Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-04-22
GUST CARRANZA,
THEN WHIP U. s.,
NEW VILLA PLOT
Bandit Chief Rallies Heavy
Forces as American
Chase Halts
ASSURED OF SUPPORT

Ell PASO, Tex. April 22.-American
army officers in Il Paso admitted today
for the first time that the expedition sent
into Mexico had not the slightest chance
of taking Francisco Villa, dead or alive.
They foresee the withdrawal of the United
States troops 1t has developed that there
was more truth than fiction in the Car
ranzistas claims shat the Chihuahua
Durango boundary was the deadline for
the advance of the American troops. None
of the American soldiers has crossed this
line. To the south of II. in the State OF
Durango, Villa is strengthening his forces
with each passing hour.
To the north of tt the forces are rest
ing on their arms, awaiting the result OF
the conference between Major General
Scott and Major General Funston. at San
Antonio. If it shall be decided to keep
up the hunt for the bandit chieftain, the
task will be made much more difficult by
the time that has been allowed Villa to
gain fresh recruits and supplies of am
munition. officers on the border also be-
lieve that the American troops would have
to fight the Carranzistas as we'll as the
Villistas now.
Reports reaching the border today
brought the information that Villa has
undertaken an ambitious plan, namely the
overthrow of the present de facto govern.
ment and the establishment of himself as
the dominant figure in Mexican affairs.
His secret ENJOYS have approached many
prominent Carranzista leaders. already
weakening in their allegiance TO the FIRST
chief" and pointed out to them that the
natives of Mexico would rally to his stand
ard because he not only defied, but de-
feated the efforts of the entire United
States Army.
Those who know the Mexican mind say
that Villas argument is plausible one
II he could win over the Carranzista
In, AIaxiaO md obtain the
ammunition. bought in the United States,
he would be able to inaugurate a strong
campaign for mastery.
Other reports affirm that Carranza's diff
ficulties are increasing at Mexico City
and assert that he is preparing to flee to
Vera Cruz, where he will establish head
quarters and prepare to flee by sea II he
is overthrown.
Carranza's failure to get financial sup
port has initiated against his ever gaining
complete control in Mexico Four days
ago his Government boasted that in
Mexico City it's money had the value of
fve cents on the dollar. The next day
It dropped TO three cents in Chihuahua
and now II is two cents
Inspired reports that fresh Government
securities were on deposit in New York
city failed TO check the slump, After
May 1 all duties and taxes must be paid
in gold 1t Is said that the three leading
banks OF Mexico have combined TO force
the Government to repudiate its own cur
rency. No Mexican Government can stand
without financial support
All along the American line OF COM
munication In Mexico. where the soldiers
keep up their grind OF work despite the
inactivity OF the field forces, come reports
of fresh outbreaks OF villa and Diaz
bands. Backed by certain wealthy inter
ssts they are becoming daily more hostile
to the Americans.
One report reaching the border Is that
great anG-American demonstration is be-
ing prepared at Parral