New Britain herald., 1916-04-25
American Force Marks Time.


 Fl Paso, Tex, April 25.-Interest in the entire Mexican situation had mar rowed here today to the forthcoming conference between General Obregon Garranza's minister of war and Gen. era1 Hugh l.. Scott, chief of staff of the United States army.
 With the American expeditionarv force practically concentrated at two Isolated points, near Namiquipa and at Colonial Dublan, where it is mark ing time pending the diplomatic ex- changes between Washington and Gen. Carranza, the pursuit of Villa has ceased to be main factor 5s
 It is only seven months ago that General Scott came to this city to meet Villa, now a fugitive then the possible coming man. of Mexico In Obregon he will meet a very different type of man, according to those here who know Carranza's minister of war. bObregon is described as one of the ablest men in Mexico He is said to be an accomplished diplomatist, with 8 real grasp of international affairs. His reputation as a soldier is high and he is credited by his friends, among whom are many Americans, with being very influential in the af- fairs of the de facto government
 It is not expected here that the con- ference can take place before a week at least. Tn normal times it took more than three days to make the trip from Mexico City to Juarez and no such time can be made under existing con- ditions.
 The Mexican Central railroad, which runs direct from the capital to Juarez has been completely wrecked between Aguascalientes and Torreon. This means trip of anywhere from five to eight days.
 Quiet in Interior.
 Every report from the interior dur Ing the last few days indicates that absolute quiet prevails in the terri togy through which the American troops are strung. The Mexicans, like the Americans, appear to be waiting for the outcome of the diplomatic ne- gotiations. As far as the Mexican of cials in Juarez are concerned, while they are obviously impatient for the withdrawal of the American forces, they preserve the same courtesy tow eTds Americans; as has characterized their attitude since the United States soldiers crossed the border. At the same time they are emphatic in their opinion that delay in the recall of the expedition intensifies what is admit tedly a very delicate situation.
 Girls Hate Cause of Battle.
 Americans arriving here from the p~rral district attribute the recent at tack on American soldiers at Parral to the desire of a Mexican girl for re- >venge' on Mayor Jose De Luz Herrera.
 The girls brother was shot and pi1Ied by the late Monclova Herrera, son of Mayor Herrera, more than a year ago. Since then she is said to nave nursed the idea of revenge oeainst the Herrera family. When American troops appeared in Parral t,er. chance came. She is said to have anpeared in the plaza and to have in ested the Mexicans to make the at tack on the "Gringoes."
 According to the story told here the girl carried a rifle and herself fired on the retiring Americans.
 The arrivals here say the girl is naW imprisoned.
 Mayor Herrera, with his son, Gen. aya1 Luis Herrera, who has arrived at 43arral from Chihuahua with a de- totchrnent of cavalry, reported to num- ber- 500 is making every effort to con- troI the Villa sympathizers. Many ar -asts.are reported to have been made.