Arizona republican., 1920-03-03
WATCH MOVES IF MEXICAN TROOPS
 IN SONORA STATE
IRepublican A. P. Leased Wire1

WASHINGTON, March 2.-Attention of officials of both the state and war departmentS was attracted today to the Mexican political situation by the reported arrival at Agua Prieta, on the northern frontier of the state of So- nora, of a large force of Mexican troops under General Manuel Dieguez. The report or the movement received here ascribed as the probable motive the determination of the central gov ernment to place itself in position to meet any movement that might be made by the forces in Sonora, which are reputed to be ready to support General Alvaro Obregon, candidate for the presidency, in opposition to Gen. eral Pablo Gonzales, popularly re- garded as the administra tion's choice.
 The army commanded by Dieguez was marched from Casas Grandes In the state of Chihuahua The troops in Sonora are directly accountable to Governor Adolfo de la Huerta, a par tisan of Obregon, who, it was recently reported, had refused to obey an order from Mexico City to demobilize his little army, recruited in the greater part from Yaqui Indians.
 Obregon has shown no clear indica- ton of intention to resort to arms prior to election but the knowledge of his popularity with the natives of Sonora and other states of the west coast, and the active opposition to his candidacy by the federal officials has caused those here observing the Mexican situa- tion to regard with peculiar interest any move by the federal army that might be construed as coercive measure.
 OnlV 125 Troops Arrive
 DOUGLAS, Ariz., March 2.-The re- ported arrival today in Agua Prrera opposite hefe,s of a large force to sup port General Manuel NJ. Dieguez ap- pears 10 nave gained currency from the arrlVal or the generals personal body guard, composed of 125 men. who made the trlp from Casas Grandes, Chihua- hua, over the Sierra Madre mountains by motor truck. In addition to the boundary guard he brought a military Dand with him, which is aecompany lns nm on his tour of Sonora and oinaioa, It was stated tonight.
 Prominent Sonora Mexicans attach considerable importance to the move ment Of even this small detacbment over the Sierra mountains. It is pointad out that 1t has been a moot o1estioo with the Mexican government whetber or not troops could be moved quickly rom Chihuahua into Sonora througj, PuIplto Pass. The present movamant mas settled the question affirmativelv
 Notnlng IS known in Agua Prief, aoout other troops movements con nected with Dieguez' visit to the stat. u Is admitted, however, that sonora as d whole Is partisan to Obregon and mouid not willingly submit to any |, tpt or lrickery against his interests in the presidential campaign.
 Instances in recent municipaI a1ac tlon which may be translated as an effort by military authority to s,n- press popular choice have been re- counted here recently by men iron, Guaymas. During a recent elec+ior there the "Obregon' candidate for tI,a apParentiy had good lead in day, command of several bundra.s soiolers was brought into the town rom La Misa, state military head quarters, and each soldier cast a. ballot TOT the government" candidate, elect ing him.