The Tabor independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1913-19??, 1915-11-04
BORDER BATTLE IS
OPENED BY VILLA
With 1000 Men Northern Reb-
ell Leader Attacks Carran-
"a Garrison of 5000
at Aqua Prieta.

Douglas, Ariz.. Nov. Villa moved
his entire force. estimated at about TO-
900 men. under cover Of a dense haze
of the Douglass copper smelters smoke.
The first clash occurred about three
miles east Of Aqua Prieta.
The advancing main body Of the
Villa army came in contact with the
Carranza forces defending Aqua Prize
IA, the Mexican border town opposite
here. at 9:45 this morning. The Car
rama outposts opened fire on the ad-
Vanctng Villa troops and then fell
PACK 10 the trenches surrounding the
Mexican town.
Villas troops had reached a point on
the west side of Aqua Prieta at noon.
thus completely encircling the town
and demand was reported to have
been made on General Gales for a sur
render by 2 y. m.
Gales troops remained Inactive in
the trenches, although the Villa troops
were in plain view Of Aqua Prieta.
"Sure Mike" Says Villa.
General Villa himself with four Of
ficers came to the American line to get
the bearings Of the boundary line.
DO you expect to take Aqua Prieta
today?" a United States army staff
officer asked.
Sure, Mike" replied Villa. grinning
broadly. 1t was the only English he
spoke. United States army officers do
not believe, however, he intends to at
tack in earnest until tomorrow.
In Spanish Villa inquired where the
United States intended to hold Cen
eral Gales garrison at Aqua Prieta in
view Of the fact that the American gov
eminent had recognized Carranza and
assisted reinforcements in reaching
General Gales.
He was assured that the American
forces in the trenches facing the pros
pective Mexican battle would treat
both sides alike. There must be no fir
ing across the line, he was told.
Gets Sight Of United States Guns.
Villa said he did not intend firing
across the line, for this reason he
wanted to get his bearings on the
boundary.
Villas main body started from Gal
lardo pass. II miles east, before day
light. In line several miles long they
proceeded foot, horse and artillery to-
ward the Mexican town with the adj
vance and flank guards that had de-
ployed in wide semi circle from the
east to the south Of Aqua Prieta, draw
ing closer into the main body
General Villa, himself, accompanied
the cavalry which covered the right
flank on the border.
All along the line of march the Villa
troops passed lines Of trenches a short
distance from the border. The trenches
were filed with United States troops,
where machine guns were in hidden
positions.
Refugees from Aqua Prieta are ex-
pected to come across the line this aft
ernoon should the battle begin before
that time.
Dawn disclosed the forces of Gen.
Francisco Villa had moved closed to
Aqua Prieta during the night for their
expected attack on the Carranza garri-
son. commanded by General P. Elias
Gales. The night passed quietly, no
clashes being reported. and the con-
tending forces remaining in the same
relative position.
Early In the day United States SOL
die-s began digging trenches we'll in
side the line already constructed. They
are so situated az to control the eastern
end OF Aqua Prieta as well as the adj
vancing right wing OF Villas army. 1t
was understood these trenches were
for emergency use in the event Of ger
ious fighting across the border endan-
gering Americans and the possibility
OF their bsfug compelled to fall back.