Weekly journal-miner. [volume] (Prescott, Ariz.) 1908-1929, 1915-11-17
GEN. OREGON POPULAR
IDOL IN MEXICO

DOUGLAS, Nov. 13-That Obre-
gon is the popular idol OF Mexico and
the strongest man in the republic, and
that Francisco Villa is practically
eliminated from the situation. is the
opinion expressed by John w. Rob
erts, special representative of the
Hearst news service, who arrived in
Douglas last night
Mr.. Roberts mas been with Villa
most of the time for more than two
years past and knows the man like a
book. He has made deep study OF
Mexico and Mexican conditions and
is accounted one OF the best informed
men on the Mexican situation in the
country today. He speaks the Ian
guage perfectly, having a large part
of his life lived in Mexico.
Mr. Roberts says that if General
Oregon succeeds in crushing Villa
and Villa activities in Northern Mex
leo, and there is every reason to be-
lieve he will, nothing can keep him
from being the next president of Mex
leo. To show the popularity of the
man Mr.. Roberts says that at the big
celebration of Carranza's recognition
held last week at Piedras Negras.
Oregon was the popular idol, though
First Chief Carranza was present.
Everywhere he went he was followed
by immense crowds that cheered
themselves hoarse. To the Mexican
people he is the hero of the war. and
81 = n 1,
cording to Mr.. Roberts.
Although formerly not an ardent
admirer OF Carranza, Mr.. Roberts
says that the manner in which he has
started the organization of his gov
eminent cannot invite criticism, and
that if he continues as we'll as he has
started nc may soon entirely control
the situation. At present Carranza is
at Laredo. on the Mexican side. He
will not go TO Mexico City for at least
two months He has planned to visit
every city in Mexico of any import
ance before his entry into the capital
He wants to learn conditions at first
hand. He will probably visit Aqua
Prieta within the next month.
Villa Not Gutter.
MI INOOCIlS Sd lie hllONS lid
well enough to believe his published
declaration that he will never fee to
the United States but will continue
to fight the Carranza government TN
til he wins or is killed. He says what
ever Villa may be, he is not a gutter
Roberts says that probably the
principal reason for Villas downfall
| is his supreme egotism and the con
sequent alienation from him of his
leading generals. Following his cap
ture of Mexico City Villas egotism
and domineering nature became un-
bearable. and within the past six
months he has lost practically all OF
his leading supporters. Fierro was
the only man he trusted. These men
Quit him OF their own accord, glad to
be free from the domination of d
man drunk with power.
Forsaken by Many.
! Among prominent supporters who
have quit him are Jose /. Robes, his
secretary OF war; General Manuel
Chao. General Eugenio A. Benavides
once commander of Juarez; Generals
Villa. Raoul AFadero. Felipe Angeles
Luis and Monclovio Herrera, Luis
Hernandez, A. Pereyra, Tomas Buel-
ma, Tomas Ornelas, as we'll as numer-
Gus others. General Juan Medina has
quit Villa since his attack on Aqua
Prieta.
Two Years Ago.
| Mr.. Roberts recalled this morning
that it is just two years ago this week
that Villa became a national figure in
Mexico when he made feint attack
on chihuahua City, apparently left for
the south. but in reality went NORTH
captured train and took Juarez by
surprise on November IS, 1913. From
then his star was in the ascendancy
and until six months ago he was the
central figure in the Mexican situa-
ton.
This recalled to local men the fact
that just about year ago General
Obregon and General Villa were in
Douglas. Villa was the cynosure OF
all eyes and was the popular idol He
was the guest OF honor at the Coun-
try Club and was wined and dined by
anybody whose hospitality he would
accept. Oregon mad TO play second
| fiddle. however undeserved such a
slight may have been.
Today Oregon is the man of the
hour in Mexico and Villa is a discred-
tied bandit. Things move fast in
| Mexico.