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Show RAINS MAY DELAY TRANSPORTATION OF ARMY SUPPLIES COLUMBUS, N". M., July 3. Torrential rains fell over the Santa Maria river valley, val-ley, in which the .American expeditionary command is encamped, today and continued con-tinued tonight. The rains hampered transportation over the motor supply trail from Columbus to the field, great pools of slippery, alkaline mud forming in the ruts which had been filled with powdered dust. However, with the supplies concentrated at the Held base, no apprehension was manifested by military authorities here that the Interruption would handicap General Pershing's command. Despite the weather conditions, many truck loads of alfalfa, grain and other forage were started south across the border from here today. Reports from the Meld tonight indicated that small bands of Villistas have been seen below General Pershing's lines recently. re-cently. In response to a request by General Pershing for another biplane to replace the punitive expedition's only available machine, which was put out of action yesterday. Lieutenant Ira Raider piloted another from Columbus this morning, to the base camp, making the trip in two hours, according to a radio message received re-ceived here by the military authorities. The main trouble with aeroplanes in this high region is the warping of the propellers and wooden frame by sun and dry air. The aero corps here, however, Is experimenting ex-perimenting with a newly-designed propeller pro-peller which the inventor claims will withstand the climate. The accident yesterday yes-terday was caused by the splintering of the propellor. |