Evening star., 1914-01-23
WANT us. TROOPS
IN MEXICO CAPITAL
Would Guard Americans When
Collapse of Huerta
Regime Comes.
PRESIDENT IS BELIEVED
TO OPPOSE SUCH ACTION
Rebels and Federals Are COncentrat-
ing for Decisive Battle at
Torreon.

the part of certain persons is being car
ried on in Washington to influence the
administration to send an armed force
to Mexico City for the protection of
Americans and foreigners when the ex-
pected collapse of the Huerta regime
comes, was the information gained from
all apparently authentic source. 1t is
said that this move is being suggested
not as an Intervention step. but on the
grounds of safety.
President Wilson is believed in we'll
informed circles to be against any such
step. 1t is pointed out that Mexico City
has changed hands several times in its
history without any rioting and looting.
the danger of which is being advanced
as a reason for sending in American
troops.
1t Is a well known fact that many army
and navy officers in Washington have be-
lieved for some time that army inter
vention by the United States in Mexico
will come ultimately. Although 1t has not
been suggested that these officers want
intervention. It is said that their talk
has Influenced some people to believe in
Intervention.
Precedents for Action.
1t is not believed here that the Huerta
government would consent to an armed
American force being sent to Mexico City
for any purpose whatever, but would
regard this as an act of intervention.
There are plenty of precedents for such
a step in other countries, the foreign le-
CATION guards in China being the most
notable.
Otto Winter. an American ranch man
ager, reported to be in danger of death
with Mexican federal soldiers encamped
on his property near Nuevo Laredo, is
well and safe. according to a report re-
ceived at the War Department today
from Col A. P. Blockson. Sd Cavalry.
Col. Biockson sent word that Winter is
now at Laredo. Tex. and was host at din
ner to Gen. Alvarez. the federal COM
mander. last Tuesday night At the re-
quest of Secretary Bryan, Secretary Gar
rison had requested that Winter be pro-
tected.
Mexican federal soldiers at Tampfco,
Monterrey Laredo and other places are
deseft1ng rapidly. and In some places they
have received no pay for forty-five days,
according to word received here today
1asm Col nea pesss sa nsns1s ssss, is
IN rlfe taSt fffteeu days, he said.
He also telegraphed that the Indians OF
the state Of Puebla are in arms against
Huerta again, and that the state Of Vera
Bernardo Calero, brother of the last
Mexican ambassador to the United States
has been captured personally by Col
Romero, he sent word, and is now await
ing trial by a military court. He was
travelling under an assumed name when
taken. according to Col. Romero.
Preparing for Battle.
CHIHUAHUA, Mexico, January 23-
Rebels and federals today were concen-
trating their forces for a decisive battle
at Torreon-a battle that is expected to
decide whether Gen. Villa can push on
into the central and southern states with
his victorious army from the north. Villa
sent several more troop trains south to-
day. He thus far has succeeded In adj
vancing without resistance the bulk of
his army to Jiminez, half way to Tor
reon.
There is every indication that the
Huerta government is preparing to make
a desperate resistance at Torreon. risk
prevent Villas 49, coo victorious men from
advancing farther in the direction ofa
Mexico City. Gen. Refugio Valasco, fed
eral commander at Torreon, has ad-
vanced his forces northward to Bernie
jillo and Napimi. along the railroad. 1t Is
believed that Valasco has been reinforced
by troops from garrisons to the east and
south.
Villa, in disposing his troops prepara
tory to the battle. today planned to send
large detachments south of Torreon, to
cut off the retreat of the federals to Mex
leo City.