The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-04-21
FLEE FROM ENSENADA.
Citizens Abandon the Town, Fearing
Attack by Rebels.


Via San Diego.-The steamer San
Diego sailed today for San Diego, with
many Of the most prominent residents
of this city abroard. General Simon
Berthold is said to have sent word to
Governor Stega that he will attack En-
senada within "a hours.
The army forces consist of about 40
soldiers in addition to the crew of the
Mexican gunboat Guerrero. The cap
tain of the gunboat has stated that he
is ready to send an armed force of
$50 men ashore.
The San Diego made a special trip
to this port upon receipt of telegram
describing conditions here and express
ing the desire of a number of resi-
dents to get away before the fighting
begins.
Strengthening Notifications.
Aqua Prieta, April 21--Soldiers of the
| federal garrison began today to
strengthen the Qualifications. They are
building heavy adobe breastworks and
ramparts to the south and east or Aqua
Prieta. Large forts made of adobe
| brick are being constructed at various
! points along the trenches which were
, abandoned by the rebels.
Col. Reynaldo DiaZ announced his IN
tention today to move at once all the
wounded to Canena where they Will be
I cared for in the barracks hospital. spec
ial trains were being made ready for
this purpose.
Rebels Enter Nacozari.
: Nacozari, Sonora, April 21.-Antonio
Roias, with $50 rebels entered this town
today. The appearance OF the lnsur-
recto army caused some excitement
1 but did not interfere with the opera
| tions of the MocteZuna copper and
4 Phelps Dodge company.
The rebels seemingly are well equip
ped, supplied with funds and purchas-
| ed for cash large quantities OF supplies
at the copper company stores The
| soldiers were quiet and orderly. Naco-
zari has been marooned for several
DAYS because of the destruction of all
railroad bridges in this vicinity but
there are enough provision and coal 70
| last two weeks when 1t Is SAID the
| bridges will be repaired.
Diaz orders Americans Released.
Mexico City, April 21.-President
Z Diaz today ordered the release or Ed
ward H. Blatt and Lawrence +. Con-
verse, Americans, who were arrested
by government troops and Imprisoned
! in Juarez 1t was asserted in defense
of the men that they were arrested on
American soil and taken into Mexico
by force.
ii. G. Converse, father of one of the
Americans, called at the palace this
| morning, accompanied by one of the
staff of the United States embassy, and
made a plea on behalf of both prison
| ers.
President Diaz, after considering the
| matter, directed that a letter be ad-
| dressed to the authorities in Juarez or
dering the release of the two men.
| This letter was given to the elder
! Converse who will leave with it tonight
! for Juarez.
Converse belongs in Glendora, Cal.
and was formerly a member of the
| Texas militia. Blatt comes from Pitts
burg, Pa, Both men were captured in
February near Guadaloup by Colonel
Rebago's command, charged with as
sisting the rebels.
Friends claimed that the men were
| arrested on the United States side of
the border and appealed to Washing
ton with the result that the United
States made representations to Mexico
and at the same time instituted an in
vestigaticn to determine the facts of
locality involved in the arrests.
Making Arms for Mexico.
Berne, Switzerland, April 21.-The
Swiss Arms Manufacturing company
in Neuhausen is now turning out a big
order of modern arms for the Mexican
government. A Mexican army officer
recently left, accompanying the first
consignment of rifles to Mexico. Sew
leral other Mexican officers have ar
rived in Neuhausen to watch over the
execution of the remainder of the
! order.