Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-04-17
CARRANZA ATTACK
Continued from Page One)
Pershina Report Clarified

Major Tompkins' account of the ac-
ton was received at Gen. Funston's
headquarters tonight and served to
clarity Gen. Pershing's report, received
yesterday, in which the identity of the
attacking force was not stated and
in which he left the inference that the
cavalry was under Col w. C. Brown.
The Americans now are north and
west of Parral, reinforced by squad
ron of the 10th Cavalry, under Major
Young, accompanied by Col. w. &.
=, Brown and a picked squadron under
Major Robert L. Howse.
Major TOmpkins' story of the fight
indicates lack of control over the
troops by the commanding officer Of
the Parral garrison, Gen. Lozano and
bitter antagonism by the public and
troops. The lighting took place outside
OF Parral and was continued over a
route Of eight miles to Santa Cruz. a
station eight miles northeast of Par
raj. =
Funston Regrets Retreat
General Funston said tonight, that
while Maj. Tompkins undoubtedly act
ed in accordance with his best judg-
ment in retreating, he regretted that
he had not made a stand on account
OF the ill-effect the story of his re-
treat would have. on the Mexican peo-
pie. who win naturally regard the in
cident as an American defeat.
Courteous Reception
Maj. Tompkins arrived outside Par
raj. on, the forenoon of April u with
two troops, NJ and X. of the 18th Cav
airy. Reduced in number the total of
these two troops is approximately 100
men, The report that unarmed men
went into Parral appears to have been
erroneous. Maj. Tompkins admitted
that he did march his small detach-
ment quite, openly alcng the trail into
the city where they were met BY the
Mexican commander, who met them
most graciously. The civilian authori-
ties arrived and Joined in the courte-
:ous reception Of the major and his
troops. The incident appeared to he
progressing without unpleasant fea-
l9ress Gen. Lozano discussed with
MAJ Tompkins the question Of cam
ping sites. he and the local officials
oeciding on one just outside the city
70 WHICH MAJ. Tompkins directed.
Suggestion Of Trap
Maj. Tompkins entered the town up-
on the invitation of an officer of the
Farral garrison. He stated that the
officer met him three miles from Par
raj, introduced himself and urged him
to accept the hospitality of the mill
tary and civil authorities. This fact,
coupled with Maj. Tompkins' report Of
the subsequent attack. caused officers
here to express the opinion that he and
his men had been deliberately led into
trap. although perhaps not with the
knowledge Of Gen. Lozano, command
ing officer.
Mai. Tonnpixins was preparing to
move out to the designated camp when
soldiers. and CIVILIANS began to throw
stones and to shoot at the Americans,
Realixing that the action was that of
a mob Of civilians and Of soldiers who
had gotten beyond the control of their
omceFs. Tompkins made no stand, but
retired his men,, without making re-
ststAhcs, tpwsrd the city, limits. Shout.
ing crowds followed them, but with
out doing snaat damage. 1t was after
neon when, 1mpkins led his men into
p. deseastya position behind = railway
I emh0u1mont oe,tsaAA fhA fnur ThA