The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-12-09
in SELF DEFENSE
General Carranxa Writes q Let
ter to Governor of Arizona
Defending the Execution Of
Prisoners by Gen. villa.
4 CIVIL WAR IS Different
He Declares and Does Not Fol.
low Established Rules.
Intimates He VIII Continue on
the Same Lines.
1 CIVIL WAR IS DIFFERENT

Phoenix. Arix.. Dec. "a letter from
General venustiano Carranza. defend
ing the execution by General Francisco
Villa of federal officerds captured at
Juarez. and telling why bloody repris-
ais were being visited by the revolu-
tionists upon Huertaist prisoners OF war
was given out today by Governor
George w. p. Hunt of Arizona.
Carranza's letter. dated at Hermo-
sillo, Sonora, Mexico, November ~, was
in reply to a communication wh1cn
Governor Hunt sent to the rebel CHIEF
tain. suggesting that a continuation OF
summary executions by insurgent COM
manders would horrify the people OF
the United States and ALLEVIATE their
sympathy. Governor Hunt wrote as a
private citizen. not as governor OF Ar1-
zona. He said he held the constitution
alfst leader in high esteem and feared
that a repetition Of the executions
which followed the fall of Juarez. would
rebound to the disadvantage OF the con-
stftutionalist cause in Mexico SO far
as it is related to the citizenship OF
the United States.
Carranza's letter follows:
Carranza's Letter.
IT am pleased to acknowledge the re-
ceipt Of your interesting letter OF the
18th instant, written relative to the
OCCUPATION Of the city of Juarez by the
constitutionalist forces under the I'M
mediate command of General villa ana
to assure you Of my gratitude for the
high regard for me personally winch
you express therein.
while recognizing with pleasure
the spirit of frank friendship wnicn
actuated your letter. your personal
sympathy and that Of the people OF the
United States with the struggle IN
~ o1V 1nqf1C0
which we are carrying on I cannot the
less deplore the fact that. with an Inn
perfect understanding OF the peculiar
character of the Mexican problems
there is likelihood in certain cases and
notwithstanding our good intention. OF
OF our acts.
Indictment of Federals.
This is due, in all probability to the
fact that the criminal acts with which
the struggle is begun and the cruel
measures employed to maintain II are
forgotten. When Mexico had realized
the supreme democrat prerogative OF
electing her own representatives and
had reasons to expect in the midst Of
peace and tranquility the periodical
change Of public officials only by an
expression of popular will, a most cor
rupt minority, of the defeated factions
after attempting to overthrow for all
time our DOlltlCdl luSlll0lAOLS W AAiS~AAc
Of violence alone, have destroyed the
lives and interests Of our fellow citt-
zens; have carried out bloody execu-
tions without regard to any law; have
murdered constitutionalists who fell
wounded while fighting for liberty OF
the people; held Imprisoned the de-
puties and senators who have defend
ed with their power OF speech our
democrat institutions: have torn away
from their homes peaceful men, and
even boys, to compel them to take
arms against us or have filled them
with terror by devastating entire CIT
les.
OBSTRUCTIVE acts Of this character
have made it apparent that the cause
which 1 represent has constituted not
only a political form of revolution.
but also has the character Of pro-
which Furnishes the cu1pable and SAFE
guards the Mexican family.
VIII Keep Right On.
IT have determined within the spirit
of our constitution and without any
feeling of passion, but deliberately and
with circumspection.I to pursue these
ends, until gradually the exercise Of
clemency and magnanimity can be at
tained in satisfaction of an imperative
demand Of justice and the urgent ne
cessity of securing peace and OF assur-
ing the future welfare Of the nation.
have determined to enforce vigorous
ly and in accordance with the procla-
nation which was duly issued on May
IA, 1913. the law Of Juarez Of Jan. 25.
1862, which defines and Furnishes de-
linquencies inimical to the public
peace.
with strict Difference to tho law,
the Huertaista officers were tried and
executed in the city Of Juarez. Among
them were some who had been cap
tured at Torreon by this same General
Villa who after pardoning them agreed
they should be enlisted by our forces.
TThereafter they endeavored. but un-
successfully to create a detection Of
the men whom I entrusted to their
command. finally deserting to re-en-
gage in crime.
Points to Precedents.
eft is true that the established prin-
ciples observed In International wars
extend to prisoners the privilege of
harm, but in civil struggles, the most
civilized nations in all ages have en-
ployed more rigorous and bloody
means even than we have been COM
PEELED to adopt.
"And with reference to the execu-
tions of tho officers in the city Of
Juarez. there should be perceived not
any needless cruelty was visited upon
prisoners Of war, but merely such
punishment as was prescribed by the
law applicable to offenders against
the public peace and safety.
1.-THE Mexican people in the begin
ming of this civil struggle initiated by
Hon. Francisco /. Madero exhausted
all their power of clemency and for
giveness, but experienced as the only
results Of their magnanimity. tyranny
in their country's interior and the loss
Of prestige outside of its borders
"I want 70 insure the operation OF
the country. institutions and re-estab-
lish tranquility for all time by means
of definite ard effective restoration OF
the national organization.
Occarrrnces Exaggerated.
''The occurrences at the city OF
Juares were far from being invested