The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-04-30
SEE VILLAS HAND
Bandit Chief Prevents Federals
Attacking Sonora.
Indications at Mexico City Car
rama Would Compromise.
REBEL FORCES NOT UNITED
ObregOn, Tho Strongest OF
Rebel Chiefs, Not in Open.
Financial Situation at Mexican
Capital Now Critical.

Capital Now Critical.
Washington, April 30-In the de-
sertion of Mexican federal troops at
Chihuahua City. reported officially to
the state department.. observers here
today saw the hand of Pancho Villa,
rebel chieftain.
Late last week word reached Gen
eral Alvarado, representative here of
the Obregon revolt. that Villa had sent
assurance to Governor de La Huerta of
Sonora that he would throw his sup
port to the rebellion. Alvarado has
since declared that Carranza soldiers
were deSerting to Villa and the deser-
ton of the troops in Chihuahua City
was said to be the result of Villa first
important move.
Villas present duty in the Obregon
revolt is to engage the federals in the
state of Chihuahua and prevent Car
rama from directing an offensive
against Sonora from the east. Later
however, he may lead an expedition
against Mexico City, should all his
plans be carried successfully, it was
said.
Compromise Hinted AT.
Mexico City. April 3o.-A reIort is
current here that Ignacio Banillas
may return to Washington as Mexican
ambassador to the United States.
Alberto PAM, Mexican minister in
Paris. was mentioned as a. possible
coalition candidate for the presidency.
These reports followed publication
in newspapers that Bonillas and Gen.
Pablo Gonzales, leading presidential
candidates, had agreed to withdraw
in the interest of restoration of order.
| Bonillas has had the support of
Carranza and has been considered the
| leading opponent to Gen. Alvaro
Obregon,, who fled the capital when
/ he was accused of dealing with rebels.
Rebels Not United.
More than two weeks have elapsed
this time disaffections have been mani
fest in many parts of the Republic.
| Observers here today considered the
situation unusual in that none of the
rebel elements had attempted to or
ganize to crush the seat of federal
F, power. They said the government S
| position might be precarious but
pointed to the fact it was still in the
saddle in Mexico City-which has al
ways been the seat of the republics
central government.
General Obregon, admittedly the
strongest of the revolutionists, has not
yet succeeded in unifying the various
elements of the rebellion. His object
apparently was to bring about the
downfall of the CarranZa group thru
political and moral pressure. realizing
that a successful military drive on the
capital would be difficult, necessitat-
ing a union of his followers in the
south with those of General Gales in
the north.
Carranza Now Ready.
1t was believed Obregon may be at
tempting such movement now
Late advices reported he had left
Guerrero for Michoacan.
Obregon's delay. however, has given
the government time to gather its
forces and prepare for war or COM
promise which ever seems to offer the
better solution
Government leaders today reported
extensive military plans but admitted
no military operations in force had
been started against the insurrection-
lists.
The financial situation was reported
critical inasmuch as revenues from ex-
tensive territories have been cut off
Increase Air Patrol on Border.
San Antonio. Tex, April 30.-Sev-
l.enty United States army airplanes
Ilcarrying machine guns in constant
communication by wireless with flight
headquarters, are patrolling the inter
national border, watching for move
ments of federal and Mexican revolu-
tionary troops.
Each of these planes carries a pilot
and an observer. A dirigible balloon
has been orderd from Camp Langley
Va. to Camp Bierne, Ell Paso, it Is
Learned here today. Between twenty
and twenty-five airplanes are patroll-
ing the boundary between FL Pasc
and Nogales, Ariz-
Rail Line Is Cut.
Enrique Ramerez, mayor of Ia
Piedad, an important town in the stats
of Michoacan, has revolted in favor
of the revolution and was followed
! by 800 troops under command of Col
Radolfo Lopez. Maj. Francisco Lopez
Capt. Jesus Rivas and Lieut.. Abundic
Martinez, according to advices which
have just reached here.
These troops have cut the railroad
between the City of Mexico and
Guadala jara and have captured Ia
lmora, the second largest city IL
Michoacan. the report states. Th'
Catholic bishop of Michoacan. whS
had his headquarters at Zamora, il
said to have fled when the rebels en-
Itered the town.
At LaCruz, a small town betweeI
Jiminez and Chihuahua City, in th'
state of Chihuahua, 200 men compris
ing the federal garrison with thei
captains, are reported to have re
volted. The action of these men i
considered of more than ordinary i'm
portance because of the position the.
they may be able to do to the railroa,
to Ell Paso, interrupting transporta
ton and the bringing of troops int
, Chihuahua.
TEXAS TOWN SUFFERS LOSS.