New-York tribune., 1916-05-15
FUNSTON PLANS
TOBL0CK RAIDERS
Begins Distribution of In.
creased Forces Along
Mexican Border.

San Antonio, Tex. May 14-General
Funston began consideration to-day OF
a plan for reorganization of the border
patrol. Having under his direct con-
troll almost $4,000 men, he outlined to
his staff a redistribution of forces that
he believed would guarantee protection
of American residents from Mexican
raiders.
Forces at border stations already
have been strengthened, and IL VAS in
dicated to-day that before the end OF
the week the greater part of the regu-
lar troops and militia would be in posi-
tlon for quick service along the inter
national line.
Each of the patrol districts will be
in charge of general officer. District
commanders will include Brigadier
General James Parker, commanding the
LIST Cavalry Brigade; Brigadier General
William A. Mann, commanding the I'd
Brigade at Laredo, Tex, and Brigadier
ordered to report from Fort Leaven-
worth.
May Drive Bandits North.
II is improbable that more troops
will be sent to Colonel Sibley, who is
in charge of the little expedition that
crossed into Mexico near Boquillss as
a result of the Glenn Springs raid.
Four troops of cavalry and machine
gun detachment are now operating
close to the line, scouting through a
limited territory south of the border,
but there never has been any intention
of sending forward at that point a
punitive expedition that would COM
pare in size 10 that Of General
Pershing. If the cavalry operating
south of Boquillss fails to locate any
bandits within a few days, its return
north is probable.
Army officers here are deeply inter
ested in efforts Mexican troops were
reported to be making to run down the
bandits who raided the Big Bend dis
trict, and who yet hold Jesse Deemers,
an American storekeeper, as prisoner.
It is regarded here as not impossible
that the Mexican troops may cut on
the retreat Of the bandits and force
them back within reach of Colonel
Sibley's cavalry.
Reports from General Pershing to-
dsy were said to deal with routine mat
ters only. Since the negotiations be-
tween Generals Scott and Funston and
General Obregon began at FL Psso
General Pershing has made no effort to
prosecute the campaign against Villa.
His forces have been withdrawn until
his entire column of more than $4,000
men is almost a compact unit.
Troops Gather Rapidly.
With the exception of the Both and
the Sd Infantry, one battalion of the
Sd Field Artillery and one company OF
coast artillery, all additional troops
ordered 20 report to General Funston I
have arrived The both and Sd were .
reported to-day TO have entrained at
their stations in New York State. The ,
Sd will be sent TO Eagle Pass. but II I
has not yet been decided just where /
the 30th will be stationed. Four Of the ,
eleven companies OF coast artillery !
brought here have been sent to border I
stations. The remainder have been mob /
ilizd at Fort Sam Houston. The militia !
at Douglas, Columbus and /
here was completed to-day.
Brigadier General John A. Hulsn, /
the militia here, conferred /
with his staff to-day regarding details /
Of organization. The militia camp is |
located near Fort Sam Houston. Large |
numbers OF civilians crowded the roads |
to the camp throughout the day.
The mastering into the regular mill I
tary establishment of the militiamen |
will be begun Tuesday. The medical !
officers who have been examining the |
men estimated to-day that the percent
age of those who would oe rejected was /
almost negligible. A slightly greater !
percentage Of those who do not care
10 be sworn IN "for the term of their |
enlistment" is expected, but Mayor /
Stevenson, adjutant OF the brigade, said |
that investigation indicated that a.
least s5 per cent. of the guardsmen