The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-08-23
PUNITIVEFOR
IN NIGHT MARCH
TO REACH BASE
Z. S. Expedition in Mexico
Penetrates Further in
Bandit Search.
FEDERALS HELPING
Gen. Dickman Tells of Need
of Airplanes to Maintain
LlalSOn.
PRAISES CAPT. MATLACK
Slain Bandits Recognized as
Border Thieves and
Murderers.
PRAISES CAPT. MATLACk

MARIA, Tex, Aug. 22.-After a day
Of limited operations the American
punitive expedition faced the prob
ability OF a forced march tonight to
reach a new base from which troops
will scout tomorrow for the bandits
who held two American army aviators
for ransom.
Reports from the Mexican Consul at
Preside, Tex, stated that cooperation
between Mexican troops and the
Americans was continuing satisfac-
torily.
Gen. Joseph T. Dickman, COM
mander OF the Southern Department,
reiterated that no more troops would
be sent from here into Mexico at this
time. He added, however, that efforts
were being made to obtain more planes
to maintain liaison with troops in
Mexico, and that he hoped TO have the
planes soon. More machines become
border to the expedition increases, he
explained.
Gen. Dickman set at rest reports that
the troops would soon be withdrawn by
stating that the search would continue
as long as it Is possible to follow the
trails.
One airplane in Mexico. broke Its rud-
der control yesterday and narrowly es-
capped serious accident.
Now in Villas Country.
The scene OF operations at present and
for the immediate future Is the country
over which villa operated In November.
1917, when he attacked and captured
Ojinaga and threatened Preside. Tex.
Villa moved down the Gonchos River
toward Ojinasa, deployed his forces on
the plain before that town and attacked
rrom three sides. Reenforcements for
the Federal garrison at Ojinaga arrived
along the same trail that the aviators
followed in their attempt to hnd their
way out.
| 1t was believed to-day that at least
the place where the Villa rebels in the
ojlnaga district made their headquarters
| in the mountains
Ildefonso Sanchez, another Villa lead
er, was seen in the same district In
which the Americans are operating. sew
eral months. He has small bands scat
tered through the mountains.
caution TO prevent an ambush that might
prove another trap like that at Carr!-
zal at the time OF the Pershins expe-
dition. At night the troops sleep and
stand guard in rotation. An advance
| guard investigates every canyon, house
and mountain trail to prevent surprise
attacks
Carranza troops under Gen. Pruneda
| are at Ouchillo Pararo and there Is an
other Federal command at San Jose, op-
posite Indio. Tex. They have made no
effort to prevent operations by American
troops.
! Aeros Watching Me1icans.
The line OF communication Is being
closely guarded and airplanes are watch
ing every body OF Mexicans in the zone
OF operations.
Gen. Dickman and Col. George T.
Langhorne left late to-day on a long
ride. Gen. Dickman said he did not
know whether he would go to the river.
Gen. Dickman denied reports current
that eight more bandits had been killed
below the border.
It was stated al headquarters that
Major c. c. Smiths column encountered
a Carransa force Wednesday and that a
friendly exchange OF greetings followed
Every effort is being made to continue
the cooperation established between Gen
Pruneda's troops and the Americans
Mexican officials are being consulted and
advised OF developments. II IL realized
that as the Americans penetrate further
south chances OF a clash increase.
Nothing has been heard here to-day
concerning the success Of the pursuit OF
the bandits who escaped Wednesday
when four OF their companions were
killed by American troops while the ban
dts were In a blockhouse guarding a
Mexican trail. According TO Capt. Mat.
lacks report two escaped from the
blockhouse and climbed the side OF the
| mountain.
Aviators were testing aerial bombs or
the flying field here to-day. The bombs
would be used should the troops In
Mexico encounter any considerable num-
ber of bandits. Airmen also few ur
the Conchos River. looking for the
wrecked plane of Lieuts. Peterson and
| Davis. who were held for ransom. They
will try TO ualvage the machine guns and
instruments from the plane. Cavalry
from the expedition came into Can,
delaria to-day and reported no develop
ments below the border when they lef
for the Rio Grande.
Capt. MatIack Explains.
GEN Dickman explained in detail hi.
position regarding the failure OF Capt
Leonard F. Matlack TO pay tn,
entire amount OF the ransom to tn,
bandits. Last night the General an
nounced that he had modified nj.
original view OF the AFFAIR since hear
ing Matlacks story. according to which
Matlack overheard two of the Mexican
bandits discussing a plan to ambush anC
kill both Matlack and Lieut. Paul II
| COntiuued ON Third paos