The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1916-03-23

FL Paso, Texas. March Elf the
Information of the Carrancistas is
correct, villa is in a corner, his back
to the wall, with American and Mexi-
can troops closing in on all sides.
The continental divide forms the
wall and the Galena valley the field
over which the American and Mexi-
can troops are approaching him. Be-
hind the wall, with the possibilities
Of approaching through It, is another
band Of American troops. This is,
according to Official information in
Mexican circles. confirmed by informa-
tion through American military
sources.
II was announced by Carranza's con-
sui, Garcia, that the Carranza forces
at Namiquipa had headed Villa of in
his effort to break through to the
south, and that a battle was raging
at that hour between the Namiquipa
garrison on one side and villa on he
other in the vicinity of Namiquipa, at
the south end of the Galena valley.
Nine hundred Carrancistas under
the command of Colonel Cano opened
the battle. villa has 300 men, the dis
patch to Consul Garcia declared. The
Cano troops are from the command Of
General Gutierrez, the Carranza COM
mander in northern Mexico.
II the information is correct II
means that the Americans and Mexi-
can troops are in a fair way to effect
the capture of villa, for General
Pershing, it was officially admitted,
is moving south from Gasas Grandes
in the direction of Babicora, and
should be almost west of the point of
battle. Should villa win and manafs
to escape southwest through noun
tains to Babicorn he would be met by
the Americans.
II was further confirmed that an
American column of 1000 men, under
Colonel Dodd, is moving in the direc-
tion of Ely Vale. which iss north Of
where the fighting is taking place
Another column OF American troops
is moving in the same direction be-
hind Colonel Dodd. II the Mexican
forces are insufficient strength to the
south Of villa. military officers here
say he is completely hemmed in.
Movement Of Carranza troops north
ward continues in large numbers and
tend to bear out the claims of the Car
rancists that they are cooperating
with the American forces in the cam
paign against villa.
The information came to Juarez
that General Maldonado had left Sal.
tillo with a large force. II was an
nouneed in Juarez that General Gut
ierrez, In command of Carranza forces
In northern Mexico was well pleased
with the campaign against Villa, fol-
lowing his recent visit to the border.
In American sources where the idea
continued to prevail that the Carran-
cistas are not as deeply in earnest in
their desire for the capture OF villa,
particularly while the American
troops are pursuing him, as their
statements would indicate. the other
purpose to which a large Carranza
army in northern Mexico might be
put in an eventuality were also being
discussed at military and other quar-
ers
Significance is attached TO such
large movements OF troops In this d.
rection at a time when negotiations
with the United States relative TO the
use OF Mexican railroads for transpor-
tation of food and other supplies to
the American forces now on the trail
Of Villa.
American aeroplanes few south
from Columbus into the vicinity OF
the American forces. How far they
few is not stated. but they returned
TO Columbus, and the information the
American officials possessed appeared
to be more voluminous than anything
they have had since the Pershing
column departed. II is believed these
air scouts brought much news from
L.. e..