the rich and distracted
country, but also to create and foment an unreasonable anger against the
United States, vainly hoping in this way to prevent the latter country
from entering the World War by compelling her to face these threatening
attacks from her neighbor on the south. President Wilson was doing his
utmost to hold a steady course through the midst of these perils, which
daily were becoming more threatening and perplexing.

The climax came early in March, 1915, when Francesco Villa, the most
daring and reckless leader of all the Mexican bandit bands, suddenly
with his followers made an attack on the post at Columbus, New Mexico.
The American soldiers were taken completely by surprise. Their machine
guns (some said there was only one at the post) jammed and their defense
was inadequate. They were not prepared. When Villa withdrew he left nine
dead civilians and eight dead American soldiers behind him.

Instantly the President decided that the time had come when he must act.
There was still the same strong desire to avoid war with Mexico if
possible. The same suspicion of Germany was in his mind, but in spite of
these things Villa must be punished and Americans must be protected.
Quickly a call for regulars and State troops was made and General
Pershing was selected as the leader of the punitive expedition.

The New York _Sun_, in an editorial at the time of his selection, said:
"At home in the desert country, familiar with the rules of savage
warfare, a regular of regulars, sound in judgment as in physique, a born
cavalryman, John J. Pershing is an ideal commander for the pursuit into
Mexico."

The selection indeed may have been "ideal," but the conditions
confronting the commander were far from sharing in that ideal. Equipment
was lacking, many of his men, though they were brave, were untrained,
and, most perplexing of all, was the exact relation of Mexico to the
United States. There could not be said to exist a state of war and yet
no one could say the two countries were at peace. He was invading a
hostile country which was not an enemy, for the raids of bandit bands
across the border did not mean that Mexico as a state was attacking the
United States. He must move swiftly across deserts and through mountain
fastnesses, he was denied the use of railroads for transporting either
troops or supplies, enemies were on all sides who were familiar with
every foot of the region and eager to lure him and his army in