MEXICAN BANDITS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2718, 13 March 1916, Page 5

MEXICAN BANDITS

ATTACK ON COLUMBUS

AMERICAN TROOPS IN 'COMPLICATIONS FEARED N By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Washington, March 10. The Mexican bandits' attack on Columbus commenced at midnight. l''ive hunured of them diviidod into small parties, posted at different parts of the streets, picked oil the Americans as they emerged from dwellings and hotels. Several guests were burned t(> death in tJic Central Hotel, one of the first buildings to bo lived, which sheltered a score of women and children, whilo a howling mob of bandits surged in the surrounding streets. The troopers finally dispersed the bandits, who secured their flight by capturing a number of horses from the military compounds. They cut all the telegraph wires. Tue attack was a complete surprise for the border officials. They were watching the movements of the bandit chief, wiio was believed to be fifty, miles away. Senator Fall says he has received information that Colonel Slocunii commanding a llegiment of United States cavalry, is following tho bandits into Mexico, and intends to attempt to cap-, ture the whole gang. ■' ■ ■ A Mexican rancher who had been in the custody of the bandits since Saturday escaped during the fighting. He told a stor£ of the hanging of three American ranchers prior to the raid. General Villa was m personal charge of the expedition, and openly avowed his intention of forcing the interven- ' tion of. the United States by killing everybody on sight. Mrs. Wright, who was at a ranch visited by the bandits, heard the leader declare that lie was going to "shoot up" Columbus and make a torcji of every man, woman, child, husband and baby. The Secretary of State (Mr. Lansing) is considering tho point of asking Carranza's permission to send United States troops to Mexico to capture the raiders, the troops to be withdrawn when their purpose has been accom* plished. Washington, March 10. Cabinet has ordered a small force of American troops to invade Mexico and endeavour to capture Villa's bandits. Complications are feared.