Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-04-17

SAN ANTONIO, April 17.-Carranza' \
leaders have proved themselves incapable
OF controlling their own men. This has
been definitely shown, it was asserted
here today, by the attack on American
troops at Parral While American officers
at Fort Sam Houston gave the Carranza
officers at Parral the benefit of the doubt
and refused to say that the invitation OF
the United States soldiers Under Major
Tompkins to enter Parral was a deliberate
trap. nevertheless the official report show.
ing that Carranzista troops took part in
the fighting is evidence that the enlisted
men in the de facto governments army
could not be controlled.
The points of certainty are that the
Americans were invited into the town by n
Mexican officer. and that fight, which
was started evidently by mob resulted
in an eight-hour retreating fight by the
Americans, who lost two killed as against
40 Mexicans.
General Funston reports he believed
General Lozano acted in good faith.
After Major Tompklns had led two
troops of cavalry into the town, at the
Invitation OF Mexican officer, from his
camp 10 miles out. a place was desig
mated as a camp on the outskirts. AS
the Americans began to move away from
! the centre of the town to their intended
camping place, shots were fired from the
mob which gathered at their rear.
Unwilling to arouse a general fight,
Major Tompkins increased the pace of his
men. But this merely encouraged the
increasing pursuers. and they were Joined
by many Carranza soldiers, some OF whose
officers took charge of the attack.
TROOPS MAKE STAND.
When the railroad was reached Tomp-
kins took refuge behind its embankment
and prepared TO make a stand. But a
Carranza force of 900 men fanked him
n MI 1AH i'm To III
time on until dark the Americans fought
a rear-guard action as they retired. When
aid reached them they made a stand and
the attackers withdrew.
The fact that 30 Mexican soldiers were
killed in an attack which cost the lives
Of two American troopers shows that
there was no break in the ranks of the
American soldiers when they fought their
way out of the town and engaged in a
running battle that lasted for Is miles.
Major Tommy Tompkins, hero of the
pursuit that sent villa flying across the
border at Columbus, was also the domi-
nant figure in the Parral battle. Wound
ed by one OF the first volleys fired by the
Mexicans. he stayed at the head of his
men and directed the operations that
saved the force from extinction Not only
did Major Tomplcns effect his retreat in
brilliant manner by taking advantage
of every natural protection. but he also
and wounded.
RIOTS BREAK OUT.
Tho news OF the Parral battle and the
fact that the Americans were forced to
retreat before the Mexican troops is trav-
cling through Mexico like wildfire today.
The Mexican reports, OF course, disregard
the fact that the Americans were far out
numbered. The news is already having
its effect Reports here today say that
anti-American rioting has broken out at
Chihuahua City Similar news from other
points is expected shortly.
In the meantime American army officers
are frankly akeptical OF official Mexican
reports OF Villas death. II these are part
of plan TO get Americans out Of Mexico,
however the United States military lead
ers will have to be shown"