The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1919-08-23
BORDER GUARD !
STRENGTHENED
Machine Gun Nests Planted at
Strategic Points on Amer
lean Side.
HOT ON OUTLAW TRAlE
Eighth Cavalry C Hard AA
Day Through N4oIntains u
without Finding Bandits. r

Maria, Tex. Aug. 23.-Q. N. S.)--
Reinforcements OF American troops
and machine guns have been brought
up and stationed at strategic points
along the Mexican border. All the
American army posts in the Big
Bend section have been strengthened.
This move was explained today by
army officers as merely precaution-
airy measure and in the nature of a
practice maneuver for the men.
No apprehension is felt of an at
tack at any point In this district
either by the bandits or Carranzista
troops. Nor have the officers any
fear of a clash between the Carran-
zistas and the troops OF the Eighth
cavalry now pursuing the Mexican
outlaws. American cavalrymen rode
hard all day Friday through the
mountains without again coming In
contact with any groups OF the out
law gang of Jesus Rentario that held
two American airmen for ransom,
according to reports reaching head
quarters.
The Carranzlsta troops in the re-
giOn now being combed by the Amer
leans are not in great numbers. Such
Carranzista units as have come in
contact with the American cavalry
men have shown no disposition to in.
terfere.
An aviator brought word that a
column of the Eighth cavalry under
command of Maj. G.. C. Smith met a
column of Mexican federals. The
Mexican commander merely inquired
II the Americans were on Mexican
soil with the authority of the Ameri-
can government, and then passed on.
While the pursuit of the bandits
continues regular airplane service is
being kept up between the advanced
posts and headquarters here. Ameri-
can officers now express the opinion
that the chase has resolved itself
into a test of endurance between
American cavalry horses and the
Mexican pony, with the former sure
to win. This is the fifth day of the
hunt.
1t is pointed out that It Is the Gus.
tom of the bandits to split up into
groups of two, three and four when
pursued, and to meet Mt some wild
point In the mountains within from
four to ten days. II this policy is
followed in the present instance the
trail of one group may lead to the
place of rendezvous and render the
capture of the whole band probable.
Mai. Gen. Joseph T. Dickman, COM
mander Of the southern department,
United states army, left Maria for
san Antonio last night.
No reports have been received from
the two bombing planes which set out
yesterday for the front.
According to a report current at
the time cavalry patrols had located
headquarters of the outlaws and the
machines were to be employed in
Wiping out the mountain strongholds
with high explosives to save the lives
of soldiers that otherwise might be
lost in direct attack. Other bomb
ing machines are being held here and
are engaging in aerial target prac-
tiCe.
There mas been no confirmation of
the rumor that eight suspected mem
bers of Jesus Rentarios bandit gang
had been brought here and were be-
ing held incommunicado while the
American authorl les could check up
their movements during the time that
Lteuts. Davis and Peterson, of the
air service. were being held for ram
som.