Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-04-17
Washington Gives Less Gre
dence to Story as Time
Goes BY.
MEXICAN AMBASSADOR
AWAITING VERIFICATION
Remains Were Due to Arrive at
chihuahua Last Night, But
Did Not Do So.

Although twenty-four hours
have passed since Mexican ad-
vices told of the finding of the
body of Francisco Villa. the
" ashington government has re-
ceived as vet no information on
the subject from its representa-
tives in Mexico. civil or military.
Administration officials grow
more doubtful of the truth of the
report as time passes without
confirmation.
No Information at Embassy.
The body said to be that of Villa was
supposed to have reached Chihuahua
city by special train some time last
night. American Consul Letcher at
that place has not been heard from. 1t
was pointed out that his report might
have been delayed. Officials noted. how
ever. THAI the consul had not even for
warded rumors as to Villas death
which must be circulating in Chihua-
hua.
The Mexican embassy also was with
out additional information on the sub
ject today. The last report from Con-
sui Garcia said he was seeking con-
q .,f fra 4 fnd hv
railway telegraph operators in the
region where the body is said to have
been found, Apparently he had not been
successful. and the embassy's advices
still were viewed as doubtful.
Secretary Baker today received dis
patch from Naco saying that Gen. Villa
was last heen heading in the direction
of the place where reports yesterday
said he was buried. The dispatch was
taken by War Department officials to
mean that the reports of Villas death
might be true. The dispatch was i'm
mediately sent to President Wilson.
Department Officials Silent.
State and War Department officials re-
fused to comment today on Gen. Per-
shing's report of the Parral incident,
which is in contradiction Of the version
transmitted by Gen. Carranza to sup
be withdrawn from Mexico. The report
shows that Carranza troops not only
Joined in the attack upon the little de-
tachment of Americans. but followed
them several miles as they Withdrew in
an effort to avoid a clash with the de
facto government forces.
Gen. Carranza's message said his forces
had sought to suppress firing at the
Americans by Mexican civilians. The
majority of the Mexican killed are now
tod h,-( IN hoy 1Nonv,
CarranZa soldiers. one Of whom was an
officer.
1t was indicated at the State Depart
ment that further details would be
sought from the American officers be-
fore reply would he sent to Cen
Carranza. Secretary Lansing planned
originally to deal with the Parral in
cident a separate matter, not in the
reply to the note suggesting the recall
of the American expedition on diplo-
matte grounds.
Reply Is Being Prepared.
The reply to the diplomatic note was
still in preparation early today. II will
outline the terms under which the
United States will discuss withdrawal
of its forces with the de facto govern
ment, anG unless reports of Villas
death are confirmed no change in the
program will be made at this time.
1t was reasserted today that should
the body be identified as that of Villa
the expedition would come out of Mex
leo at once. No instructions have vet
been sent to Consul Letcher or Gen
Pershing. however. as to the Identified
ton to be required. None will go for
ward until these officials transmit some
report.
Latest developments in the situation
were read with keen interest by con-
ylylan Yaa hot fta -,
of Villa would end all further diplo-
matte negotiations over Carranza's pro-
posal for withdrawal of the Amer
lean forces in Mexico.