The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1919-06-16
UNITED STATES
TROOPS IN MEXICO
Continued from page

cantina awaiting developments wher
the sound Of muffled engine was
heard in the dark street.
"A dark shape crawied around the
corner, followed by another and str
! third. In the din, moonlight it was
Impossible to distinguish them ~
Erst. Then in the dead stiffness the
machines rumbied into paton OF
moonlight and were seen TO be three
American military arnoreo motor
Ears.
Close behind tramped dark mass
which proved to be the soldiers OF
the Path infantry.
As they passed the cansina the
Americans stepped forth 20 prevent
accidental shooting. They were ar
rested and sent under guard to the
FL Paso side.
To Protect American Lives
WASHINGTON, June 16.-The sole
purpose of the American soldiers
crossing the Mexican border as 10
protect life of Americans, Sec-etar-
of War Baker said today in com-
mcnting on the situation the-e.
There is no possibility Of L1is-
understanding between the republic
of Mexico and the United States With
regard TO protection of life on tie
American side" Baker said. In
many instances previously ii has
been necessary for the American
forces very briefly TO cross the Dor
der to dispense bandit forces. The
sole purpose Of the American soldiers
is TO protect life on the American
side"
Communication with General Ca
bell, in charge OF American forces or
the border, has been interrupted, it
was said, at the war department to-
day, but attempts are being made to
restore II both by land and wireless.
Approved by congressman.
WASHINGTON, June 16-Generai
approval was voiced in congress today
OF the sending of American troops into
Mexico TO protect the border towns.
Il thoroughly approve" said Sena-
tor Swanson, Virginia. THE move
ment is entirely protective one and
Mexico should understand that her
soldiers or her bandits must not in
terfere with affairs on this side OF the
line"
Representative Kahn, California.
said that the move was entirely
proper.
-Anything done to protect Amerf-
can lives and interests meets my ap-
proraI,' said Kahn.
Ordered Back Today.
Ell PASO. Texas, June 10 Our
work is finished. I will order cur
troops back from Juarez probably
this noon, certainly today" saii Cen
eral J. B. Erwin, commanding this
border district
American troops completely routed
the Villistas in and around Juarez
this morning, driving them "in every
direction" said Erwin.
The total American casualties 20
far reported were only two slightly
wounded.
General Erwin stated that the
Americans reported counting thirty
six dead yillistas In and around
Juarez. The total vulistas casual
ties is probably much larger.
Within thirty minutes after ad-
vancing against the Villistas en-
trenched at the Juarez race track,
negro troops of the oath U. S. IN
fantry had scattered the Mexicans.
The fighting occurred by moonlight
shortly after 2 a. m, and this partly
accounts for the comparatively minor
casualties.
The yillistas stood their ground
for only a few minutes, the superior
American infantry equipment in
rifles and machine guns completing
the work where the artillery from the
American side left off.
Rocket flares were used to signal
the end of the barrage and the open
Ing of infantry advance.
The Mexicans were threatened
from behind by force of United
States cavalry and had TO scatter 10
avoid surrender or capture.
Satisfactory cooperation from the
Carranzista garrison in Juarez mark
ed the American entry of Mexico, the
largest expedition to cross the bor-
der since the Pershing expedition of
1916.
General Francisco Gonzales ex-
pressed belief American crossing un-
necessary and that his troops had
adequately defended the town, re-
NAMED in Fort Hidalgo, Juarez, and
ordered his troops outside the city
10 prevent mistaken clashes with
the Americans.
General Erwin through his aide,
assured Gonzales that the purpose of
the expedition was merely 10 drive
away the Villistas and that the
American troops would return to their
side of the border promtly after this
object was chieved.
Many Villistas are reported headed
for Guadalupe, across the Rio
Grande from Fabens, Texas.
General Cabelps Report.
WASHINGTON, June 16.-Ameri-
can troops were ordered to cross the
border to dispense the Villista ban
dts, Major General Derosey G. Cal