The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1916-03-11
Gen. Funston Is Command
ing Forces and Must Take
Villa and Bandits.
INTEND TO CLEAN UP
NORTHERN MEXICO
Intervention or Permanent
Occupation Depends on
Carranza's Attitude.
By ASSOCIATED PRESS.

BY ASSOCIATED PhhOS.
Washington, March 10.-American
troops were ordered across the border
today by President Wilson to take
Villa and his bandits, dead or alive,
under the direction, or perhaps the
actual leadership, Of Major General
Funston. The American columns are
expected to be moving into Mexico
by tomorrow night They will go to
meet three thousand bandits from
whom Carranza troops are said to
have fled.
President Wilson announced today
that the expedition would be regarded
as purely punitive, to clear Northern
Mexico of bandits whom CarranZa
cannot control. Whether it viii take
the form of general intervention or
occupation depends upon the attitude
taken by Carranza. No word regard
ing the proposal of sending American
troops came through from Carranza
today. His representatives, however,
intimated they believed he would not
object.
Announcement Of the administra-
TONS policy came soon after the cab
met meeting It is said Wilson is
as determined to eliminate Villa as
he was Huerta.
Administration leaders in congress
have agreed not to embarrass Wilson
with a discussion that might cause
trouble.
While the greatest secrecy Is main
tanned about the army plans, it was
known tonight that the general STATS
war COMMITTEES plans for the first ex-
petition have beer completed and IN
the hands Of Secretary Baker for pre-
se1tation at the White House. For
mer Secretary Garrison, familiar
with the Mexican border situation
helped Baker late today.
The general plan will be to dis
tribute infantry as a border guard, re-
leasing the cavalry and artillery fol-
the actual incursicn. About twelve
thousand troops Of all arms are now
on the border between FL Paso anC
Douglas, Arizona.
No prospect of using the nationa
guard exists tonight. No naval or,
ders were issued.
Wilson seriously considered COINS
before congress today to explain hi
action In sending troops into Mexico
but decided against the step for fea'
of creating the impression that a gen
eral invasion was planned. He vii
not address congress on the subiec
unless further important steps de
velop.
PRESIDENT ON CRUISE.
The president left tonight for
cruise on the Mayflower until Mon
day, but will keep In close touch witt
officialdom. After a conference lat
tonight, Secretary Baker stated tina
order for sending troops was, in
sense, intervention. 1t Is understood
that plans for complete sweep o
Northern Mexico, requiring perhap
more than ten thousand troops, wa
made by the war department, but no
revealed. The cavalry. at Chattanooga
Fort Leavenworth and San Francisc
were ordered held in readiness.
AGITATION IN CONGRESS
While the president and the cabine
were deciding 70 send the troops owe
the border, the agitation had broke
out afresh in congress.
Senator McCumber and Senate
Fall, both Republicans, introduce
resolutions proposing armed action !
different ways.
Both were referred to the foreig
relations committee, while Chairma
Stone counselled his colleagues to Il
the executive department handle til
situation.
While the senate was talking, an
some desultory speeches were bein
made in the house, the president acte
and the leaders, notified quickly /
telephone from the White Hous
passed the word around. It spres
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