The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-05-26
PLACE The BLAME
Rudolfo Herrero Officially Ac-
cused of Carranza's Death.
Probing Commission Says lie
Had Carefully Planned Plot.
.Ex-CHIEF KILLED BY vOLLEY
First Shot Wounded Him in
the Leg.
Last Words Were Request for
Rifle and Ammunition.
Ex-CHIEF KILLED BY VOLLEY

| Mexico City, May 26.-Blame for
the assassination of former President
| Venustiano Carranza was definitely
/ placed upon Rudolfo Herrero and his
! followers in the report made early to-
day by the commission sent to Tlax-
cal Antongo by Gen. Alvora Obregon
to investigate Carranza's death.
The commission, in making its re-
port. urged that a formal hearing be
| held, declaring such action necessary
/ to establish Herrero's motive and the
responsibility of the Individual mem
[ bers of his band, as well as to deter
mine the conduct of Carranza's cabi-
net members. his friends and defend
ers. who accompanied him in his
| flight.
Say Herrera Planned Coup.
Herrero carefully planned his coup
by gaining Carranza's confidence,
which he then betrayed, the commits
sion declared.
The report, returned by two men
appointed from the staff of General
/ Obregon and two representing General
Gonzales, did not differ in its salient
United Press by General Amador, one
of Carranza's aides, when hesreturned
to Mexico City accompanying the body
of his murdered chief. Herrero's men
attacked the former presidents hut
from all sides. the commission re-
ported. %
The commission was unable to ex-7
plain how other occupants of the
shack. escaped injury.
Report in Ten Sections.
The report cited the conclusions of
the commission in ten sections.
A second part was added in which
Gen. Jean Barragan, Carranza's chief
of staff, and other Carranza officers
and officials were charged with dis
playing bitterness toward the new
regime.
Col Jupiter Ramirez who support
ed Barragan, was quoted as saying
that altho Herrera organized the plot
to assassinate Carranza. Col. Marquee
Ceron led the attack and directed the
fire.
According to the report of the com
mission. Herrero joined the Carranza
party in Puebla May 30, after a con-
ference with General Mariel, in which
he promised undying loyalty. Mariel
who stood high in Carranza's esteem,
assured the president that Herrero was
trustworthy and then left the Car
rama camp.
Killed by VoIIey.
Carranza and his followers reached
TlaxcaF Antongo on Thursday night.
Herrero directed the placing of guards
and sentinels, all of which were his
men. The soldiers nteredsCarranza's
quarters at a. m. Friday, informed
him that the situation was unchanged,
and all was well. whereupon the presi-
dent thanked them and said he would
retire.
The report said at $3.50 a. M. be-
tween twenty and twenty-five soldiers
attacked the hut. The, first shots
wounded the president, who told his
roommates he was unable to arise be-
cause his leg had been fractured. He
asked for his rifle so he could defend
himself. These were his last words,
for a second volley caused his death
immediately. Everyone else fled from
the hut. The confusion was indie
scribabie. Herrera appeared leading
his men and made prisoner about sixty
Carranzistas whom he released about
twelve miles away after forcing them
to sign statements that Carranza COM
mitted suicide.
Prisoner Bought Freedom.
Berlanga was forced to dictate the
statement, which was written by
Fontes. The latter was then COM
manded to write check for 1000
pesos and all were released when this
was handed to Herrero.
Carranza witnesses declared de-
Tense was difficult as the attack on
the camp was made in pitch dark
ness while heavy rain fell. They did
not know whether they were fighting
friends or enemies but heard cries of
! viva Oregon" viva Pelaez." They
greatly lamented the fact that Car
rama died thinking his own men had
killed him.
The fact that Carranza wore his
| glasses when his body was found was
said to indicate he had not gone to
sleep.
Could Not Locate Slayer.
| The report was based on the testi-
mony of Generals Neira. Sanchez and
Perez, and Captain RAMIREZ Perez
said that Herrera had told him he
also wanted to kill Murguia, Bonillas
and Cabrera. The report verified
| General Amador's version of the muir
der and also the fact that eight others
were killed. 1t stated it was impossi-
bit to locate Herrera to get his story.
! Five hundred Yaqui Indians, last of
| the bands which have harassed the
| central government for more than ten
years. have Surrendered, announcing
| their adherence to the revolutionary
government in north Culiacan.
| 1t was also announced that de la
Huerta will be installed as provisional
/ president June l.
General Obregon announced today
that Sen. Luis Cabrera, former secre-
| tary of the treasury in Carranza's
| cabinet, was arrested during the day
! at Villa Juarez and is held in the peni-
eentiary of Mexico CITY.