The Topeka state journal., 1916-04-13

bands were now spree d broadcast and
that the Carranza troops, heavily rein
forced, could easily effect their furth-
er destruction. Mr.. Garcia added that
he did not believe that Villa was dead,
but he was convinced that the ban
dts power was broken and never
could be restored.
Plenty Troops to Protect Border.
El Paso and Juarez took the news
of CarranZa's request calmly but ex-
pectantly, realizing that the next word
must come from Washington. Army
officers did not care to discuss the sit
uation, but indicated that the chase
of Villa would continue until orders
had been received from Washington
calling it to a halt. Should the troops
be recalled ii is thought it will re-
quire from three to four weeks to
bring the last American to this side of
the border. Consul Garcia intimated
that the de facto government would
consent to the uce of the railways for
the withdrawal of the troops. If the
railways are used the troops could be
taken out in about a week.
General Bell has repeatedly given
assurances that should any excitement
or trouble arise over the development
Of the diplomatic phase between the
United States and Mexico the army is
amply prepared to meet the situation
along the border.
Mexico Ignorant of Invasion.
Ell Paso, April 13.-The great ma
jority of Mexicans do not yet know
that American soldiers have crossed
the International line, according to an
American who arrived here today
from Mexico City. This man said that
in the country there was the most pro-
found ignorance of the situation in
chihuahua and that even among the
already prevailed.
AS an indication he showed copy
of a Mexico City newspaper which
carried all its news of the pursuit of
Villa in a couple of hundred words
under an FL Paso date line. This ac-
count, dated a week back made no
of American troops but said
that the capture was merely question
of hours.
CarTanza Preparing for Move.
San Antonio. April 1S.-Carranza's
request for the withdrawal of Amer1-
can troops caused no surprise here
either at military headquarters or
among many Mexican political refu-
gees. Consul Beltran had not been in
formed early today of the request, but
said he had been expecting it,
In the absence of instructions from
Washington General Funston issued
no orders to General Pershing alter
ing the conduct of the campaign in
Mexico nor has word of CarranZa ac-
ton been communicated to the lead
of developments at Queretaro military
men here regard recent activity of
Carranza troops on the border and
along the Sonora-ChihuahUa state line
as explained.
1t is now assumed that the troops
of the de facto government are quiet
ly being placed in position where they
might be most effective in case of an
open break with the American forces.
Would Withdraw Troops.
Columbus, N. NJ, April ia high
army official at the base camp here
today expressed the belief that it was
inadvisable for American troops to
withdraw from Mexico at present, but
that if Carranza's request was not
granted. a break between the two gov
ernments was inevitable.
Many officers were of the opinion
that Carranza's wishes would be re-
spected and the troops withdrawn.
The CarranZa note was widely dis
cussed by army men here. All de-
clared the taking up by Carranzista
troops of strategic positions command
ing the American supply lines was sig
nificant. The Officers believed the de
facto troops were sent to the place for
moral effect.
Additional ammunition and rifles
were unlOaded at the base here TODAY