The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1915-07-20
As'RA.uzA's ARMY
MARCn1,,.'' NORTH
TO MEET VILLA
Mexico City Once More Threaten
ed With Attack
FOOD SITUATION IS CRITICAL
Zapata's Soldiers Destroy Railroad
to Prevent Supplies from
Entering the City.

Washington, July 20-Mexico City
is again threatened with attack, and
the Carranza. forces under Gen. Con
zales, who drove the Zapata army
from the capital 10 days ago have
marched hurriedly northward to en-
gage an advancing Villa column be-
lieyed to be planning a junction with
the Zapata forces, now menacing com
munication with Vera Cruz. State
department dispatches yesterday an
nounced that Gen Gonzales with most
OF his army had evacuated Mexico
City Sunday, turning the government
over to the civil authorities, This
was preceded by advices that Gen.
Villas flying column which circled
Obregons forces after the battle of
taro, had taken possession of Pachu-
ca, within 40 miles of Mexico City,
and was marching on the capital.
simultaneously with the latter report
came the news that Gen Carranza had
taken possession of the reconstructed
railroad east of Apizaca, a junction
point south of Pachuca. and had or
dercd that it be held exclusively for
transportation of troops and ammuni
ton, thus preventing further ship
ments OF provisions from Vera Cruz
to the needed thousands at Mexico
City.
Officials at Washington indicated
their belief that the situation sur
rounding the Mexican capital was
grave. With another battle for the
possession of the city imminent. and
with much-needed food shipments
from the east cut Off, it was feared
that further suffering among the civil
population would follow. That the
food shortage has not been eXaggerat-
ed was indicated in a report to the
American Red Cross describing the
conditions existing just before Gen.
Gonzales took possession of the city,
1t spoke of the 'yastness of the
misery already apparent" and cited
instances of crowds besieging the
slaughter houses for blood of ami
mails.
Pachuca is on the direct line of
railroad between Queretaro and MeXi-
co City, though east of the former
city and northeast of the capital. Vii
las column is reported to number
10000 men, led by Gems Rodolfo Fier
ro, Panlilo Natero and Canuto Reyes.
Private advices reaching Washington
declare that this army left Quere
faro for the purpose of attacking
Carranza's forces in the capital, plan
ming TO seize Pachuca first as base
of operations, and to effect a junction
with Zapata forces. The latter were
responsible for the "outrages' men
toned by Gen Gonzales. In one in
Stance they blew up a train from
Vera Cruz TO Mexico City near Apix-
AGO, killing 50 and wounding many
workmen and soldiers. Provision
trains also are reported to have been
seized by Zapata's soldiers, whose
purpose is to prevent relief from
reaching the city if possible.
Secretary Lansing last night would
not discuss the recall from Mexico
City OF Consul-General Arnold
Shanklin further than to say that he
was returning to Washington. 1t is
understood, however, that differences
arose between Mr.. Shanklin and Tie
Brazilian minister at the capital, who
has charge of American affairs, and
that Mr.. Shanklin was recalled 10
avoid embarrassments