New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-06-18
VILLA EXPECTED TO
BENEFIT MEDIATION
More Amenable to Reason
than Carranza, Wash
ington Holds.
CLASH REPORTED BY
CONSULAR AGENTS
General Felipe Angeles Said To
Be Slated for First Chief
of the Revolution.

of the Revolution.
From The Tribune Bureau
Washington. June l7.-George c. Caroth-
ers, the American consular agent who has
been with Villa almost constantly for
many months and Is very close 10 the
rebel leader. has reported that the split
between Carranza and Villa is Of vital
seriousness.
The State Department advices declare
that the trouble started over Carranza's
refusal to leave Villa in full charge Of the
military operations. He appointed Gem
eral Natera as commander Of the troops
operating against Zacatecas This dis
pleased Villa. who demanded that he be
sent TO Zacatecas with his troops. Car
rama said that he might go, but II he did
II would be as subordinate 20 Natera'
Villa declared that ne would not accept
such a mission.
Then Carranza offered him the civil gov
ernorship OF Chihuahua. This Villa re-
fused ana said that he would do nothing
except take his troops south Of Zacateeas'
and that when he did he would be in
command Of all revolutionary forces
recognizing the leadership Of no other
military officer He threatened to resign
first. and Carranza accepted his resigna-
ton by telegraph.
Villas Strength Greater.
One telegram was received at the State
Department to-day which gave list OF
twelve or fourteen generals of the rebel
army who are supporters Of villa in the
existing factional fight Among the num-
Der were Felipe Angeles. one Of the ablest
and best known generals of Mexico, and
General Obregon, the Governor Of Sonora.
This message indicates that II It comes
to test of strength between Villa and
Carranza, Villa will have no difficulty in
getting the upper hand.
The pleasure of the administration, as
represented by q number Of officials in
various departments. over the apparent or
impending deposition Of Carranza was
quite apparent. For months Carranza's
attitude has been most unsatisfactory TO
the administration. Since May, when he
sent President Wilson a message object
ing to the occupation OF Vera Cruz, Car
rama has consistently refused 10 CO.
operate with this governments schemes
for adjusting the Mexican situation.
1t has also been observed that he has
played a double game, assuming an atti-
tude OF great dignity before the Mexican
people, defying the United States and re-
fusing to yield on many essential points
which this government presented, while
secretly endeavoring to win the govern
ment's favor In consequence, Carranza
has come to be looked upon with little
favor.
Villa Friendly to United States.
On the other hand, Villa has assumed
most friendly attitude toward the
United States. He has shown much COM
mon sense, 1t is declared, and in many i'm
portant things he has made every effort
70 reach an understanding with this gov
eminent on pending questions. II was
Villa, it is said, who made the arrange
ment for the restoration Of the millions Of
pesos worth Of cotton stolen from Spanish
subjects on payment Of tax at the rate
OF 10 pesos per bale, 25 per cent OF the
value. and II was also Villa who per-
mitted the Spaniards TO return to their
properties after they had been driven
from the country.
OF the two men the administration
favors villa. or that there is no question.
There is not even an attempt to conceal
the fact. That this change OF feeling has
been going on has been apparent for
some time. CarranZas unexpected de-
fance on the occasion Of the American
occupation of Vera Cruz was the begin
ming. Since then the feeling against him
has grown. and recently II has been indi-
Gated by hints that Villa is the genuine
patriot OF Northern Mexico and that Car
rama IL only a scheming politician.
A week or two ago rumors began to
float around Washington that the ad-
ministration had also ascertained that
Carranza was not wholly honest and that
he did great deal Of grating when ne
was Governor Of the State Of Coahuila-
Some OF these reports came from very
trustworthy sources
90. Mediation Would Benefit.
There is a possibility that the break
between Villa and Carranza will be an
advantage and will make the mediation
at Niagara Falls a success, Villa being
more amenable 10 reason than Carranza.
II Huerta can be induced TO retire. as II
is understood he has already agreed TO
do, villa might agree to accept the result
OF the mediation, which CarranEa will not
do. The United States would then accept
villa as the recognized leader. enter into
an agreement with him and Huerta, set
up a provisional government. see to 1t
that an election is held and recognize
and support the government so estab-
lished.
There is hope here that IL villa over
throws Carranza, as it is expected in some
quarters he will do. he will name Felipe
Angeles as first chief OF the revolution.