New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-28
Villas Army
Moves to Join
Sonora Rebels
Dispatches TO Washington
Indicate Chief Is Ready
to Take Sides Against
the Carranxista Forces
Gains Claimed for Revolt
Desertions of Many Federal
Soldiers and Numerous
Minor Clashes Reported

From. The Tribnne's Washin oton Burecm
WASHINGTON. April 27.-Early par
ticipation OF Francisco Villa and his
forces in the Mexican revolution on the
side OF the Sonora secessonists was
forecast to-day in private dispatches
received by General Salvador Alvarado.
representing the revolutionary govern
r,ent here.
Following advices to the State De-
partment that Mexico City newspapers
reported the massing Of Federal troops
at Casas Grandes. in Chihuahua, pre-
paratory to attacking Aqua Prieta.
news came to Alvarado that Villa had
dispatched large cavalry force to
northwest chihuahua.
Sympathizers of the Sonora cause
here interpreted this move by Villa
to mean that he will engage the Fed
eral troops if they seek to move west
ward from Casas Grandes. The posi-
.tion Of Villa s cavalrymen was said to
be on the left flank and to the south
of the Federal troops, and so placed as
to be able to cut short without great
resistance any warranted move started
by the Carranzistas.
Sporadic Fights Reported
lU-4siy QlS Genes received IN OFF,
cial channels told of increased unrest
in the Mexican republic. Sporadic
clashes between Federal and rebel troops
were reported from several points. and
the CarranZa government has been
forced to endeavor to forestall further
menacing of the capital city. General
Salvador Gomez and his command at
Chatla. in Morelos, near the capital
were reported 10 have gone over 10 the
revoiutionlsts, while Colonel Lopez,
with regiment of cavalry at Uruapan.
In Michoacan also have revolted.
The increasing menace from the rebel
forces in the state of Guerrero has
caused the Carranza government to
place General Candida Aguilar in com
plete control OF the Federal garrisons
there. General Cosio Rebelo, the Fed
eral commander at Guernavaca has
been relieved OF his command by Car
rama for alleged neglect OF duty. Many
OF MS troops recently Joined the rebels
and the Obregonlstas are now in control
there.
-saes between the Federal and
feoeE forces at San Juan. in the State
& Nuevo Leon, at Mapimi, in Durango
and az Ranchoe Nuevo. in the Tampico
district, We're reported in to-day's dis
patches, which also said the Federal
garrison at Monterey was being rein
forced General Alr1azan. the rebeI
leader II Tamaulipas, has engaged
fecerai troops protecting the town Of
Reynosa. Railroad communication be-
tween Monterey and Torreon has been
interrupted by the rebels at Ramos.
Foreigners Depart
No word came 20 Washington to-day
o. the situation in the Tampico oil
fields and on the west coast at Mazat-
Ian, except that the steamship Senator
took on eighty-six foreigners, inciud-
ing all Americans who desired to leave
Maza5lan, on April %, and was now
en- route 70 California ports
At to-day's Cabinet meeting Score
tary Of State Colby placed before the
President such details Of the revolu-
lion ss had been communicated to the
State Department, and discussed posi-
bic steps this government may be
called upon 20 take should Americans
be menaced IN the fighting