The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-05-31
Bandit Began Collection of Arms, Munitions and Money Last Year for the Drive Which Now Men, aces Power of Mexican Government
By Associated pr...

Washington, May 30.-Al- though the Carranza govern ment of Mexico was warned nearly a year ago by the United States of preparations for the present revolutionary cam paign which has resulted in the proclaiming of Gen. Felipe An geles provisional president an ] Francisco Villa secretary of war, little attention was pald to information given by thls country.
 Specific warnings of the threatened menace to his power were given Presi- dent Carranxa by the United States last October Ia and again last NOvcm- her P, 1t was learned authoritatively today. President Carranxa was re- minded on these and other occasions particularly of his duty to protect Americans and American property in Mexico.
 Villa began the collection of arms, munitions and money year ago for the campaign which, in the opinion of officials here. now has grown to con stitute the gravest menace to Car ranzas power since Villa was defeat ed by the government forces three years ago. Last winter, it is said, Villa notified his followers to plant their crops early as the campaign would bo- gin as soon as the grass was green n insure forage for their horses. Un- usual activity was displayed through out northern Mexico by the villist1s in getting their crops into the ground to provide against famine. All this was learned by agents of the United States and formed the basis for tine warnings sent to Carranza.
 FAILED TO HEED
 Just why Carranza paid little heed to these warnings, or was unable to di- vert any military forces from other parts of the republic to the campai isn in the north, is a mystery to officials here. In the opinion of some the ex- tra expense of such an undertaking may have deterred them, rememberiris that the campaign of Huerta, Madeira and Orozco in the same part of she country cost the Mexican government approximately 60.000,00O pesos The total revenue from all sourses for tne first year. according to official figures, brought to the Mexican treasury on.y about 290o0 900 pesos
 Six weeks ago Carranza had 5000 men in Torreon, it was officially r. ported. and large supply of arms and ammunition at Chihuahua. Officials here are unable to understand why ne did not move those troops north before Villas men had been assembled in large force at any point. Villas poa- ularity among the troops is explained here by his capture recently of Parral. After the surrender of the garrison Villa addressed the men, having im- prisoned the officers. telling the SOL dierS that as he realized that they were conscripts and as he needed their weapons, they were free to return to their homes if they would give thelr word of honor that they would not take up arms against him again This information reached the federal troors and Carranza dispatched federal troops against him.
 It was learned tonight that inquiries have been made of the Mexican gov ernment regarding reported seizure by Villa of shipment of arms from the United States designed for Car ranza Information received here Is that Villa obtained one-haf of it. lost one shipment on threat to attack the Carranza agents and take all the ship .ment It also is reported that none .f
 Continued sa Paxs six)