VILLA'S RAID.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXVI, Issue 3562, 23 September 1916, Page 1

VILLA'S RAID.

THE CHIHUAKUA AFFAIR

(Per Press Association —Copyright). (Australian and N.Z. Cable Service.)

WASHINGTON, September 21./ General Bell's official report upon Villa's raid on Chihuahua shows that Villa, on September 15, sent a letter to Governor Trevino stating that he would shake hands with him in Chihuahua on the 16th. Ho asked him feo prepare a suitable reception, as.he was hungry. Villa, disguised, made a dramatic appearance at the Governor's palace on the 16th. Ho ran to the halcony, and shouted to ,the crowd, "Viva Mexico; I am your brother. I -will give you liberty." . > \ He then disappeared, But subsequently secured possession of the penitentiary, Governor's residence, and the Federal buildings with a force of a, few hundred men. He held them for several hours,' despite the attacks of the Carranzista garrison of 6000 men. Villa liberated 200 prisoners, and carried away 16 automobile loads of arms and ammunition under an escort of deserting Carranzistas. Ho left the city with an additional 1000 recruits, and retired leisurely, and practically unmolested. i

Governor Trevino q*id his officers were banquetting when they were attacked. Trovino started for the Governor's palace, but his staff deserted him. The officials in Washington consider that the ..xexican-American Conference, which is now sitting, cannot ignore these grave developments.