The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-04-07
VILLA MAY LOSE TORREON.
federais said 10 Have 1900 Troops
Wear city Recently Captured.

WAsHiNcroN. April "a possible cx-
Government that the contest at Torreon
Is not yet ut an end was received here
to-day in dispatches from Rear Admiral
Fletcher II is now indicated that another
conflict is impending which II will be
necessary for Villa 10 win in order to re-
tain possession of Torreon.
According to Admiral Fletchers re-
ports the Federals placed 5000 fresh
troops within striking distance Of Tor
reon yesterday These troops approach
from the east and are expected to effect
Junction with those of Gen. Velasco who,
with about 5000 men. made toward Sal
ullo, whence the reenforcements come,
. .pon his evacuation OF Torreon last FRI
day.
II is known that villa sent a consid-
cradle force to pursue velasco and later
joined the pursuing force in person. Moth
ing has come from Torreon to Indicate
the result of this expedition beyo nd the
statement that Nelascos retreat was not
as disorderly as had been supposed and
mat he was in condition to fight any
pursuing force which might come up with
him. Army officers here believe that he
viii he found to have taken a strong Do
sItion there to await the reenforcements
now said to have reached the vicinity OF
Torreon.
Ihe Admlral's information is that Gen.
'sNler de Moure left San Pedro de las
Colonias, town about twenty five miles
cast OF Torreon for the latter city on Sat
urdiy last with 1000 Federals and pro-
Ntions for thirty days. He is now said
" De III the vicinity of Torreon. His ar
HNal near Torreon is reported by Admiral
fletcher to have been simultaneous with
VIC arrival OF Gen. MASS with LOO Fed
erals at san Pedro, Seven trainloads OF
federals are also reported en- route 10
sun Pedro.
" these reports arc correct the Fed
'ais now have near Torrcon a total OF
more than 5000 men with more on the
Va! from the east
Great Conflict Impe ndiug.
~ IS assumed that Gen. Velasco find
me himself beng driven from his posi-
IONS IN the city of Torreon, concluded il
vas better to withdraw and attempt a
Junction with the reentorcements he knew
'' De ON the way rather than let villa
"hlillite the Federal forces piecemeal.
The three bodies of Federal troops re-
ported ~ participating in this movement
near lorreon are probably equal to the
available forces Of villa in that region.
u is regarded AZ inevitable, IL the reports
"' itderal movements are authentic. that
tnero will he another great conflict just
eastward of Torreon. should villa prove
IN weaker in this second struggle lie will
nave 10 retire from Torreon and engage
. " second conflict for the city.
The statements emanatng from the
iiu'rta Government, both in Mexico city
"ul from IT'S embassy here are now at
1 hu,ed 10 the desire OF the Federals "a
present news OF their operations from
reaching villa through the United States
last Wsh, Charge d'Affa.res Algara is
tu'd a statement calling upon the Ameri
ga public not to BE- misled by rebel re-
ports and insisting that the Federais
reid th" key To tn. situation" about Tor
con and that the final result OF the opera
ona IA that region would be satisfactory
" n" iuerts Government.