Evening Republican, Volume 20, Number 170, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 July 1916 — Big Force of Mexican Outlaws Is Nearing U. S. Border. [ARTICLE]

Big Force of Mexican Outlaws Is Nearing U. S. Border.

Accounts of increased numbers of Mexican bandits in northern Mexico, south o£ the Big Bend district, and repetition of the reports of Villa’s growing strength, were the outstanding features in official and unofficial information reaching General Funston Sunday. Under his direction the strengthening of the border control, especially in the Big Bend district, was continued. Pennsylvania troops Sunday took stations along the Rio Grande, and a squad of Texas cavalry reached Marfa, from where it will be sent to the border line.

General Pershing reported that from Mexican- sources he had been informed that among the recaptured Carranza prisoners there were 17 whose right ears had been cut off by Villa men. Reports Lrom the Big Bend district were that at various places not far south of the border small groups of bandits were operating although there was not any evidence that they were planning an early raid into American territory. To meet any emergency the medical corps may have, Gen. Funston said he had asked the war department to obtain, if possible, an appropriation of $300,0007 "

It was also announced that on July 21 a hospital train was expected to leave Washington for service between San Antonio and the border. Another hospital train will be run out of Brownsville. - Further evidence t|hat the mules and horses are being slowly supplanted in the American army, was contained in the announcement Sunday that the recently ordered 250 Lewis machine guns will .be carrier on light automobile trucks.