Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-03-24

any time since the pursuit of Villa be-
gan. Practically the only news re-
Ceived on the border from the interior
was from Mexican sources and it was
Of contradictory nature.
Early today Andreas Garcia, the
Carranza consul here, displayed tele-
grams which he said he had received
from General Bertani at Casas Grandes
announcing that Villa was surrounded
at Ell Oso, ranch five miles south of
Namiquipa, by the joint American and
Carranza troops and that a decisive
battle was imminent.
General Bell said he would wait I'M
til he heard directly from General
Pershing or General Funston before
making any statement on the situation
There was frank skepticism among
army officers, although it was admit
ted that advance detachments of the
American troops might easily have
reached Namiquipa.
All Quiet at Casas Grandes.
The American crew of a train which
arrived at Juarez early today from
Casas Grandes reported that all was
quiet when they left there. They said
that there were many American SOL
diers in town from camp nearby and
that the natives seemed very pleased
at their presence as they spent more
real silver money than had been seen
in Casas Grandes for many months.
Two Mormon colonists who arrived
on the same train said the Casas
Grandes natives were very respectful
to the American white soldiers but
were most impressed by colored reg
iment, which left for the south yester-
day morning. The Mormons said that
the Casas Grandeans were convinced
that Villa could not escape the negro
troopers.
Main interests along the border was
conferred on the International crisis in
Mexico. Reports respecting the status
of General Luis Herrera, were conflict
revolt reached General Bell and sat
istied him that the reports were true
Bell Believes Revolt True.
AS far as Ell Paso is concerned any
one who expressed a doubt over the
story in public would have been over
whelmed with derision Ell Paso made
its mind week ago that widespread
revolt in the Carranza army was mere
ly question Of brief time. Herrera
is known here as a bitter anti-Ameri-
can and he is also understood to cher
ish deep resentment against Carranza
for depriving him Of his post as chief
at arms short while ago.
1t is pointed out that at the time Of
the American occupation Of Vera Cruz
Herrera, who was then allied with
both Villa and Carranza, vehemently
protested against the landing of the
United States sailors. In a speech
made at Parral at that time he called
on the Mexicans to arise and drive the
hated "gringoes" from the land, and
threatened to break with Villa and lead
an independent movement II they did
not unite in his denunciation.
Watch Action Of Carranzistas.
Accepting 1t as a fact that Herrera
has revolted speculation here turned
on the probable result Of other Car
rama leaders Interest centered on
Sonora, where 1t is believed here, if
another detection is to occur, 1t will
take place. For some time the move
ments and speeches Of General Gales,
military governor Of Sonora, have been
the subject Of special attention on the
border. Reports that he has massed
troops along the border have aroused
real apprehension. Large numbers OF
his officers and men were former ad-
herents OF Villa.