The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-04-04

men of whom 1900 were killed or
wounded. Velasco left in the military
! hospital 200 wounded. When the re-
bells entered the place they found only
attendance. She said that the other
| nurses followed the army when 1t
evacuated the city.
The patients were in a high state of
anxiety for they had been told that
Villa took no prisoners. They were
reassured by H. S. Cunard-Cummins,
the British vice consul, at Gomez Pal
acio, who entered the hospital, first,
stepping over bodies Of the wounded
| who had died there. The air was
foul with the odor of dried blood.
The British vice consul announced
that Villa had assured him none OF
the wounded would be harmed. At
this those who had the strength raised
themselves on their elbows from pal
let's on the floor and from their cots
and cried feebly. "Viva Villa"
The nurse was soothing a dying pa
tient who with his last breath Joined
the cheering and then sank back
dead.
Under American Protection.
Persons, who said they were wit
nesses, declared that velasco sum-
marily executed three Spaniards
whom he accused of firing on his
troops. The wife of one of these,
Lotero Lopez, attempted to shield her
| nu8O4uQ ana tn0 6tlIQS 0AAlCI hllCu
them both. Three hundred and fifty
Spaniards, Including women and cirfif
dren, took refuge in q bank building
under the protection of American
Consul Ulmer. who remained in town
throughout the battle.
So far the insurgents have shown
no disposition to harm these Span
iar6ls who are known to have remain
ed neutral. Other foreigners includ-
ing 55 Chinese, Syrians and Austrians,
and 100 Americans were unharmed SO
far as could be learned today.
It was reported General Velasco
himself was wounded, but this report,
like the one that he went insane in
the trenches, could not be confirmed
and the impression prevails now that
he is still at the head of his troops.
Two federal generals were killed and
three wounded. 1t is said that
velasco's retreat was brought about
by his losses in the night assaults by
rebels. Indications are that his SOL
diers. worn out by the prolonged
fighting and fearful Of the crue!ties
which they were told Villa practiced
on the wounded and prisoners, were
on the verge Of mutiny. In the course
Of the house to house fighting, rebels
and federals frequently come within
talking distance of each other and in
some cases got on such friendly terms
that they ceased firing entirely.
eSeSAAAAS<~>As
In most Of these cases the federals
were persuaded to remain when
Velasca retreated and will be enrolled
under the rebel banner.
At least a fortnight will be required
to reOrganize the army before the ex-
pected campaign against Saltillo and
Monterey can be made. Rebel leaders
are awaiting news of the political ef-
feet of their victory on Mexico City
arc Washington.
orfi11nrv d1InoTtnR
to that of the rebels, many OF whose
shells proved defective.
Villa was the very soul of the bat
tie. His spirit animated everything.
When things were going wrong. he
would gallop along the battle line
encouraging or reprimanding as the
individual case required.
"Well DONE" he said to the gunner
whose shell had fallen true.
Men like you will redeem Mexico.
he complimented a wounded man who
remained in the firing line.
what. boy, do you find the dancing
floor too rough?" he chided soldier
who, on some pretext, was making for
the rear.
Villa was in his headquarters at
Gomez Palacio Thursday night when
TCrreon fell. Almost up to the hour
of the federal flight he could see the
had telegraphed for bigger cannon,
f. r it seemed as if his artillery was in
adequate to dislodge the enemy from
their position in Huarache.
villa Has Left Torreon.
Juarez, April 4.-The opinion that
General Villa intends to take every
advantage of the defeat of the Federals
at Torreon was expressed here today.
1t was based on the intelligence. fn-
cially announced, that Villa had left
suddenly for San Pedro to take per-
sonal charge Of rebel troops reported
to have participated in an encounter
with the fleeing federa1s. The depart
ure of Villa from Torreon prevented
the promised telegraphic conference
with General Carranza by which 1t had
been expected to gain detailed infor-
nation concerning the closing days of
reOn.
Mrs. stevens Seriously Ill.
Portland, Me-, April Mrs. Lillian