The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1916-04-15
SECOND BATTLE MAY
HAVE Been FOUGHT
AT PARRAL, MEXICO
Carranza Messenger to Japan Refuses
to Deny Alliance
Report.
NO WORD FROM PERSHING:
FUNSTON IS ANXIOUS
Troops to Remain in Mexico; Fun
ston Instructed to Take Steps
Needed.

Ell Paso, April 15.-The mystery
over what really happened at Parral
became more battling today due to
the amazing variety of conflicting re-
ports which poured into Ell Paso from
many points.
The most plausible explanation was
offered in an account of the affair
brought here today by an American
from Chihuahua City. This man
said the trouble started when two
American soldiers were sent into Par
raj by Major Tompkins to make ar
rangements for the purchase of sup
plies. Their presence aroused the
people of the city who had already
been agitated by reports that the ad-
vancing American troops were going
to take possession of the town.
Attacked by Mob.
The two soldiers were surrounded
by an angry mob and some shots
were fired which killed one of them.
The mob then poured out in the di-
rection of the main body of the
Americans and some indiscriminate
fighting took place in which a num-
ber of Mexicans were wounded. The
Carranza garrison assisted in restor-
ing order, according to this account
and later the Americans passed quiet
ly through the city.
General Gavira said today that he
had received no report to indicate
the Parral incident has inflamed the
people over which he is in command.
Villa Stronghold.
1T must be remembered that Par
raj was one of Villas strongholds,
nd contained many Villistas," Gavira
continued. "When the Americans ap-
peared it would have been an easy
matter for these Villistas to make the
ignorant believe that the Americans
intended to capture and hold their
town. This evidently happened"
A Second Battle.
Washington, April 15.-United
States consular dispatches forwarded
from Ell Paso today carried reports
of second fight between the Amer
lean troops and residents of Parral.
The reports gave no details.
Great Activity.
Columbus, April 15.-There is
much activity here, the most since
the United States troops crossed the
border. Entertainments are being
constructed along the line Of COM
lmunication. Fifty-four motor trucks
were unloaded and put into service
this morning. There is indications
of intention for an immediate with
drawal
Seek Alliance of Japan.
Ell Paso, April 15.-General Ramon
Iturbe, enroute to japan on a spec1a,
mission for Carranza, today refused
to confirm or deny the report that
lCarranza seeks the alliance of Japan
No Report Received.
San Antonio, April 15.-Despitt
the consular reports of the Parral af
fair, General Funston is badly wor
lried on account of the lack Of Gen
eral Pershing's official report of th'
american troops battle at Parral.
Riot Follows Clash.
Ell Paso, April 15.-Private ad
Vices say that rioting and much prop
lerty damage was done following th'
clash of American troops and resi-
dents of Parral. Carranza official
deny that there was rioting follow
ling the fighting.
!; Funston Sends Message.
Washington, April 15.-Genera
!, Funston's long code message whic]
( formed the subject of midnight con
( ference between Lansing and Wilso!
( may alter Mexican plans. A specu
( lation says that more troops for Mex
( leo is asked. Also the taking of tn
( Mexican railways and the shifting c