Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-07-17
Observers Here Cannot Under
stand Northern Leaders
Continued Retreat.
DECISIVE BATTLE LIKELY
= SOON, EXPERTS BELIEVE
Villa Agency in Washington De-
clares Retreat Is Part Of
Strategic Plan.

Reports of successes by the Carranza
forces against the Zapata army and
against Gen. Maytorena at Aqua Prieta.
accompanied by reports of Villa $
steady retreat northward. led to the
belief here today that some decisive
action between the constitutionalists
and the conventionalist forces will
take place within q short time.
Villas retreat northward from Aguas-
calientes and his evacuation of zacatecas
are not fully understood here. To mill
tary observers il appears that the car
rama troops are steadily driving the
Villa army up into corner OF Mexico.
Villa representatives here say, how
ever, that the retreat and a stand near
Torreon are part of his plan to pre-
vent the capture of his communica-
lions with the American border.
Nothing has been heard Of the Niila
column in the south reported to be
making a dash for Mexico City.
Villa Reported at Torreon.
Press dispatches from Torreon say
that Gen Villa is now there comforting
with Gen. Raoul Madero and others OF
his leaders. planning a campaign to
hold the coal regions about Monclova
and Barroteran and in the states OF
Nueva Leon and Coahuila.
American consular agent Carothers
reported today that quiet prevailed be-
tween Zacatecas and Torreon. His mes
sage. however, Is believed to have been
delayed, as other reports to the de-
partment say Villas forces abandoned
Zacatecas to the CarranZa army and
retreated northward toward Torreon.
destroying the railroad.
Gen. Carranza, in a message from
Vera Cruz to his Washington agent.
said Gen. Gonzales. with large force
had completely routed the Zapata army
which evacuated Mexico City. in an en-
gagement at Coontre practically clear
ing the valley of Zapatistas." The Ia
pata forces lost 500 men, cannon, much
ammunition and merchandise.
Routed at Aqua Prieta.
Advices from Nogales to the depart
ment state that 1900 Carranza troops.
under Cen Gales. defeated 500 Of Gen.
Maytorena's at Aqua Prieta July Is.
completely routing them. Maytorena's
troops were commanded by Maj. Ira
5illo.
"Obregon's advance northward," said
q statement issued by the Villa agency.
"hts into a strategic plan which IT
would be unwise to disclose at TINS
Gen. Villa has moved north of AEuas-
calientes. Gen. Villa himself wired the
confidential agency. denying the Car
feated. and is moving his army to Tor
reon. He said: I'VE have not been de-
feated. and il 1 am apparently retreat
Ing. we will soon show the Carran-
1istas have not lost my strength
Consul General Silliman reported from
Vera Cruz that through passenger serv-
ice between Vera Cruz and Mexico City
has been resumed. the train wrecked by
Zapatistas several days ago having
been cleared away and the track re-
paired near Apizaco. where the bomb
was exploded.
Wreck a Disastrous One.
The Carranza agency here received
details of the wreck. stating that thir-
ty-hve persons were killed and fifty
injured. Most of the killed were rail-
road workmen and construction engi-
neers, although a few were soldiers
who guarded the train.
When the explosion occurred. Zapata
soldiers fred on the guard and passen-
gers from ambush. After the first few
yoileys- they rushed in on the wounded
guards and passengers who were COM
pletely at their mercy until detach-
scene and put the attacking force to
flight
Denial of the recently published al
legations that the constitutionalist
government in Yucatan had been
thrusting Instructions in the path OF
the sisal hemp trade is furnished in a
telegram received today by Eliseo Ar
redondo. confidential agent of the Car
rama government in Washington, from
Juan Zubaran, manager of the Heno-
quen market regulating commission OF
Yucatan. who is now in New York.