9$
FE N
IJP A M
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1915.
NO. 263.
VOL 50.
SANTA
MEX
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
FAVORS A PERMANENT
HOME IN OLD ADOBE
MEMBERS VOTE UNANIMOUSLY TO JOIN CITY COUNCIL AND SANTA FE
CLUB IN PROJECT TO BUY FAMOUS BUILDING OPPOSITE CATHEDRAL
FAVOR MR. HUGHES' PROJECT TO GET A COMPANY TO BUILD HOUSES
IN NEW-OLD SANTA FE STYLE-THANKS MR. TASCHEK FOR SPLENDID
MAP.
BUSINESS MEN URGED TO AID
NEW COMPANY OF NAT L GUARD
WHAT MEMBERS OF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DID LAT NIGHT.
Decided to purchase the "center section" of the famous Old Adobe op
posite the Cathedral for $2000 for permanent headquarters.
Adopted several changes to the constitution.
Extended thanks to John P. Dods and his associates of "Motor Ago"
for publicity granted Santa Fe and environs.
Volunteered to co-operate In every way with Ashley Pond, of Roswell,
in his project to get the Ramon Vigil grant, 25 miles from Santa Fe, into
-a game preserve for use of some Detroit millionaires who are enthusiastic
over the climate of this region.
Announced that the climate booklets have been mailed to a thousand
physicians in the Mississippi valley.
Voted to print a le'terhead to conform to illustrated envelopes, show
ing Santa Fe the oldest city In the United States.
. Extended vote of thanks to Ernest Taschek for splendid work on the
road map showing points of interest near Santa Fe, and trails, etc.
Following an eloquent address by Col. E. C. Abbott, recommended that
business men back project to enlist another company of guardsmen in
Santa Fe.
Passed resolution calling on Warden McMnnus to furnish brick for pav
ing around plaza.
Informed members that the Circle Drive fund of $100 Is raised.
Adopted resolution expressing sorrow at death of General A. S.
Brookes and appointed a committee to prepare resolutions on death of Dr.
E. Almon Leonard.
Heard speeches by Judge J. R. McFie on the Increasing popularity of
the New-Old Santa Fe stvle and on the Tippd nf an inniiiprntnr for Santa Fe.
Appointed a committee to seek
buildings in the New-Old Santa Fe stylo in Santa Fe, following suggestions
of Levi A. Hughes.
Applauded Mr. Justice Hanna for his suggestion to ask the women of
Santa Fe to conduct a "Swat-the-fly" campaign early in the spring, and to
adopt other hygienic measures for the health of the city.
Before the adjournment of the meeting the president called attention
of the members to the publication of a report of one of the committees in
the Albuquerque Journal before that report was submitted to the chamber
of commerce and politely but firmly asked the committee to report to the
chamber of commerce first, and to the newspapers afterward.
The above were striking features of
the meeting of- the Santa Fe Chamber
of Commerce hs!! last night -In the
new chambers presided over by Presi
dent H. it. Dorman, with Secretary
"George H. Van Stone keeping the min
utes. Although the slippery streets, the
dense fog and the snow kept Beveral
members at home, there was a fairly
good attendance and the business be
fore the organization was dispatched
with old-time swiftness and enthus
iasm. Of surpassing interest to many, of
' course, was the proposal to purchase
permanent headquarters in the old
: adobe opposite the Cathedral. The
Santa Fe Club and city council have
decided to make that their home and
they said to the chamber of commerce:
"Come with us." And the chamber of
commerce answered last night: "Yes."
The chamber of commerce is to
have the central portion of the build
ing, provided the deal is put through.
There is an option on the building un
til the middle of February.
"Can we get a separate mortgage?"
asked S. G. Cartwright. He was as
sured that the chamber of commerce
would act separately in this matter.
President Dorman explained the de
tails of the project and J. W. Giddings
made the motion to have the plan ac
cepted. "I second the motion," said
John V. Conway, who held a blue print
of the famous adobe in his hand.
The motion was carried unanimous
ly. Changes to Constitution.
As announced some time ago it was
planned to make certain changes to
the constitution and these were ac
cepted last night. This was one of
, the amendments.
, "Be it resolved. That Article II of
the constitution of this organization
be amended by adding thereto the fol
lowing: "(6) All members in arrears on
their dues for six months may, upon
recommendation of the executive com
mittee and an affirmative vote- of the
chamber of commerce, be dropped from
the rolls for non-payment of dues."
The other amendment was:
"Be it resolved, That the constitu
tion of the Santa Fe Chamber of
Commerce be and hereby is amended
as follows:
"Art. Ill, Sec. 1. By striking out
after the word -accompanied' the
words 'by the admission fee which is
hereby fixed at five dollars and.' By
adding after the words 'in advance'
the words 'which dues are hereby fix
ed at one dollar per month payable
quarterly in advance.'
