Evening star., 1914-04-09
lose VasconceIos Predicts
Rebel Victories Will Carry
Forces Into City of Mexico

Direct from the Mexican frontier. where
he has been with Gen. Carranza, the
rebel leader Jose Fasconceios brings au-
thentic information regarding the sl.ua-
ton about Torreon. explains why tne
Spanish were expelled from that con-
ouered city and predicts that the eonsu-
nationalist movement has acquired the
momentum that will carry it victorious
through the gates of Mexico City.
Mr.. yasconcelos is a lawyer of Mexico
City. He has many friends In WASH
fngton, having been stationed here as
confidential agent of Francisco Madero.
during the revolution in 1910 and 1911. He
was confidential agent of Carranza IN
England last summer and has recently
been with him on the frontier as legal
adviser He comes here from Juarez.
bringing confidential messages to consu-
tutionalist headquarters here and TO con-
suit with Carranza's agents.
'It is most absurd" said Mr.. Nascon-
celos, ITO think for moment that Gen.
Villa is not in possession of Torreon and
the surrounding country. He is not
only in control of that place, but has a
large column of cavalry pursuing the
retreating forces of Velasco. who IS max
ing the best of his way toward saltillo
Cites Huertistas' Claims.
'-At first the Huertistas claimed that
Torreon: next, that he had been permit
ted TO enter Torreon and had there been
trapped; afterward. that Velasco had pur-
posely permitted him to take possession
of the plaza in order that the Huertistas
might fortify the surrounding hills, there
by making his entire force prisoners, and
now they are insisting that Velasco's
flight eastward was a ruse to draw
Villa on in pursuit. The truth is that
the Huertista forces are disheartened
and demoralized. and the rank and file
will desert at the first opportunity Our
troops are well disciplined and armed,
and will be in a position to follow up
every victory as soon as certain necessary
plans are perfected.
1.-The degree of order maintained In
Torreon after its capture by Gen Villa
should be sufficient answer to the lurid
criticisms which have been hurled at
that officer by irresponsible persons
who know nothing of the facts. Lie
and property are as safe in Torreon to-
day as in any American town on the
border, and do not think that you will
hear of a single complaint from for
eigners, excepting those Spaniards
who. despite repeated warnings. insist
ed on giving material aid and support
to the enemy. These Spaniards enter
tain a tenacious hatred and opposition
to any movement looking to reforms,
and have generally contributed In
money and supplies toward resisting
the constitutionalist cause. As COM
mon enemy. therefore. Gen. Villa could
not afford to leave them IN his rear.
and consequently decided to expel them
during the tendency of hostilities.
Law Sanctions Expulsion.
1t shocld b borne in mind that the
Mexican constitution provides for the
expulsion. under certain circumstances,
Of undesirable aliens. and their deporta-
ton, therefore, Is sanctioned by law,
and tho Spaniards knew this law when
they came to Mexico Their property
viii not be confiscated, although, of
course. some of the products of their
largo estates may be employed for mill
tary purposes, for which they will be
paid in due course in case they have
really committed no overt act in favor
Of the enemy. If / am not mistaken,
there were quite a number of deporta-
lions Of foreigners during the American
civil war probably for the same cause
that inspired Gen. villa to adopt his
present course.
"The people Of the northern states of
Mexico. and. indeed. everywhere where
our forces penetrate. are as a unit in
favor Of the cause, giving it the most
generous support possible under the
circumstances.
''Wo all entertain a very high appreci-
alton Of the distinterested and unselfish
attitude Of the American government In
respect 10 the present struggle, because
we realize the great pressure in favor Of
Intervention which has been inspired on
the part Of those who seek to profit by
it. AL we desire IS fair treatment and
l am pleased to say that We are getting
1t. And with this fair treatment the
headquarters Of our forces will before
long be established in the National