The Washington times., 1913-12-10
HUERTA'S ARMY IN
LAST:D|TCH FIGHT
Refugees, Money-Laden, Cross
Line Into Texas. And Are
Housed BY Americans.

Ell PASO. Tex. Dec. l0.--Without
food. with little ammunition, and worn
with a march of 100 miles across tne
worst OF Mexican deserts, the entire
federal army of Northern Mexico. un-
der Generals Mercado. Salazar. Orozco,
and Caraveo. is at Ojinaga today, max
ing It's last stand against the forces os
General Panchc Villa, the constitution
alist Leader OF tie north. Carranzistas
numbering more thar 1900, who have
been following the federals from FaIo-
mir, alread" are attacking the ren-
nsnts of Huerta's power in the north,
and the conflict appears unequal
General SGlazar, the first Of the fed
s-al commanders to reach Ojinaga- was
in communication with Mexico City yes
terday, and il is said he was ordered to
make the most desperate fight possible
TO hold the snail eastern town Of the
fcderalls. General Mercado entered the
town later ano began preparations tor
q battle.
Terror has seized all the refugees who
came across the desert with Mercado.
snd as rapidly as they can get to the
American side they are rushing across.
Until dark last night only a few hun
dred had crossed, hut all are getting
away from OJinaga.
Pursued Across Desert.
For more than forty miles across the
desert the fleeing federals. who, with
more than a thousand refugees, had
sought safety in flight from Chihuahua,
we're forced to fight back a rebel force
of $500 sent by General Villa TO harass
them. The rebels are besieging Ojinsga.
To escape the terrors of a siege and
the dangers of battle. the thousand
or more wealthy Mexicans who accom-
panied General Mercado and his army
american side with all possible haste
I ne CROSSING has been tedious. certain
toTmalities bei2g necessary before Gen.
Pascual Orozco and Gen. Ynez Salazar,
HEo have been placed in charge of
the border situation by General Saliva
Ger. will permit the Mexicans to seek
refuge On the American side.
In Presidio. Tex. the town across tho
Rio Grande from OiinaEa. are gathered
Americans from FL Paso. Maria and the
Dorder towns between. all intent on CIV
Ing such aid as may Nbe necessary to
the refugees. Also there is a strong
force of American soldiers to prevent
the Mexican soldiers from crossing and
10 protect the American interests In
Presidio.
To safeguard the fleeing Mexicans and
in anticipation of trouble in Ojinaga,
captain Going, commanding the Ameri-
request to Captain Mitchell, at Maria,
Tor reinforcements. All American troops
at Marathon. Tex, have been ordered
10 Presidio. and the Maria detachment
10 being sent there tonight.
Federals Enter Ojinaga.
The first federals to enter OjInaga
were those of General Ynez SaIazar,
who had been defeated by Villas men
In the battle opposite Ysleta, Tex, in
the attack on Juarez. SalaZar estab-
lished the provisional government of
Chihuahua at Ojinaga and was Joined
by the forces of Orozco, Rojas and
Caraveo.
Following some miles behind was the !
personal bodyguard of General Mercado, |
and with Mercado was General Luis
Terrazas the Chihuahua millionaire,
walking and unable to keep pace with
The younger and sturdier refugees Gen.
eral Terrazas had several automobiles
when he left Chihuahua, but these were
destroyed when Mercado burned the
troop trains at Falomtr, and the only
are those filled with the silver which
Terrazas brought from chihuahua and
with what food the caravan was able
10 carry with II.
Hunger stalks in OjinaGa. More than
400 federal troops are there. wanting
10 eat. Hundreds OF refugees still are
there whose condition is much worse
than that Of the soldiers. for they are
net accustomed 20 doing without ne
Cessities- What food was brought IN
~ the troops has been used by them |
None OF IL has gone to the refugees.
Will Send Food.
Permission vas given b. Captain /
Going for food to be sent across to |
the civilians in Ojinaga, but the re-
strictions TO prevent smuggling Of
ammunition are strict and the passing
az supplies IL slow.
Refugees who have reported 70 |
americans have been Immediately
taken IN charge by American relief ,
iy loaded down with money, but IN
Ojinaga their money was useless and
in Preside is free to the refugees.
The federals are fOrtifying Ujinaea
and preparing for the battle which al
ready has started. Within sight in
OF General Herrera. For forty miles
they have been pursuing and annoy
ing the fcdcTals. forcing the rear
;;uard Of the retreating army to fight
uieIE back every mile of the tryIn.r
Journey. Now the rebels are prepar-
M: to complete the work which Villa
did below Juarez.
Cen. Eugenioa Benevidas. COM
landing the cOnstitutionalist force:
IN Juarez, received dispatches last
hight which had beer sent by couriers
- Maria sayinG that the forces o.
General Herrera were on the out
skirts of OJinaga and as soon as tie
non batants have had sufficiert
tine TO escape 20 the American side
he would begin a general attack OH
the combined federal forces. General |
t1neNidas is advised that the federals |
are without sood and munition, |
ano are detected and dishea rtened