The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1914-09-26
DISAVOWS LEADER.

has telegraphed Gen. Carranza dis
avOwing the latter as first chief of the
cOnstitutionalist army in charge Of the
executive power in Mexico. This was
announced In telegram from Gen.
Carranza tonight to the constitutional
ist agency here.
i Gen. Villa at the same time an
nounccd that neither he nor his dele
gates would participate in the national
convention called for October at
Mexico City to nominate provisional
president.
The exchange Of kilograms resulted
from Gen. Carranzas order to sus-
pend railroad communication between
Aguas Calientes and Torreon until he
could learn whether or not Gen. OBJ
regOn, commander of the division Of
the northeast, was held under arrest
by Villa.
After receiving q long message from
Carranza. Rafael Zubaran. head Of the
constitutionalist agency at the Mex
lean embassy, gave out a statement in
which he said:
Contrary to Villas denial that he
had arrested Gen. Obregon. the latest
official reports from Mexico City to.
day make clear that he is still beine
held in the territory controlled by
Villas forces. In view Of this un-
justifiable act on Villas part. Car
rama took precautionary measures to
protect the railroads. giving orders to
discontinue temporarily service to the
north Of Aguas Calientes. Thereupon
Villa asked the first chief for an i'm
mediate explanation Of this act. Car
rama answered that before he would
vouchsafe an explanation. he demand
cd on Villas part an explanation Of
Villas conduct in unwarrantably
holding Gen. Obregon.
Instead Of giving to Carranza a
satisfactory explanation, Villa inform
ell the first chief that he had given
orders to halt Obregon at TOrreon,
and that the forces under Villas COM
mand would not be represented at
the national convention to be held in
Mexico City October 1. In conclusion
Villa said he no longer recognized
Crrranza as the first chief Of the con-
stitutionalists."
This sudden break between the two
foremost factors in Mexico's politics
tcaused profound sensation here.
Secretary Bryan would make no COM
ment and White House officials were
silent.
1t was generally understood, how"
ever. that President Wilson, who has
set no date for the departure of
American forces from Vera Cruz.
probably would delay the evacuation
until the controversy was adjusted.
Official reports from various points
/ Mexico today had pictured the sit
uation as ominous
During the day Paul Fuller, who
has had personal conferences with
both Villa and Carranza for the Wash
ington government, reported at length
to President Wilson nd Secretary
Bryan. Mr.. Fuller is understood to
nave explained to Carranza that the
American government desired to sec
provisional government set up which
would be recognized by all factions
and only such government would be
accorded recognition.
( well Informed officials seemed to
think the cause of the rupture be-
tween CarranZa and Villa was Villas
disa approval of Caranza's system Of
representation for the national con-
vention. Villa opposes Carranza's can
didacy.
Just what the American govern
ment would do i'm the present emer-
gency was not clear tonight. Some
oiiicials were confident the friction
would not result in second revolu-
ton because Of the strength Of Villas
army. They thought compromise
might he arranged and it was not GER
tain whether the United States would
intcrpose its influence or wait develop
Inents
villa agents today sent several car
loads OF war munitions, as well rs
troops, to assist Gov. Maytorcna Of
sonora. who is i'm open revolt AGAINST
'arranHa This was followed later.
according to reports received here by