Evening star., 1915-06-14
REASON FOR DOUBT
OF OBREGON'S DEATH
Conflicting Views Expressed
Relating to Noted Military
Leader in Mexico.

most successful military leader, is dead
or merely severely wounded. with his
right arm shot away, is matter of
doubt today. although those in close
touch with Mexican affairs credit the
press dispatches that he died as a re-
suit of his wound.
The Carranza agency here today had
no confirmation of the reported death.
but received a telegram, sent by Gen.
Obregon yesterday at Lagoon GUIANA
1uato. saying:
Il very much appreciate your message
of the 18th expressing your regret for
my wounds suffered in last battle
against the reactionaries. / am much
improved and expect to recover soon.
Eyes on Military Situation.
Attention of Washington officials was
focused again today on the military
situation in Mexico. where there was a
possibility of important developments
which might bring ultimate peace in
the southern republic. Chief interest
centers in the outcome of the prospec-
tive battle between CarranZa troops
and Villa forces for the possession of
Mexico City, now in the hands of Viii
la men.
Advices received here from Carranza
sources at Vera Cruz said that Gen.
Pablo Gonzales. q Carranza commander.
who is now moving toward Mexico City.
had been approached by members Of
the convention party from the Mexican
capital with an offer of an armistice.
His answer is said to have been that
the forces in Mexico City had better
Join the Carranza forces or evacuate
the city without shedding blood.
According TO the same information
Gonzales gave the delegates forty-eight
hours to return and present his propo-
sition to the convention.
Developments in the military situa-
considerable interest here because of
the likelihood of their influence on the
political side of Mexico's problem.
Bid for Recognition.
Gen. Carranza has already put in
bid for recognition. basing 1t on a
claim that he controls a large territory
and has instituted civil administration
there. Although making no request for
recognition. Gen. Villa has replied ia
vorably to President Wilson's recent
suggestion that the factions in Mexico
unite for peace.
Cen Villa has sent note to the
United States government favoring
President Wilson's recent suggestion
that the factions in Mexico unite for
peace. He also has made overtures di
rectly to Carranza- Villa claims that
e
Of Mexico and that law and order ex-
lists within his Jurisdiction.
No request is made for recognition
OF the convention government repre-
sented by Villa, but a willingness Is
expressed to reach an agreement with
the other Mexican factions.
Seek o. s. Moral Support.
Each faction is following a course
which it hopes will ultimately secure
for itself from the United States the
active moral support" promised In
President Wilson's statement
Until new Secretary of State is ap-
pointed to succeed Mr.. Bryan it is not
thought there will be any develop
ment of the recently announced policy
of President Wilson to insist on a set
tlement by the Mexicans or some other
means would be employed Meanwhile
relief work is being conducted on a
large scale by the American Red Cross
and military movements are proceed
ing in Mexico with much vigor as
ever
According to official reports of the
State Department. the sweeping claims
OF victory made by Gen Carranza are
contradicted, and Gen. Villa Is still
pressing the Carranza forces hard south
OF Leon The most severe loss sustained
by Gen Carranza was in the wounding
Of Gen Obregon, whose right arm was
shot away.
Gen. Hill Now In Command.
Gen Benjamin Hill. who was in COM
mand Of the Carranza forces at Naco
last year. a Mexican OF foreign descent,
now is in charge Of the Carranza mill
tafy operations against Gems. Villa and
Angeles IN central Mexico
The Villa troops have been Handicapped
by a lack of ammunition, with which Gen.
Hill is said to be well supplied Gen.
Pablo Gonzalez, another Carranza COM
mander. Is moving toward Mexico City.
II is understood that the convention gov
ernment has about 10000 troops In the
capital and that the approaching Car
ranza forces probably will be met in the
outskirts OF the city to decide the ques-
ton OF possession