The Mena weekly star., 1918-01-03
CROSS BORDER 10
 PURSUE OUTLAWS
Col. Langhorne's Mounted Men Chase Bandits Into Interior of Mexico-aIeNican Soldiers As-
 sist the Americans.

MfNlco--3ttAlCan |OiulcfS tS-
 sist the Americans.
 Maria, Tex. Dec 27 Two troops of American cavalry are pursuing fifty Mexican bandits toward the interior of Mexico today. making the second time within a month that Mcxilan raiders have b en followed across the border. aavemenis of the Ameri an tnapps were un- known by Colonel George T. Lang horne. cammanding olllcer of the Zig Btnd patrol district, until late last night. as it was impossible for the pursuing forces to get in con- nection with headquarters until they had chased the bandits out of the rock country where they sought refuge Tuesday night after raiding the Brite ranch and killing three men. one American and two MeXieans.
 Another raid was made by a smaller band of Mexicans on the Fitzgerald ranch, fifteen miles west of the Brite poslotlice early Christ mas night.
 Bandits Raid Ranches.
 A Mexican ranch hand employed on the Fitzgerald ranch reached
 In statement accompanying his proclamation the president an nOunced that as soon as Congress reassembles he will recommend legislation guaranteeing pre-war earnings and maintenance of rail- road properties in good repair
 Government hacking will be giv- en to new issues of railroad securi- ties that ready market may 5e found.
 The Presidents move, altho fore cast for weeks, came at this time as great surprise to nearly everybody in Washington, including railroad officials.
 Same Management.
 Direct management of the roads will remain in the hands of railroad officials and the Railroads War Board, comprised of five railroad heads, will continue to direct actual operation, under Secretary Me- Ad0o's general supervision.
 The chief practical effect of gov- ernment operation will be to permit a complete uniflcation of all rail systems, impossible under private operation by reasons of statutes prohibiting pooling of rail traffic and earnings. The roads themselves had gone as far as they dared in this direction and it became known today that they had been warned by Attorney General Gregory that violation of anti-pooIing laws could not be permitted.
 Congress will be asked to guaran- tee earnings equivalent to the av- craze net operating income of each railroad in the three year period ending June 90 i9l7 Railroad ex- perts estimate thai this will cost the government next year in the neishborhood of Si00.000000. which can be raised in large part by in- creased freights if the Interstate Commerce Commission grants the roads application for the i5 per- cent rate increase now pending. Otherwise it will be paid largely out Of the general governmental funds
 |. C. C. to Continue.
 The Interstate Commerce Com- mission and other governmental agencies which have to do with the railroads will continue to perform their functions as heretofore. ex- cept that they will be subject to the | orders of the director of railroads.
 The president makes 1t clear that | his decision was not made because Of any failure on the part of the railroads tn perform their whole duty insofar as they could while hampered as they were by legal re- strietions.
 The committee Of railroad exec Valentine today and made the fol- lowing report to the manager of the Valentine trading company, who acted as interpreter for the government.
 "A Mexican by the name of Roio. employed on the Fitzgerald ranch stated that about ten Mexieans. un- known 10 him, came to the ranch md after binding him hand and foot irove of ten head of mules and .wo head of horses. They also took Ill provisions, saddles. bedding and lis rifle and ammunition. After the bandits left, Roio managed to free and came on foot to the 'anch and from there by wagon, ar irving there at noon "Wednesday. Roio says they repeatedly threaten sd to kill him but unaceountably failed to do so.
 Troops stationed at Valentine are | for raid on that place, | word having been brought to the station today that bandits were pre- pairing to attack during the night. | All citizens of Valentine are pre- pared to help the soldiers in de- lending the town
 One American Wounded.
 According to latest reports re- eeived by Colonel Langhorne only one American soldier. Private John r. Kelly, Troop "M." was seriously | wounded in the fight, while many | 'Mexicans are reported dead or 
 Mexican officials have telegraphed |