Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1913-12-02
HUERTA LEAVES
ON SECRET TRIP
Rumors That He Had Fled
Run Riot Until Return
From Nearby Farm
WILSON PLEASED
WITH PROGRESS
Rebels Move on Chihuahua
With 1000 Men; Wilson
Is Much Pleased

Mexico City, Mex, Dec. 1.-Provlsl'
onal President Huerta, whose dlsap-
pearance from the federal capital gave
rise to many rumors today, returned
this afternoon. He had been paying
visit on a farm in the vicinity. The
city of Torreon which has long been
in the hands of the rebels is about to
be retaken by federals under General
Jose Refugio Velasco, according to dis
patches received today by the war de-
partment The federal troops are
said to have encountered little opposi-
ton in their advance on the city and
are reported to be now within few
miles of the place. The military
authorities say the reoccupation OF
Torreon will be a great blow to the
revolution as the city is the key to
operations in four states. 1t Is on the
border of the state of Coahuila.
General Velasco has been instructed
to move at once on the city of Durango
after taking possession of Torreon.
To Attack Chihuahua.
Juarez, Mex, Dec. 1.-General Fran
cisco Villas advance army OF $500
rebels which is moving to attack Chi
huahua City, 225 miles south of Juarez,
today reached a point 63 miles from
the border. They were forced to de-
train there because Of the destruction
of the railroad. Preparations were
made at once to march overland to the
state capital.
Another train carrying 1000 rebels
was made ready here for the journey
south.
:. General. Villa said today. that, before
reaching Chihuahua, he expects to be
reinforced by General Manuel Chao
and Juan Cortinas who we're reported
advancing from Torreon. Unless this
movement is intercepted Villa said he
hoped to rally/at least 1000 men to
attack the 5000 federals said to be gar
risoned in the capital.
The last reports from Chihuahua
City which has been under siege for
two weeks were that the cathedral had
been converted into fort. breast
works of sand bags having been built
on the roof which overlooks the sur
rounding country.
Entertainments aided by artillery
guard the approaches and loop holes
adorn the walls of many houses.
Advices received here say that the
federal government has commandered
all provisions in the city and they
are being issued to civilians.
Wilson is Pleased.
Washington, D. c., Dec. 1-Presid
Wilson told callers today that the
Mexican factions seemed to be running
things in a very interesting way at
present and that no development was
contemplated SO far as the United
States was concerned. His visitors
believed he had in mind the increasing
number of constitutionalist victories
and the rapidly diminishing zone OF
control Of the Huerta government.
William Bayard Hale, who talked
with General Carranza and the consti-
tutionalist chiefs at Nogales, returned
here today and will see the president
late today or tomorrow.
Officially nothing was known at the
white house concerning the visit of
Querido Moheno. the Mexican foreign
minister to Vera Cruz. He has not
conferred with John Lind, according to
information here today.
The policy of the American govern
ment continues to be one of waiting,
while the financial blockade weakens
the resources Of the Huerta regime
and the constitutionalists press for
ward their vigorous campaign.
William Bayard Hale conferred with
Secretary Bryan as a preliminary to
his conference with President Wilson.