New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-18
Federal Garrison of2,OOO|
at Cuernavaca CoesOyer
toCeneral on His Arrival
After Quitting Capital
Sonora Forces Take
Culiacan in Sinaloa
Carranza Masses Troops
in lOO-Mile Radius to
Guard City of Mexico

From The Tribume's Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON, April 17.-General
Alyaro Obregon, anti-Carranza candi-
date for the Mexican Presidency, has
thrown down the war glove to Car
rama, according to information from
q reliable source received to-day. Re-
ported. several days ago to have fed
from Mexico City, where he was held
under technical arrest" Obregon made
his way to Cuernevaca, capital of the
State OF Morelos, two hours by auto
mobile from Mexico City. Here the
entire Federal garrison, commanded by
General Francisco Cosio Robelo, num-
bering 1000 men, are reported to have
renounced their allegiance to Carranza
and Joined Obregon.
Other developments in the Mexican
situation, as reported to Washington
to-day, were:
Troops of the seeding state of
Sonora. under General Flores, can
tured Culiacan, capital of the state
OF Sinaloa, and plan to march against
lepic,. capital of the state of
Nayarit
Francisco Villa is reported to be
cooperating with the Sonora govern
ment and to be about to attack Car
ranza troops at Chihuahua City, Par
raj and Jiminez.
It was stated at the State Depart
ment that no official request had
been received from the Mexican gov
ernment for permission to move
troops across American border states
to attack the Sonora troops. 1t is
believed, however, that an unofficial
request has been received and re-
fused
Carranza Guards Capital
Cuernavaca, where Obregon is re.
ported, lies almost directly south and
within fifty miles of Mexico City. Mex
'can observers here are of the opinion
that If Obregon is really starting new
revolution within the 1Oo-mile circle
whose center isS Mexico City he had
assurances before he left the capital
that supportersTw would number far
in excess of the 1000 Fedcrals at Cuer
nevaca.
In view of the vulnerabilitv to at
tack of Mexico City, Carranza has
grouped his best troops abundantly
within the 100-mile circle An,Obregon
revolt within this circle indicates a
bold move which is designed to strike
quickly and gather force as it moves.
Disaffcction in the Carranza ranks
has long been we'll known.
Obregon's friendly advances to va
lrious rebel factions in Mexico also
have been known to American observers
for weeks. The country within which
obregon's new operations are reported
Is infested with rebels. These rebels
are against the Mexican government
and will doubtless readily join any fac
ton aiding them to strike against Car
rama.
no" much additional force Obregon
can still draw from Carranza's own
troops in this district is as vet un-
known. 1t was reported more than two
months ago that Obrcgon had been
working in secret cooperation with
PaIaez, the Tampico oil field rebel
leader.
While obregon was reported under
arrest in Mexico City several days ago,
rico likewise indicated their sympathy
Tor Obregon by wiring Carranza that
II Obregon were harmed they would
openly join any movement against the
government which would avengc Obre-
gon's treatment. They notified the
President that he personally was held
responsible for the generals safety.
likewise Obregon is reported to have
an arrangement with Francisco Villa
f In Chihuahua whereby Villa will aid in
any uprising against the government
villa forces were reported two days
ago to be moving north to Offset any
Federal move. In the meantime the
State of Sonora on the west coast re-
mains in open revolt, tlcfying the Car
sanzistaS to come and resist the states
seccssioS.
Other States to Join
1t is regarded as highly probable that
other West Coast states will join this
secession or allow their territories to
be amicably captured by the Sonora
rebels within brief time. Obregon is
the directing head of the Sonora -Sinaloa
situation. He is undoubtedly leaving
that campaign to General Gales, his
military commander there. while he
starts his second revolt within striking
distance of the capital. Obregon is
considered the ablest military leader
remaining in Mexico. His military
strategy is of the old school.
Secretary Baker is said to have ruled
To-day that any Mexican troop move
nent across American territory lies
with the decision Of the American bor-
aer state involved. As Texas is the
state through which Mexican troops
would move first, the known attitude
oi the Texas state government toward
sne Mexican government decides the
tcsatiaued sn SAGE sx,.