The Washington times., 1915-07-17
CARRANzA FORCES
CONVERC|NG UPON
VILLA STRONGHOLD
Torreon Expected To Be Scene
of Final Test of Strength
Between Them.

From three different directions, Car
rarza's forces, $1,000 strong, are converg-
inS on the army of Genera, Francisco
villa for final test of strength at Tor
reon.
AL this important city. the scene of
some OF the bloodiest battles in Mexico's
modern history. the Carranzistas, &C.
cording to their agents in this city, ex-
pect to deliver the death blow to Villas
opposition. When this end has been
gained. the constiutionalist faction. in
supreme military control of Mexico. will
insist on formal recognition by the
United States. If such recognition has
not been previously extended
Occupy Zacatecas.
information reaching the State De-
partment today to the effect that the
C&rranzistas have occupied Zacatecas
@ ,mG powerful natural stronghold forty
miles north of Aguas Caljentes ana ano
miles north of Mexico CITY ana thai
Nilla Is fleeing northward toward Tor
reon, destroying the railr DAD, is reps rded
as important evidence Of the success NJ
'he cohstlutionalist line of campaign.
l.
east is the victorious Carranza army
winch has been winning a series of bat
lies with the Villa force which has hecn
seeking to defend the territory around
Piedras Negras.
from the northwestern section of
Mexico the consttutionalist army under
General Gales. which yesterday de-
Ieated the army of the Villista governor,
sstaytorena' IN the northern part of
sonora is pushing toward Torreon.
q n 4. .I..l. =
LacatecaR. is nominally under Obregon.
nut during the latter's illness from his
wounds. Is actually under the direction
OF Gen. Trrcy Aubert, former French
man: who is said to be the Angeles Of
me Carranzs outfit. 1t is fast pursuing
VIVA northward. and. according to in
formation received here today in unof-
nclal advices. Villa has already reached
lTreon. where he is preparing to put
up desperate resistance
Desertions From Villa.
IN ADDITION to these successes, con-
hrmed by official advices, the Carrsn-
zistas are reported to have comple,eIv
cleared the valley of Mexico. south OF
Mexico CITY of the Zapata forces, thus
ewing the Carranza generals a free
hand for their operations in the north
According TO the Carranza agency
villa s soldiers are deserting in largo
numbers and joining the Carranza
a. hiles II is also claimed that Villa is
very snort OF ammunition and other
supplies.
The first through trains between Vera
luz ana Mexico City reached either
Guy early this morning, and reported
me line In good shape and free from
any marauders.
FORT BLISS. Tex, July 17-Gen
Fictoriano Huerta has given his frst
explanation Of why he did not direct
that the American flag be ssl,I,ed
racing the floor Of his quarters in the
otnCers' parade of the fort he said.
My enemies are trying to make csni
tai out of the flag incident AT Tain
nlco, That was an affair between ma
tl0ns' 1t was not done by me person
any. was many miles distant in
MeNico CITY. An irresponsible man was
IN charge and they tried to make me
the Scapegoat for his acts in order 70
Illuminate me-those who have placed
me here in Fort Bliss But T renre.
sented my country and would not see
it Inundated. ''0' e'e
Your country used the incident 81. .
pretense and / suffered but no one has
ever said ana can never say that a
single American has ever suffered M
the hands Of Nictoriano Huerta, nro.
tected your nationals. and for that a m
imprisoned. ! am the one now whn
practices 'watchful waiting We are
waiting for the time when the Villas
and the Fleros, and the Urbanas. and
the other bandits have cut each Others
throats, then we will go back and build
a great country out Of the ruins of their
prostitution OF Ia patria.''