New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-04-03

3 Ominous reports OF large villa bands
gathering in the vicinity Of Casas Gran
des and along the motor trail. with the,
evident intention Of attempting to sas
General Pershing's long line OF COM
munications, has caused much uneasl-
ness here and az the Columbus base.
Coming from confidential sources. these
reports have resulted in the strength
ening Of patrols and the dispatch from
Columbus Of heavy infantry guard
aboard a motor train, with definite in
structons in event Of attack.
Hopes entertaine. for an early
bringing to bay Of the bandit leader
faded to-day with the fading Of en-
couraging dispatches from the front.
Famed high by the first news Of the
surprise attack and crushing defeat
administered by the 400 cavalrymen
Of Colonel Dodd upon the band Of 800
Villistas at Guerrer- on Wednesday
last, these hopes had increased as tho
meagre details of Dodds pursuit Of
the scattered bands reached here; but
they were punctured fat to-day when
dispatches 10 General Funston indi-
Gated that Villa, reported to have fled
the battle in helpless condition, had
not even been near the scene Of the
action at any time.
It is generally accepted tonight that
the story Of Villas crippled condi-
ton and Of his fight by wagon were
merely part Of some ruse OF the
bandit TO cover his tracks or TO in
veigle too enthusiastic detachments OF
American troopers into a mountain am
bush, where single machine gun
might wipe out whole companies be-
fore even its location could be deter
mined.
Cavalry Sweeping District.
Unless Villa is definitely located
within the next day or two IL Is be-
lieved here that General Pershing will
begin a logged search for him In the
mountains west and south OF Guerrero.
Since the defeat of Villas force March
29 in and near Guerrero the American
commander has had lightly equipped
mobile detachments OF cavalry sweep
ing in whirlwind fashion through the
district about the hesdwaters Of the
Santa Maria River in efforts 20 locate
the elusive bandit, reported 70 have
gone in that direction after being des-
perately wounded.
General Pershing did not get a re-
port through 70 General Funston to-
dav. but his chief Of staff reported,
indicating that the line OF communica-
tion was maintained, and no mention OF
news Of Villa was made. Some re-
ports indicate that villa, instead OF
going northeast Of Guerrero. had
moved into the hills 20 the south and
east. q direction American army officers
had expected him 20 take. The new In
formation is not regarded more cred
ible than that which caused the Gordon
Of troops 20 be drawn across every exit
from the district northeast OF Guerrero,
and il is believed here that General Per-
sning will not adopt any new plan until
he has thoroughly satisfied himself
villa is not in the indicated region.
Failure TO run him down sine1
Wednesday strengthened the os
that ne is south of the railrosG, ~ -.
General Pershing has TO sena snarSep
airy into that mountainous uss.is,e1 sis thao
ly settled country II was
slow progress wou Id De es. ms that Car.
~ rom Mexican sources ees.,;ss Of
News rom bsd proved his prom,s. p"ssse
ranzas ,nn ior,e by preventing ms .ws;tsd
cooperation ~ "a. anxiousiy s"N
into that region hut little information
at oesrstions OF the "eA