Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-10-08
FEDERALS TAKE CITY
WITHOUT FIRING SHOT
Provisional Capital of Consti-
tutionaIists CapituIated
When Troops Appear.

PIEDRAS NEGHAS. Mex. October 81
Without firing shot, federal soldiers
took possession Of Piedras Negras. erst-
while provisional capital Of the constitu-
tionalsts, late yesterday and ended the
victorious march of the government army
under Gen. Mas. through the state OF
Coahuiia, the home of Venustiano Carran-
"a, revolutionary commander-in-chief
Except for four stragglers who were cut
down by federal cavalry while they were
attempting to escape across the border
all of the constitutionalist troops in
approach of the government army. They
were not pursued.
The federals were sighted shortly after
noon on a hilltop two miles south OF
the city. Cannon were planted and when
all was ready for battle a cavalry troop
was sent over the hill and into thu city
Meantime. the handful of constitution.
alists had shouldered arms and marched
away.
The federal advance guard. encountering
no resistance. drove through the Al
ameda to the deserted constitutionalist
administration building in parade forma.
ton and took possession. Last night the
city was policed by troopers and there has
been no footing.
Panic Among Residents -
While the constitutionalists were
leaving panic prevailed among the resi-
dents. who made a rush for the inter-
national bridge. The quarantine estab-
lished by the city of Eagle Pass be-
cause OF the prevalence OF smallpox
here and in the surrounding country
was raised In part. and several thou
mitted to GROSS the boundary. They.
however. were marched under guard Of
United States troops to quarantine
camps outside Eagle Pass.
Before marching his men from Pie
alist commander ordered the people of
the oity assembled IN the public square
and pleaded with them to remain loyal
to the rebel cause, promising that fed
eral rule would be short lived. The
evacuation OF the city, he said. was
part Of plan to cut OFF Gen. Mas
from his base of supplies and. when
this was accomplished. to attack the
federals. The main body of the revolu-
tionary forces is reported to be con-
centrating at San Juan, thirty miles
south of the border.
Reports About Rebels Conflict.
Reports as to the status of the revolu-
tionary movement are conflicting. Some
dispatches indicate that the rebel army
is badly scattered and broken In spirit,
while others are that the several bands
are still intact and marching toward a
common point to- reform and renew the
campaign.
Monciova 'and cuatro c3enegas, in the
central part of the state Coahuiia, are
still under rebel rule. it is understood,
while private adviees received at Laredo,
Tex, report that the important city Of
TorreOn. in the southern part OF the state
has been taken by the constitutionaiists
Leaders Whereabouts Unknown.
The whereabouts Of the constitutionalist
leader is unknown. Venustiano Car
rama, who was governor Of Coahuila
when he proclaimed q revolution against
the government Of President Huerta. left
Piedras Negras three months ago. osten-
sibly to take command Of the rebel forces
mobilized In the vicinity OF Torreon.
From that point he went westward into
the state Of Sonora A number of his
lieutenants, including Jesus Carranza, his
brother, and second in command, re-
NAMED in Piedras Negras until 2 few
days ago. when they left. presumably to
direct their troops In a battle at Peyotes.
twenty-five miles south Of the border.
though no battle was fought.
United States military authorities. at
Eagle Pass will make immediate repre-
to insure protection of life and property
here until reorganization of municipal
government
For the time being no one is permitted
to cross the international bridge from
Eagle Pass into Mexico.