The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1917-01-29

Washington, Jan, 2S.--Orders for the
withdrawal of American troops from
Mexico We're officially announced to-
day by the war department with the
statement that the northwest move
mcnt of General Pcrshng's men began
early this morning with the evacuation
of Colonia Dublan.
The final act In the entrance into
MexiNco of 12,00O American soldiers as
II result of the villa massacre OF II
| Americans at Colu-lpus ~ NJ, on
| March g. 1916, was written today with
official announcement by the war de-
partment that General Pcrshing had
been ordered, and actually had started.
TO bring his troops back to the United
States
Secretary Baker issued the follow
ing announcement:
General Pershing has been ordered
TO bring his troops out OF Mexico. The
movement is to Be an immediate one
and is probably already under way"
Evacuation Begun.
Later adviCcs to the department said
|
evacuation of colonia Dublan, 10
miles from the border, where they had
been concentrating during the past few
weeks. The last American soldier is
expected to rc-cro5s tho border in
about y week
No official information Is at hand as
to whether villa or Carranxa troops
"'ll occupy the territory left vacant
by the Americans, but the belief Is
strong here that the bandit who Is
credited with at least 5000 well armed
men aud who is now at least four
tunes as strong as when the American
troops went across the border viii
territory, particularly for It's moral
effect.
Militia and Fletcher.
The two other phases of the Mexican
problem on which interest centers now
arc the disposition of the more than
10000 militia still on the border and
the sending of Ambassador Fletcher to
his post at Mexico city. Officials say
n" decision has been reached
AT least n part of the remaining
Hunrdsmen are expected to be ordered
nom" as soon as the 5000 now leaving
nav" been moved out Of the way and
ferShlnS's regulars have been redis
'ributod to provide adequate protection
Tor the border perhaps in three weeks
time. Pcrshing's withdrawal will en-
able u much smaller force to qua r.,
tho border, as Il large support has
been essential to his long line of com
munication.
The delay in sending Ambassado,
Fletcher is due to the administra tion's
hesitancy to accord that degree oi
recognition to the Carranza govern
ment, which Is felt not only to have
peeh none too friendly. but also to b.
seriously endangered by Villa, Zapata
ana other bandit activities, as well as
by the extremely weak economic con
d'ti"n in the country.
Not to Use Railroad.
The Pershing withdrawal will II,
carried out with as much speed a,
possible and 1t is hoped the men vii
cover about 10 miles a day. Railroad.
VIII not be used even for CARRYING sun
plies as it is desired neither to r,,r
any chance of raids by Villa nor Il
incur any obligation to Carranza.
Preparations for withdrawal hay,
been going on for some time, It wa,
admitted today. with the calling in O
ontposts and the taking of steps {,
protect friendly Chinese and Aformor.
trom punishment by the Mexicans.
A combination of reasons Is give,
. unofficially for the withdrawal de-
. cision. First was the impracticabilit,
T or actually Capturing Villa" as tn,
object of the expedition was explaine,