The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-30
Batteries to Scene

Washington, March 29.-Acting Secretary Breekinridge of the war department or dered three batteries of the Third Field artillery to Brownsville. Tex, today as a demonstration to the Mexican forces fight ing for possession of Matamoros. that American lives must not be endangered by firing across the line. A regiment of infantry also was ordered held in readi- ness at Texas City to be moved to Brownsville if needed
 These precautions were deemed neees- sary, although assurances had been given by both Carranza and Villa agencies here that no shooting across the line would be permitted. Secretary Bryan said orders had been sent by commanders of each fac tion to their troops in and about Mata- moros to see that no shots entered Amer ican territory.
 The attacking force is finding Mata- moros difficult nut to crack. according O. state department advicas todays. which said 200 perished in the first assault on. the Carranza trenches Saturday, while the defenders lost only eight Killed and 3s wounded. It was reported both sides were receiving endorsements, including artil . lery. Many wounded Villa soldiers have been brought into Brownsville. but only those in most urgent need of attention will be permitted to cross the line hereafter
 The Villa agency here received dis
 
 small part of the Villa army operating against Matamoros took part in Satur- days action and giving that days losses at 300 killed and wounded.
 Although the confidential agency Is informed that the Carranzista force de- lending Matamoros has deliberately en- trenched itself in such a position as to compel the attacking convention troops to fire in the direction of Brownsvlle,' the statement added, assurance is given that the fire of the convention army will be directed with careful consideration of the lives and property on the American side.
 Delay in the final attack on Matamoros will be necessary in order to give time for the convention forces to nianeuver into such positions wIll minimize the possibility of bullets falling on Amer- ican soil"
 Obregon Advancing
 The situation at Mexico City as- stunned another of it's rapid changes to- day when Ambassador Spring Rice called to Secretary Bryan's attention q report he had received from the Mex ican capital that Zapata forces under General Garza were about to abandon the city again and that General Ob- regon, Carranza chieftain, was nov ing forward to reoccupy 1t. The nm- bassador was understood to have ask ed what precautions for the pro lection of foreigners were contem- plated by the American government in that event
 Secretary Bryan said later that no reports of the intended execution had reached the department. He charac terized such information as had been received as suggestions as to what might happen" referring, apparently. to the statement of the British ambas- sador. Earlier the Secretary said as- surances had been received from Gen eral Garza that the food situation in Mexico City would be taken care of satisfactorily by the present garri- son.
 British officials also are understood to be concerned over reports that the Carranza garrison at Tampico might withdraw, burning the town and pos sibly the oil wells of the district In its retreat toward Vera Cruz The Tam pico oil supply is understood to be of vital importance to British naval op-
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