The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-08-23
Bandits Pursued by Americans
Have Reached Mountains.
Trails Not Considered "HOt,"
but Yanks Still Search.
BOMB THEM IF FOUND?
Aerial Explosives Arrive at
Border for Experiments"
Carranzistss Are Cooperating
With Yanks in Hunt.

Maria. Aug. 23.-Pursuit of Next
can bandits by the American punitive
expedition is continuing south from
the point in Mexico where an Ameri-
can camp has been established, it was
announced today.
The trails are not considered hot"
however and as the bandits have
reached the mountain Businesses it is
feared they have escaped.
The return of Maj. Gen. Joseph T.
Dickman TO san Antonio last night is
considered here as an indication that
the situation below the border is not
serious. altho the fear Of a clash be-
tween Mexicans in the mountains and
American troops was causing some
worry today.
Afrplanes left Royce flying field
punitive expedition. No bombs were
taken on the first scout planes to
leave the field here.
It was announced at the aviation
field that there is no intention OF
abandoning the Preside landing field
for airplanes flying to Mexico. which
will be used as a sub-base for the
aerial service. Planes will begin
landing in Mexico today. The field in
Mexico is good, except for the pres
ence OF mesquite bushes and high
weeds. which tear the propellers bad
". Several propellers were shipped
10 Kelley field, Texas, today after hav-
ing parts Of the blade worn off by
contact with the weeds.
Carranzistns Helping.
Carranza federals, operating far
10 the south. and American cav
airy further north, today are securing
the Conchos river region of Mexico in
an endeavor to clear that section Of
bandits who precipitated an eXpedt-
ton into the southern republic by cap
turing and holding for ransom two
American army aviators. Five known
dead bandits was the net result of the
expedition at the beginning of the
fifth day of operations below the Dor
der. More rapid progress in the pur-
suit of the outlaws was expected to-
day. yesterdays chase having been
largely delayed by dispatch of supplies
and forage to the American soldiers.
Mai Gen. Joseph T. Dickman, COM
mander Of the southern department,
left last night for San Antonio after
completing an inspection of the border
and familiarizing himself with the de-
tails of the punitive expedition Be
fore leaving. the general said an eff
fort would be made to pay the bandits
the $500 remaining of the ransom
money for the aviators. tho he did not
say just how this would be done.
Use Bombs on EN-?
Rumors Of further bandit captures
and bombing Of bandit strOngholdS
which found circulation at various
times yesterday proved unfounded. but
the possibility of using of bombs in
wiping out the bandits developed with
the arrival of aerial bombs for expert
mental purposes and an announcement
that these might be used IL a bandit
force should be found in any consider
able numbers.
No information came from the ex-
peditionary forces yesterday except
word brought by aviators that the pur-
suit of the bandits still was being con-
Quoted. Reports that the forces would
be Withdrawn at an early date had no
foundation, General Dickman saying
the expedition would remain in Mexico
as long as they were following a i'hot
trail" There was no explanation Of
the resembling Of the order for addi-
tionaI troops to support the punitive
expedition.
Longest IncursiOn Since 1915.
1t has so far proved the longest in
cursion into Mexico since the PERISH
ing expedition in 1915.
Ordered TO Border Post.
Washington. Aug. 23.-Maj. Gen.
Robert L. Howse. who has Just re-
turned TO the United States from
France, where he commanded one of
the regular divisions. has been ordered
20 proceed Immediately to Fort Bliss
20 take command of the Ell Paso Dor
Tor district