Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1911-01-29
FIERCE FIGHTING IN.
NORTHERN :,
h ".""-""".G
/ MEXICO III
FEDERAL TROOPS LED INTO
AMBUSCADE AND SLAIN
Rebels Said to Be in Complete
Command of MoCtezuma Dis
trict of Sonorai inhabitants
Flee TO Arizona.


tBy Morning Journal Special Leased wirel
Douglas, Ariz., Jan. 2S. - News
reached Douglas today of fierce fight-
ing between Mexican troops and the
rebels in the vicinity of Sahuaripa,
following the capture of that city by
the insurgents several days ago. The
federal forces are said to have been
decoyed into a disadvantageous posi-
tion. where the rebels poured in a
deadly fire, completely defeating
them. Jefes Shiapaof Moctozuma,
who organized the federal forces. Is
reported killed,
Following the battle. which oc-
Cured midway between the cities of
Sahuaripa and Moetezuma. the gov
ernment telegraphed an urgent call
to Douglas for special train to bring
troops south. The train was quickly
made up and fifty soldiers. assembled
in Aqua Prieta, opposite Douglas, were
sent to Nacozari, the southern ter
minus of the Nacozarl railroad. These
soldiers arrived there early today
and at once started on an overland
march to Moctezuma in an attempt
TO save that city from falling into
the hands Of the rebels.
This latest defeat Of the federal
forces is said to leave the rebels In
complete command of this section OF
the state of Sonora. II the forces led
by Jefe Chiapa were completely rout-
ed, as reported, the force sent south
from Aqua Prita Is considered hardly
sufficient to cope against the rebel at
tack on Moctezuma. All business Is
susupnded in the latter city and all
money has been removed to Douglas.
Following the bloodless surrender
of Sahuaripa few days ago, Jefe
Chiapa OF Moctezuma organized a
force of about 200 volunteers. which
was increased by fifty-three volunteers
from Cumpas, for the purpose of re-
sisting the northward advance OF the
rebels. With this force ha marched
out Of Moctesuma. and started to-
ward Sspuaripa. He met the rebels
about half way and the battle fol-
lowed. The insurgents. many OF
whom were seasoned from the CAM
paigns In Chihuahua, followed their
tactics Of getting the superior posi-
ton. from which they poured volley
after volley into the unprotected
ranks of the federals.
q Jefe Chiapa. who Is reported killed.
Was one of the bravest and most loyal
defenders of the governments inter-
ests in Sonora. When the rebels sent
a demand for the surrender of Mocte-
yuma, he replied with the message:
Don't worry; I'm going to meet
you half way"
The rebels are reported to have
taken charge of all public offices In
Sahuaripa and are extending protec-
ton to the wives and families OF FOR
mer officials who have fled.
Frenchman was given s100 by gov
ernment official TO return TO
Sahuaripa and get the latter's family,
which had been left behind When
the Frenchman made the request to
the rebel prefect. the latter IL report
ed to have said.
Certainly. remove the women and
children. We don't fight them"
He then gave the Frenchman pass
ports through the rebel lines.
Cattlomen returning to Douglas
from Central Mexico say conditions In
that section are similar to those In
the north, with much excitement and
many small risings. This condition
probably accounts for the govern
ment's inability to send suncient
troops to Chihuahua and Sonora to
cope with the victorious rebels there.