Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1922-11-02
REJOICE
IN REBELS DEATH
Execution of Murguia Causes
Optimism for General
Pacification.
CAPTURED IN CHURCH
Population of Tepehuantes Sees
Firing Squad Dispatch
Oregon Foe.
BY the Associated Press,

BY the Associated Press.
MEXICO CITY. November "A
more optimistic spirit regarding the
general pacification of Mexico could
be sensed in government circles to-
day as the result of the execution
Of Gen. Francisco Murguia, rebel
leader and enemy of President Obre-
gon, by a firing squad at Tepehuantes,
Durango, yesterday.
All suspicion that the capture of
Murguia while he lay asleep in a
tiny room behind the high altar of the
Catholic Church at Tepehuantes Tues
day night is a case of mistaken idcn-
tity was secuted here. Dispatches
describing the execution, which fol-
lowed a hurried court-martial, said
the body had been exhibited at Tepe-
huantes and had been recognized as
that of the rebel leader by many per-
sons, including several North Ameri-
can miners who were we'll acquainted
with Murguia.
The hastiness of the court martial
which decided the fate of the rebel
leader shortly after his arrest was
explained by the fact that il was
known that Murguia was seeking
legal restraints to prevent an imme-
date trial.
Fortunate Piece Of Work.
In Mexico City the execution of
Gen. Murguia was regarded as the
most fortunate piece of work per-
formed by the government during the
past year In its campaign to snuff out
rebs'ious movements. The war office
in its statements to newspaper men
today was more optimistic than usual
as to the prospect for general quiet in
the republic.
Friends of Pancho villa chuckled
over reports that the one-time dread
ed. bandit had been killed or wounded
a friend of Villa displayed d tele-
gram in which the former rebel said
he was safe and sound and that no
attempt had been made on his life. He
described himself as busy Clicking
the spade" on his ranch
Murgula was former follower of
President CarranZa and one of the
most persistent of President Obre-
CONS enemies.
was led over hill and. in the pres
ence of the native population. was
shot by a detail of men who had been
chosen to execute the order of the
court.
Revealed by Indian Maiden.
Murguia was definitely located at
Tepehuantes, when an Indian maiden,
friendly to the federals. slipped into
the federal camp and divulged his hid
ing place to Gen. Abraham Carmoaa
who Immediately surrounded the viii
lage.
Carmona was told by the girl that
Murguia was being sheltered by Il
village currate. Father CaZares, and
the soldier silently took possession of
the church when the priest was say
ing his Office. Father Cazares at first
disciaimed all knowledge of Murguia,
but later he admitted that he was
harboring a visitor and unlocked the
door leading to a small room imme-
diately back of the high altar.
Murguia was asleep in a bed. He
betrayed no emotion when informed
that he was under arrest. Followed
by excited crowds. he was conducted
to military headquarters. where a
court-martial was hastily formed I'M
der the presidency Of Gen. Miguel
Lavaga, who was assisted by Gems.
Anacleto Lopez and Pedro SoSa. MUIR
guia is declared in the official reports
to have offered little defense.