New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-06-28

EenTIng
Central Mexico, was personally acquainted with
General Panflo Natera. For two years he had
opportunity TO study the life of the Mexican peO-
pie and the Mexican situation. He witnessed hVe
battles and was in Mexico City during the recent
rioting subsequent to the capture OF vera cruz
by United States troops.
~ ENERAL PANFILO NATERA, whose ap-
pointment by Carranza to commander
in chief Of the central division OF the
rebel army has caused the final outburst
in the Villa-C arranza quarrel, is daily playing
more imoportant role in the Mexican situation
The next move of the Constitutionalist army Will
again bring this Indian chief into the limehght'
General Natera for over year has controlled
Central Mexico independently, and without his CO.
operation there can be no "on to Mexico by way
If Zacatecas without recognizing the authority
Of Natera Villa cannot capture this strategic
point. Upon Zacatecas is focused the attention
of the Consttutionalst leaders and upon the atti-
tude of Villa toward Natera hinges the outcome
o. the present maneuvres
The wonder is not that Natera was repulsed in
his recent attack upon Zacatecas but that he was
able to capture that city in June, 1913. Though
he was able to hold the city but short while, his
strategy in gaining an entrance at that time is
well worth mentioning.
CITY OF ZACATECAS. A PUNCH BOWL EN-
CIRCLED BY CLIFFS.
Zacatecas is a natural fortress. As if in the
centre Of an immense punch bowl, the city is en-
crcled by cliffs La Bufa, rugged bluff, towers
over the Governors palace and stands one thou
sand feet above the surrounding country. Upon
this cliff General Medina Barron has his
principal battery of modern French cannon. Op-
posite La Bufa, at the south end Of the city, is
cliff almost as high-La Guilla--on which are
placed other batteries hidden in the foliage and
protected by intrenchments. In the rear of both
batteries machine guns are mounted Between
La Buffa and La Guilla there is a bite in the side
Of the punch bowl-the only entrance to the city.
On either side Of this bite still batteries,
which, taken with the other batteries, make the
town almost impregnable General Barron has
under him $500 infantry and as many cayalrymen.
At San Luis Potosi Huerta has concentrated the
mass of his army, which can be quickly moved by
railroad to the relief of Zacatecas. 1t was rein
forcements from this source that dealt so hard a
blow to Natera in his recent attack on Zacatecas.
NATERAS CAPTURE OF THE CITY OF
ZACATECAS.
Despite odds Natera captured the city year
ego. There is a double explanation for this. The
FIRST is the fact of his strategy, which is almost
jionieal. He charged to the outskirts Of the town
~hu NlCtf cover OF tle LdlieI DullulhSS Noiiieu VI
mimic warfare. For two days he exploded dyna-
mite bombs and irecrackers, thus hoodwinking
the Federals into believing ne commanded an in
exhaustible supply Of ammunition. The enemy,
TO compete with the appalling noise exhausted
not only the greater part of their shells and
cartridges, but most Of their energy. Then it was
that Natera, fully equipped and fresh for the Fray
made his final charge. As is Characteristic Of
Mexican soldiers part of the Federal army evaeu-
sted, while part allied themselves with the victor
The second explanation for Natera's capture of
zaeateeas at that time is that the commander Of
the stronghold had then a less efficient artillery
and fewer troops.
Vennsti'nO carranza appointed NateFa TO his
present position for two reasons; First, because
u--saige Of Srtera, instead Of the ambitious