached to the actions of Carranza's
troops than to those Of the bandit
leaders.
Gen. Ricauts warning that the CROSSE
ing of the international boundary by
any American troops for any cause
would be regarded as an overt act, and
would be the cause for an attack by the
lie facto government troops, did not
disturb Gen Funston. The search for
bandits. 1T was declared, will continue.
and whenever a hot traiP' is found
leading into Mexico the Americans will
in charge of troops on the border have
authority to cross into Mexico without
waiting for instructions.
Has $4,000 Men Ready.
Gen. Funston's army of almost 10000
has been SO disposed along the Mexi-
can border that swift punitive action
could be taken IL invited by any overt
act of Carranza's army. Gen. Jacinto
Trevino's threat to attack Gen Per-
shing If the American troops move east
or west or south was regarded by army
officers here as little less than a decla-
ration of hostilities by the Mexicans.
No fear is felt. however. that Gen.
Pershing will not be able to take care
of himself.
Precautions taken by Gen. Bell at Ell
Paso last night in holding all the Amer
lean troops ready for action were SIM
point opposite which there was any con-
siderable number of Carranza troops.
The greatest activity was displayed
at Juarez. because of the marked
activity of the military authorities, the
arming of portion of the civilian
population and because Of the recent
reinforcement of the Mexican gar
rison.
The garrison at Eagle Pass was
strengthened by the arrival of the 18th
Infantry. Three companies of the
coast artillery. now on their way
south. will go directly to Laredo. II
the request OF Gen. Funston for more
mintaa-his Ini,hs request never has been
withdrawn-is granted. the state
troops will be divided along the border
stations. where their work will be to
garrison bandit-menaced towns. and
the moro. important border stations.
csntrated for service IN the event Of
more extended operations
Rangers Rushed to Scene.
LAREDO. Tex. June 17.-Texas
rangers. under command of Capt. ]. ].
Sanders. and several armed citizens
were hurried to Islitas. twenty five
miles up the Rio Grande from Laredo
on a report that Mexican bandits were
seen approaching the settlement.
Rangers in that vicinity advised the
few Americans to congregate at the
J. q. Morrow ranch house. from which
an appeal for aid was telephoned
Gen. Mann. commanding the Laredo
district of the border patrol. had heard
nothing regarding the raid and was in
clined 20 believe that II raid had
been contemplated It had not been car
ried out.
Philip C. Hanna. United States consul
general at Monterey and one Of the
two remaining American consuls in
Mexico. accompanied by half dozen
other Americans. arrived here today.
He was reticent as to the object OF his
visit.
Asked regarding conditions in Mexico
and the probable length of his stay,
Consul Hanna replied:
Everything is quiet down the line
I may remain two or three days"
II has been known for some time
that Consul Hanna was instructed by
the State Department that he could
leave hts post at any time at his own
discretion.
There is an undercurrent of unrest,
according to reliable reports here,
among the Mexican civilians and SOL
diers in the territory between Monterey
and Neuvo Laredo. II has become
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