VILLA’S ESCAPE.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 201, 25 September 1916, Page 3

VILLA’S ESCAPE.

NEW YORK, Sept. 22. General Bell’s official report on Villa’s raid on Chihuahua shows that Villa on the 15th sent a letter to Trevino stating that he would shake hands with him at Chihuahua on the 16th. He asked Trevino to prepare a suitable reception, as he was hungry. Villa, disguised, made a dramatic appearance at the Governor’s palace on the 16th. He ran on to the balcony and shouted to the crowd “Vive Mexico. lam your brother. I will give you liberty.” He then disappeared. He subsequently secured possession of the penitentiary, and tne Governor’s residence and the Federal buildings. With a force of a few hundred he held these for several hours, despite the Carranzista garrison of 6000. Villa liberated 200 prisoners and carried away 16 automobile loads of arms and ammunition. Under the escort of deserting Carranzists, he left the city with an additional thousand recruits and retired leisurely and practically unmolested. Trevino and his offeers were banqueting when they were attacked. Trel vino started for the Governor’s palace, but the staff deserted. Officials consider that the Mexican. American conference now sitting at Washington cannot ignore the grave developments.