The Washington times., 1920-05-27
VILLA IS IN REVOLT;
PRICE SET ON HEAD
De Facto Governor Offers 100,-
600 Pesos Reward for Him,
Dead or Alive.
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certainty surrounding the attitude of
Francisco villa, that perennial fly in
the ointment OF Mexican politics.
The course OF revolution never did
run smooth, and though this latest
development in governmental rota.
t!on-in Mexico has been characterized
by an unwonted sanity. moderation,
and orderltness of progress, the move
ment has nevertheless suffered its ups
and downs, and has caused the United
States Department of State some
anxious moments.
Carrunza White Elephant.
That Carranza, with his alleged
anti-American intrigues, had long
been n white elephant on the hands of
this Government, no one attempts
to deny. and that sigh OF
relief went up from official WASH
IN gton when news came of his flight
from Mexico City is known to all who
took the pains to cock an attentive
ear in that direction during the
period in question.
Diplomats told themselves that the
situation was vastly clarified. The
bewhiskered first chief was a fugitive,
and rebel leaders intimated every
thing would be done to get him safely
and expeditiously out of the country
Obregon, whose record at the State
Department was as nearly spotless as
MeXican's well could be. was ap-
parently in control, and his press
agents were putting on night shifts
in their zeal to assure anyone who
would listen of the great love the
revolutionists, from generals down to
lance corporals, bore for all things
American.
Clear Sailing Ahead.
1t looked like clear sailing. Uncle
Sam had merely to wait a few days
until Carranza was safely aboard a
vessel bound for Cuba; then recognize
the de facto government in some un-
ostentatious way; and after the cleo
tions had been held, grant formal
recognition of the dejure government
by sending an ambassador. or. by re-
ceiving their diplomatic representa-
tive here. "
1t was too good to be true, how
ever. News came OF the killing of
Carranza, and for two or three days
officials were ridden by nightmare
in the form OF certain phrases en-
ploycd by President Wilson in speak
ing of Huerta's treatment of Madero.
The confidential agency here of the
revolution sweat blood" until dis
patches from Mexico City proved to
the satisfaction OF the State Depart
ment that the killing of Carranza had
nothing in common with the murder
of Madero. Then. clouds lifted again
and one heard more talk of recog-
milton.
Makes Favorable Impress.
al III ~
Pablo Gonzales in withdrawing from
the presidential race, and the nice re-
gard for constitutional etiquette mani
tested at the extraordinary session of
the federal congress which selected
Adolfo de la Huerta as president ad
interim, added much to the favorable
impression the new government was
making here.
And now comes this incorrible per-
son Villa, who just as the game Is
about to get under way, threatens to
take his ball and glove and go home.
That he has everybody worried is too
| obvious for dispute.
officials of the provisional govern
ment's agency here believe the difh-
Guilty will be ironcd out without seri-
Gus rupture. II it Is not, recognition
of the new regime will unquestion-
dply Dt GU VNth NllcNb N'N ~
eral elections are held on September
5, as is now planned. Naturally, this
government cannot grant recognition
to the Obregon regime ~ II appears
that he is not going TO be able to
maintain order. Sad experience with
Carranza during the early part OF his
career has cured officials here of all
desire to recognize n government OF
questionable stability in Mexico.
Get Details OF Split.
Details OF the reported split be-
tween Francisco villa. and Gen. p
| Elias Gales just received here from
apparently authoritative sources give
the whole controversy a new aspect
and lend weight TO the contention OF
revolutionary agents here that Villa
will eventually be brought into line
without untoward incident.
General Gales, who was recently
characterized by an American oil ma e
nate as "the smartcst man in Latin
America" arranged for a conference
with Pancho for May 81, at Chihuahus q
City. Though Gales is a leader OF
unauestioncd ability. II is pointed out
that scarcely a man could have beer
selected In all Mexico less suited for
| carrying on delicate negotiation
with Villa. He IL described as 9
naughty. high-tempered individual