Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-05-23

or Coahuila, December 20. 1859, We
nustiano CarranZa was educated in
the public schools OF his native state
and later studied law at the Mex
lean capital. When he was admitted
to the bar. however, affection Of tho
eyes prevented him from practicing,
and he returned TO his native state
to become 4 rancher. His experience
rs rancher first. then as Judge, Sem
ator and finally Governor of Coahuila.
made Carranza familiar with tho
aSrarian problem. the root OF po-
litical unrest in Mexico.
Won Support of Villa.
Having dcfied Huerta, CarrnnZa rail-
lied small band of 600 followers,
which grew into a sizablc army when
he won the support OF Francisco
villa. Carranza's influence spread
rapidly, the military victories OF his
chief aid, Villa, rallying the various
factions of Northern Mexico around
his banner. For time. however
real progress was slow. IIuerta's
Vaccinations had embroiled Mexico
with the United States. and interven-
ton seemed imminent. The killing
of w. S. Benton, n British subject. by
staff officer OF Villa, further com
plicated the situation
Then came Villas victory at Tor
reon. the first real success OF the war.
Carranza was pressing Huerta hard
when the y. Ii. c. conference to dis
cuss the differences between the
United states ard Huerta was called
In Buffalo. General CarranZa refused
TO abide by the result of those dip
lomatic negotiations. The fighting
went on with the result that General
lluerta resiEnei the provisional pres
idency July -, 1911, and a month
later General Carran&a made his tri-
umphal entry into Mexico City Huer-
"a in the meantime having fed to
shortly aftcrward Independent rev.
olutionistS led by Zapata, General
lascual Orozco and others, com
and Carran%a. which began at the
Torreon conference, reached CHI
max September %, 1914. when villa
Aware Obregon became Carranza's
leading general.
The villa generals met ut Aqua
alliance with the Zapata faction,
formed cOnventionists government.
Inc capital changed hands Several
lines: and was not finally taken by
Generai ObrcGon until the summer
Of 1915.
Villas Downfall Started by Oregon
The. beginning OF the end OF the
villa Aapata party as military
Oregon. Villa was forced 20 give
up Torreon. ana concentrate his
dwindling forces in Northern Chihua-
casional forays and raids. which cul-
minated in the attack on Columbus.
\: NJ. that resulted in the Invasion
or Mexican territory by General
In the diplomatic exchanges that
cnsued between President Wilson and
SarranEa. who had been officially
Fovern s ns bead By Sd s ' hS,s de
states in October. 1915, he insisted
on the respect by the United States
Of MeXico's sovereignty. and the
reciprocal rights of invasion. lie
maintained his position. despite the
crisis caused by the clashes between
Mexican and American soldiers at
Parra> and Carrizai. but when war
ceeded in stemming the tide by his
proposal for the appointment of a
JOINT commission to settle the diff
culties amicably. The proposal was
accepted by President Wilson and the
deliberations of the commission re-
suited In the withdrawal OF the
American army and the restoration
OF friendly relations between the two
countries.
Held Strange War Attitude.
In the meantime. Carranza had cali
Ell Il constitutional congress. which
accepted most OF the reforms he out
lined. On March II. 1912, he was
elected President. More than 1900.
900 votes were east for him. He took
MS oath of Office May /. 1917
In message to the Mexican Con
RresS. following his inauguration as
president. CarranZa declared AleXico's
strict neutrality. His note to ncu-
tral nations. however, urging them TO
declare emoargoes against all the
european belligcrcnts. as "A means OF
cnGlnS inc war. and the warmth OF
ms language in congratulating EN-
pcror william on the occasion of his
last birthday. aroused comment in
the United states, as did also the
publication OF the Zimmerman note,
inviting Mexico to take "by CON,
quest the states OF Texas. Arizona.
and New Mexico in payment for a
declaration OF war on the IJnitea
states netting III concert with japan.
DisciaimS Responsibilities,
WASHINGTON. May 22-The pro-
v;sional government Of Mexico today
discla!med any responsibility for the
death OF Venustiano Carranza. DR.
TORE DiaZ. confidential agent Of tho