Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-12-30
RENEWAL OF FIGHTING
IN 0JINAGA TRENCHES
Constitutional Troops Are Buoyed by
Their Decisive Victory.
Won Last Night.
GARRISON TROOPS IN PANIC
Rush to American Side, Following
the Battle Checked by U. S.
Border Patrol-Situation
Critical.


PRESlDlO. Tex, December 20
between Mexican fed
erals and constituencies At
OJinaga, Mexico, was resumed
this morning. The rebels ad-
vanced upon the federal trenches.
where the remnant of Huerta's
army III northern Mexico had
taken refuge after its disastrous
defeat of last night.
desultory fire was opened bv the
rebels, who appeared within sight of the
village i'm increased numbers, which in-
dIcated that the rebel forces intended to
push the fight right into the federal
stronghold and put a decisive end TO the
conflict The federals had retreated 80
the innermost trenches apparently with
out hope of repulsing the attacking force
Only few shots came from the Hueria
lines III the early stages OF todays
fighting.
As viewed from the American side tn.
situation of the federals seemed desper-
ate. AS they had no ground for farther
retreat. except across the river, unlees
they should try the hazardous alternative
of a forced march into the state OF Co2-
hula.
Death for Federal Commanders.
Gen. Ortesa, commanding the const-
tttfonalists, had received orders to show
no mercy to captured fedefals. and 10
summary execute Gems. Salazar. Orozco.
Rojas and -Alanis. commanding volun-
teers. it was said.
United States cavalry was patrolline
the border again today. watchiQS for any
federal who might attempt To cross to
the American side. On account of the
situation Of Ojinaga. with reference I"
the American town, no firing across tn.
border is feared
The federals sent messengers across
the river this morning with messages for
the war department at Mexico City.
1t was reported that Ortega had been
reinforced. SO that the attacking army
outnumbered the defenders.
Federals Dazed by Defeat.
Dazed and demoralized by their first
disheartening encounter with the rebel
forces eleven Mexican federal generals
and the residue of their army that had
escaped defeat we're crouched today In
the trenches at Ojinaga, Mex, uncertain
whether they should put up a resistance
against another attempt or scatter in
disorder.
Meanwhile United States troops on this
side OF the river were scouting the border
for any federals who might have crossed
during the night and to check any general
r;,ch across the river as seemed imminent
last night when. during a panic in the
af fedcr2lS
leaped into the river.
The situation was regarded as critical
both because il appeared to hold the
fate of the federal army and because u
threatened a general rush across the
river of all the federal troops should the
rebels close in.
Within the coniiness Of the village We're
all that remained of the northern diNf-
sion of Huerta 5 army. About them on
the hills are the advance guard OF Gen
Ortegas rebel army and stun fafthef
back the rest of the rebels. All are
moving under. instructions from Gen.
Villa to externinate the enemy III pos
sible.
Federals Unable to Resist.
After last nights rout. in which they
were SO completely disorgaiized that
many crossed TO the American side or
were shot dead for mutiny at their Of
ficers' feet on the Mexican side, the fed
erals apparently were then in no position
to maintain a fighting front. Upon the
ability of the generals 10 rally their
soldiers probably depends whether the
Huerta army is TO keep or lose Is last
foothold in the northern part of Mexico.
The result Of the first attack by the
rebels as summed up early today was:
300 rebels who had been advancing
for more than week from Chlhuahua
city had reached La Mula pass, canyon
eading from the interior to Ojinaga At
the pass about eighteen miles from
Ojinaga, they opened ire on and defeated
the few federal outnosts. The i,oDo fed
erals hemmed III at Ojinaga had bcen
in discord due TO the Withholding OF
their pay and TO guarrels among the reg
uars and the voluntee;s :. The news of
the rebel approach had caused increas-
ing anxiety, but when the firing Was
heard il caused absolute terror.
about 5t0 federals. carrying their
guns, last night jumped into the river
to seek safety on the American side.
OF this number at least 100 were
driven back before they got out Of the
water Another 100 were captured BY
Mai McNamee. commanding officer.
These were dsarmed. marched up to
the town of Presidio and then forced
back to the Mexican side.
A few Of those who had been wound
cd were taken in charge by DIR. Buru-
side army surgeon. They reported that
some of the federals had been killed
None of the federal officers came
across so far as was known.
Confusion Within Fortifcations.
The greatest confusion rciGned
among the federals who were still kept
within the Notifications and trenches
of Ojinaga. The men fatty refused 10
fight All army ranks and divisions
were ignored, and the whole garrison
was as a mob. Every man for him
SELF was the attitude of the soldiers.
The generals stood firm, endeavoring
to present a gallant front. Gen. Salaxar