Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-11-07
American Red Cross Doctors
Escape by Intervention of
Gen. Naive.
MEXICAN LEADER TOLD i.
OF THEIR DEATH IN FIGHT
Enraged Because They Could Not
Guarantee Safe Conduct Of
Wounded.

'NACO. Ariz, November 6.-Four
Americans, released at Villa Verde yes
terday by Gen. Villa after three times
having been condemned to death, ar
rived on American soil here today and
narrated their experiences as ReG
Cross workers among Villas WOUNDED
on the battlefield of Aqua Prieta-
The party consisted of DR.. r. H. Thig-
pen, Dr. Charles H. Miller and two
chauffeurs. AL Wilson and ]. D. Pylant
The two physicians took to their beds
upon their arrival as result of their
experiences and an all-night tramp
through the mountain. =
Gen. Villa flew into a rage DR.. Ihls-
pen said, when he learned that the
Americans could not guarantee the
passage of his wounded over American
territory to Juarsz
Villa Suggests Way.
Treat the Americans as they treat
MS, he is quoted as having said to his
aid. do as you please Turn the
artillery on Douglas and put these
men in front of the infantry
Intercession by Gen. Rafael Naive.
coupled with fear of retaliation upon
families of Villa and his subordinates
in the United states. was responsible
for the safety of the Americans. DR..
1higpen said.
When a subordinate reported to villa
iGat Carrauza troops had been per-
zE-'ted to cross American territory to
a.G Gen. Gales in defending Aqua
P.tztd. Villa again sought vengeance
Lroa he Americans. In a rage, he
=a Sod excavations upon their heads
a5 lnaIly ordered them killed, they
Sa.u.
Efficacy of Prayer.
Believing in the efficacy of prayer.
The ;our Americans knelt among the
wounded on the battlefield while the
4hetHan waited.
The Mexicans about US were inn
pressed" said DR.. Thigpen, land the
intercessiop once more of Gen. Naive,
who suggested the execution should be
not carried out until families of Villa
and his officers could be recalled from
the United States, spared us once
more.
IT asked Villa if I might talk to him.,
said Thigpen.
IF you say word to me I'll shoot
you myself he replied, according to
the doctor.
Verde, where for the third time they
were condemned to be shot. Gen. Naive.
who followed them, again interceded,
this time with Gen. Rodriguez, who
had arrived from Naco. Shortly after
ward they were released. to make their
way as best they could.
Naive's Itching Palm.
Ger Naive told US goodbye" con-
ol, I1I r.
he said. If you care to give me any
money you may, and, If not, all right"
Thigpen's home is in Sandersville.
Ga. Miller lives at Hereford, Tex.
They left Naco Tuesday to render what
aid they could to Villa wounded.
Weary from long marching and suf-
fering from strain the four Ameri-
cans were exhausted after crossing the
line and were at once put to bed.
Thiepsn said they were taken for
spies when they arrived Wednesday
on the Aqua Prieta battlefield without
credentials.
Villa Reported Them Dead.
Villa, they said, declared them Car
rama agents. despite their protests
that they had come to aid his men,
wounded b. the hail of bullets and
shells from the Aqua Prieta garrison.
They had marched under heavy guard
from Aqua Prieta to Villa Verde, and
arrived Thursday night after villa had
informed Gen. Funston and other
American army officers that they had
been killed by rife or shell fire from
the Carranza trenches.
Apparently, to make his statement
good, the men said. Villa again SEN
fenced them TO death. Then yesterday
came the order for their release They
were freed and made their way alone
TO Naco. Ariz. Their watches and
coats were taken from them by villa
soldiers, while that chief himself con-
nscated the automobiles driven by
Isylant and Wilson.
Another version Of the story from
Cananea, that Turkish merchants were
being held for ransom, was given by
Lauro Molina. who arrived tonight.
Molina said only two Turkish citizens
had been Jailed.
The ransom was demanded from fellow
countrymen al Cananea, he said. Par
Iculars lacking.