"Art. III. By adding See. 6. Any
member of this association may re
sign provided his dues are paid to the
date of such resignation but such dues
shall in all cases constitute a valid
claim against such resigning member
until they are paid."
Thank Dods et al.
' The following-resolutions were pass
ed unanimously:
Whereas, in the Issues of the Mo
tor Age of December 4th and 11th. two
well written articles on Santa Fe
and vicinity have appeared tmm the
militarq prisoners held in the Btrikel
ways and means for the erection of
pen of Mr. John Dods, Illustrated by
photographs taken by Mr. N. lazar
nlck, whlch articles are doubtless of
great value to New Mexico, and this
section in particular, and will prove
i of great worth in interesting the peo
ple of our eastern states In the attrac
tions of the southwest, and,
"Whereas, Mr. Dods and his asso
ciates have shown great generosity
and personal Interest in the welfare
and progress of our state, as evi
denced by the well written articles
referred to, and, ' ......
"Whereas, the chamber of com
merce of the city of Santa Fe is de
sirous of expressing its appreciation
of the effort of Mr. Dods and his asso
ciates, as well as our appreciation to
he publishers of the Motor Age for
the very favorable advertising which
they have given this section of the
southwest.
"Therefore, be It resolved, by the
chamber of commerce of the city of
Santa Fe, that the thanks of this body,
individually and collectively, be ex
tended to Mr. J. P. Dods, Mr. N. Laz
arnick, Mr. J. A. Harris and the Mo
tor Age, for assistance to this section
of the southwest in the effort they
have made to bring the attention of
the readers of the Motor Age, the at-
tractions and things of Interest per-
taining to our country, with the as-
surances that this chamber of com- j
merce greatly appreciates the work of
the gentlemen referred to, and the co-j
operation with them of the Motor years, was cross-examineu ai uie re
,! sumption of the trial today. Her
r- '
1 he cuamoer or commerce muu ui-
fered to extend every possiDIe am tu
Ashley Pond, a prominent resiaem. oi .
Roswell, who is planning to turn the
Ramon Vigil grant, 25 , miles from
Santa Fe, into a fine game preserve
for use of a club of well-to-do Detroit
people. There are over 30,000 acres
in the grant, it is said, and it is plan
ned to fence the tract and build bung
alows, a large club house, hunting
lodges, etc. Ten men of Detroit have
already pledged $2300 each and it Is
planned to get forty men of Detroit to
subscribe. The chamber of commerce
will send out literature, maps, etc., to
help the project.
Climate Booklets.
In the absence of Col. B. M. Cutting,
chairman of the publicity committee,
Secretary Van Stone announced that
the climate booklets had cost $114.4U
and had been paid for; that a thou
sand of these booklets had been sent
to physicians in the Mississippi valley
and other physicians will be reached.
It is realized that if Santa Fe is to
draw health-seekers, physicians in the
east and middle-west must be inform
ed of the climatic advantages of a high
altitude and a location sheltered from
terrible winds. .
Letterheads.
The illustrated envelopes have
proved a success that it was decided
to print letter heads to conform, al
lowing space for printed names and
addresses of purchasers. . i
A Splendid Map. !
The members were much pleased
(Continued on p(a three),
GRAFT CHARGED
! AGAINST CANAL
! COMMISSARY
Washington, D. C, Dec. IT. ;
Charges of irregular dealings between j
John Burke, commissary manager for j
the Panama canal work, and contrac
tors who have been furnishing sup-j
plies, are being investigated by the j
government.
It was admitted officially today that
for the last six months the inquiry
has been In progress, based on
charges preferred by Chas. E. Walker,
a former subordinate of Burke's in
the commissary department, alleging
that his superior officer, was demand
ing and receiving large commissions
from persons with whom he had plac
ed large contracts for food and other
Bupplios for the canal workers. Also,
it is alleged lhat Burke had awarded
contracts to the Colon import and ex
port company, in which he is a stock
holder, and that he had" profited at
least $50,000 from his operations. His
'salary was $4500 a year. Several im
I portant contracts were placed in
j Europe,
j Only Hearsay.
I New York, X. Y., Dec. 17. Officers
I of the Panama Railroad company said
today that they knew only by hear
say of the charges against John
Burke.
"Mr. Burlte's accounts were approv
ed by Colonel Eugene L. Wilson, head
of the subsistence department of the
isthmian canal commission," said Syl
vester Demlng, treasurer of the road.
