New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-11-01
Aqua Prieta Twill Be His
if He Has to Fight Whole
American Army"
NO PROTECTION
FOR FOREIGNERS
Invaders Mass for Attack as
Carranza Garrison, Reinforced.
Takes to the Trenches.

Douglas, Ariz., Oct. 3l.-Villa troops
invading Sonora arrived to-day within
striking distance OF Aqua Prieta. oppo-
site here. and the expected attack
against the Csrranza garrison appar-
emily Is a matter of hours. Advance
cavalry Of the invaders halted late to-
day three and half miles east of
Aqua Prieta. General Gales, the Car
rama commander, began to send men
TO the trenches at o'clock this after
noon. At the same time the Nilistas
started TO place artillery in position.
General Francisco Villa. who arrived
at the international border several
miles further east few hours earlier,
talked with Americans across the
boundary and announced that he in
tended TO attack the Mexican town,
regardless Of any action United States
troops might take.
"If necessary, / will fight the United
States army assembled along the bor-
der" he said. General Villa learned for
the first time this afternoon that per-
mission had been given General Car
rama by the United States government
TO move troops through American ter
lltbAA " ltlll4O4Nt NHN -iEN o AANN"
garrison.
Four Carranza troop trains arrived
tonight, bringing the fighting strength
of the Carranza garrison to approx
mately 5000 men.
Villa, according TO reliable estimates.
has 10000 soldiers. He claims 10 have
$4,000. 1t is expected that Villa will
open the engagement as quickly as pos
sible, because Of the condition of his
men, thousands Of whom were thirsty
tonight in positions far from wa
ter and with scant supplies of food.
This was learned from Villa himself
and from three Mexican ranchmen who
arrived here tonight. stripped of all
they possessed. Il is believed Villa
contemplates moving his main body
into position some time during the
night, following one of his favorite
plans.
The main body of Villa soldiers
formed a juncture with their advance
troops at the Gallardo ranch. about
eighteen miles south Of Aqua Prieta.
The attacking army then started for
ward for the final advance on the Car
rama defences.
Cavalry Advance Halts.
Colonel Florencio Diaz. commanding
approximately ! 800 cavalry. preceded
the invaders at the Gallardo ranch aud
halted his forces Just beyond range o.
the guns of General Gales.
Bricadier General Thomas +. DAVIS,
in command of the United States troops
intrenched just north of the Mexican
line. made a careful inspection Of his
men and their positions. He also kept
a close watch Of the Mexican military
movements plainly TO be seen from the
American side of the border.
Thousands of spectators witnessed
during the afternoon the first ilring IN
cident to the expected attack. A horse
man. believed to have been a Carranza
spv. suddenly broke away from the
Villa column and raced for his life amid
shower Of bullets for the beleagured
Mexican town.
Several of the Villa soldiers went in
pursuit. firing as they rode, but the
man reached Aqua Prieta, apparently
uninjured
Food and Rest in Douglas.
Aqua Prieta will be mine asserted
Villa, as his cavalry marched into posi-
ton, Americans or no Americans
Pointing his finger toward the town,
he added: "There is food and rest for
our men. We may have to fight the
whole American army if necessary; bu:'
no matter. it will be ours
when >" he was asked.
81 know" was the reply.
Suddenly Villa asked again If 1t were
true that the United States govern
ment had permitted General Carranza
TO transport reinforcements over
American territory. He then said: