Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1916-03-28
Official Denial Of Alarming Re-
ports and Confidence Of
General Funston Remove
Excuse for HaSty Steps,
ADMINISTRATION NOW
IS LEFT UNHAMPERED
Secretary Baker Issues State
ment Telling of Conditions
With Which American Sol
dierS Are Confronted,

senate republicans to take any ACTON
at a conference today on the Mexican
situation left the administration un-
hampered in dealing with the prob
lem.
The conference was called to con-
slider steps to force the dispatch Of ad-
ditional troops To the border for pa
troll duty. In the face of official adj
vices denying alarming reports, how
ever, and of General Funston's ap-
parent confidence that he has enough
men for any present emergency, the
republicans adjourned with some Of
their leaders agreeing that there was
nothing to do but support the admin
istration's plans at this time.
Official advices confirmed press
dispatches telling of the physical diff
ficulties encountred by General Fun
ston in keeping 200 miles supply
line in operation without the use Of
railroads. While there is no short
age of food or other supplies for the
troops at the front, cavalry mounts
already are short on rations.
Steps to meet the situation have
been taken by Secretary Baker, as
there is no indication of an early
agreement on the proposed protocol
providing for the use of Mexican lines
by American troops. Mr. Baker is
sued this statement late today.
Statement by Baker.
"All information the department
has from the border shows conditions
to be quiet and the excitement of the
last few days somewhat allayed We
have no dispatches indicating actual
conflict between American soldiers
and foreign forces of any kind in
Mexico.
THE expedition is, of course, mov-
ing forward and SO lenthening the
line of communication. For that rea-
son General Funston has requested,
and the department has purchased
two automobile truck equipments
comprising fifty cars in all In ad-
ditiOn To that General Funston tells
us that additional aeroplanes will be
of service, both In reconnaissance work
and in carrying messages from the
advance column to the base at Colum-
bus. OF the aeroplanes already there
two have been destroyed Others have
need of replacing parts, but two Of
them are in actual continuous serV-
ice. The department is now negotiat-
ing for the purchase of additional
aeropanes, but neither the number
nor type has been yet determined
Wireless communication Is report
ed to be intermittent, because Of the
static condition in the electric field
there For this reason additional inn
portance is given to the request for
large aeroplanc facilities"
The secretary said the destruction
Of two army aeroplanes had not been
explained as yet to the department
-Four Of the remaining six machines
on the border were under repair,
leaving only two Of the original eight
in actual service. The army has
plenty Of skilled aviators to operate
the machines that will be purchased,
Mr.. Baker added. He said that While
the Aero club has volunteered the
services of its men and machines the
law forbade their acceptance.
Protocol Delayed.
The negotiation of a protocol COW
ering use of the Mexican railways and
other matters beyond the border, en-
countered a delay today with the re-
ceipt of General CarranZa's sugges-
ton as to notifications and additions
to the plan worked out by Counsellor
Polk of the state department ana
Elseo Arredondo, AMBASSADOR desig-
nate Mr. Arrodondo handed the COM
munication to Secretary Lansing. who
refused to comment. There are indi-
cations, however, that the suggestions
will require considerable study and
possibly further interchanges with
General Carranza.
General Carranza desires to delay
replying to the request for the use Of
IA
protocol has been agreed to, but the
state department Will press for
prompt disposition Of the request as
separate issue. II is realized that a
week or more may pass before the
terms of the protocol can be put In
final shape. and the necessity for hav-
ing the railroads open to use by Gen
eral Pershing is immediate
The army in Mexico cannot wait
for the slow processes of diplomacy.
For this reason General Funston viii
be supplied promptly with enough
motor transportation 10 establish and
maintain a fully equipped supply sys-
tenn. Additional trucks will be order
ed as rapidly as use can be made Of
them. Advance supply depots will be
placed at intervals along the com
munications lines. each being fed by
the depot at its rear. AS fast as food,
horse folIer or ammunition Is drawn
for use at the most advanced depot
II will be sent from the border line to
maintain constant level
Excitement Has Subsidcd.
Both the state and navy depart
monts received additional reports on
the situation in Mexico. Officers and
consuls reported quiet in all parts of
the southern republic. The excite
ment caused by the Columbus raid
and the American expedition after
villa has entirely subsidized according
to report from llermosillo. Tele-
phone advices to Piedras Negras from
Torreon. one of the most dangerous
localities in the view of officials here
reported no developments Of import
ance. Americans reaching Nogales