The Tucumcari news and Tucumcari times. [volume] (Tucumcari, N.M.) 1907-1921, 1916-04-20
VILLAS DEATH is ONLY
RUMOR SAYS GUTIERREZ

Chihuahua, Mex, April 19.-Gen.
Luis Gutierrez, military governor of
chihuahua, authoritatively states that
the report of Villas death Is only a
rumor.
The authorities are aiding in the
shipment Of supplies to the United
States troops.
Washington, ID. c., April l9.-Maj.
Gen. Hugh l.. Scott, chief Of staff of
the army, will 20 to San Antonio,
Texas, tonight by order Of secretary
Of war Baker in order to get accurate
information as to the situation on the
border and in Mexico.
Secretary Baker issued this state
ment:
Gen. Scott leaves for San Antonio
this evening at G:l5 at my request. He
will spend several days with Gen. Fun
ston and return. This trip is made
solely for the purpose of getting as ac-
curate information as possible for the
use Of the department. Gen. Funston
remains in full charge Of the affairs
of his department, including the ex-
petition into Mexico. He has the fun
confidence of the department and his
dispositions have the departments en-
tire approval"
Decision of the government on the
question rs to whether the American
forces hunting Villa shall be recalled
or reinforced for further operations to-
day awaited the receipt of further re-
ports from American officers in Mex
leo.
The general belief here is that the
German situation could have som
bearing upon the impending decision.
Should a break in diplomatic relations
troops now in Mexico would be needed
at home as military prudence would
require that steps be taken to
for eventualities in Europe.
The Washington government as
nearly a the attitude of the cabinet
can be learned, is in no mood to force
matters in Mexico. Already the main
purposes Of the expedition. protection
of the border. is regarded as accom-
plished.
In some quarters II was suggested
that an agreement for withdrawal
might be reached with Gen. C~arranza
on the basis that If Villa or his men
again headed northward to within
some specified distance of the border,
despite the efforts of C~arranza troops
TO check them, United States troops
could again cross the border. There
was nothing 20 indicate that this plan
had actually been discussed, however.
In moving 23OO troops To the border
or possibly beyond. as reported in San
Antonio dispatches, Gen. Funston is
acting within the discretionary power
conferred upon him when the chase
began. He was also instructed by acc
re tary Of war Baker, after the Parral
incident was reported, TO spare no eff
fort TO protect the advanced forces.
II is known that army officials be-
lieve the situation of some of the de-
tachments would be perilous if Car
rama troops in other districts should
follow the lead of those at Parral. who |
are reported to have fired on Maj.
Tompkins's men. A message today
Saiu IAaL AHleTlCdnh from EbFTal re-
ported that the American citizens
there were without arms.
Secretary Baker would not discuss
SCOTS mission beyond his formal
statement. IL was assumed, however,
that his report, after u conference
with Gen. Funston, will go far toward
determining the course TO be pursued
in Mexico.
1t is known that Gen. Funston has
been urging re department that he he
permitted 70 shift his headquarters
and the border base in order 70 shorten
his line Of communications. The de-
partment has not thus far approved
the suggestion, although the request
was before the cabinet Tuesday.
The department apparently has hest
tated 20 authorize any radical change
in the status of the expedition, in the
face Of request is from Gen. C~arranza
that the troops be ~'eca.,el, believing
1T might tCnoi 20 lncreage anti-Ameri-
can feeling mCnR Cprran,a parris ms.