"In due course of routine, we receiv
ed the accounts here for auditing, but
bad not other relations with Mr.
I Burke. I do not think, however, that
his expenditures have been as much
as $6,000,000 .
"Some time ago we heard in a
roundabout way that charges had been
made agaiiiBt Mr. Burke. We heard
nothing further of them."
Burke Is about 45 years old and was
formerly a resident of Indianapolis.
Indianapolis, Ind., Dec. 17. John
Burke, whose work in the commissary
j department of the Panama canal
is
being Investigated, was found here
this afternoon and denied that he ever
received money from any source,
other than his salary, while connected
with the commissary department. Mr.
Burke came to Indianapolis two weeks
ago on his vaction.
"There is not a word of truth In any
charge that I have profited financially
'on the side' In connection with my
work in the canal zone," said Mr.
Burke. "Complaint against me arose
last September on account of informa
tion given out by a disgruntled em
ploye. The complaint was that the de
partment had made purchases abroad.
I never made answer to the complaint
for it was the policy of the depart
ment to purchase supplies wherever
they could be had the cheapest.
"The charge that I have made
money out of my position is news to
me. It would be impossible, as I am
not In full charge of the commissary
department. I have to make detailed
reports to my superior officer."
Mr. Burke said supplies amounting
to about $8,000,000 were purchased
annually by the department.
SCHMIDT WAS
A "BOOB" SAYS
SCHOOLMATE
New York, Dec. 17. Hans Schmidt
slayer of Anna Aumuller, today noti
fied counsel conducting the defense
in his trial formally, that he was un
der a "divine inspiration" to take the
witness stand and tell his story in his
own way. The inspiration had not ex-
tended to his lawyers at noon and
tuey were sun unaecmea wneiuer 10
call him.
Mrs. Elizabeth Schadler, Schmidt s
favorite sister, who came here from
Germany with her father to testify
that Schmidt had been insane for
story will probably be unchanged by
(the district attorney's questioning.
Tnere were lutroduced depositions
,f Car, Schmldti brother of the ac-
cuged Hnd of KatnHrine Schmidt, a
cousin. Both reside in Germany, and
both testified as to Schmidt's marked
eccentricities as indicating an unsound
mind. Depositions from other Ger
man witnesses were to the same ef
fect. The Rev. Johannes Siebacher, who
was associated with Schmidt in a
seminary in Mainz, told of the priest's
peculiarities and Baid he had coine to
the conclusion that Schmidt was not
mentally responsible.
"I told him the priesthood was not
his calling and said be was a boob,"
said the deposition.
Dr. Ludwig Benzig, presiding officer
of the ecclesiastical court at Mainz
that investigated charges against
Schmidt, deposed lhat the court found
Schmidt morally responsible, but did
not pass on bis mental state. It de
prived him, however, from further ex
ercising his functions as priest.
At the request of counsel for the
defense, the court adjourned early un
til tomorrow.
DENIES SELLING ANY
OF MEXICAN INTERESTS.
London, Dec; 17. Lord Cowdray in
denying today a statement published
In New York to the effect that he was
to dispose of his Mexican oil interests,
to an American concern, said:
. "Neither my firm nor I have sold
nor are about to sell our Mexican oil
interests to the Standard- Oil , com
pany or any one else." :'!'
REPUBLICANS
ADOPT NEW
PLAN
IF RATIFIED BY A MAJORITY OF THE
STATE ORGANIZATIONS, THE NEW
SYSTEM WILL CUT OUT A TOTAL
OF 62 DELEGATES FROM THE
SOUTH AND EIGHT FROM NORTH.
REPORT ON PRIMARIES
AND PROCEDURE
Washington, JJ. C, Dec. 17. The
Republican national committee met
again today to conclude the reform
measures il has undertaken to re
unite the party, to clear its conven
tion machinery of certain features and
to reduce representations in national
conventions from southern states and
congressional districts which are re
gained as hopelessly Democratic.
Only two propositions remained to
be acted on today and a report from a
special sub-committee headed by Na
tional Committeeman Warren, of
Michigan, offered a solution of each.
The Warren committee finally
agreed on a plan of re-apportionment
providing for four delegates at large
from each state, one from each con
gressional district and one additional
from each district where the total Re
publican vote was 85 per cent or more
of the total vote cast. No district,
however, would have more than two
delegates, no matter how large the
Republican votes. States having con
gressmen at large would be entitled to
one vote for each. .
The congressional election of 1910
probably will be used as the basis
for determining the exact representa
tion in each state.
Territories and the District of Co
lumbia would have two delegates each.
The plan provides also that it shall
become effective when it is ratified by
states representing a majority of th
electoral college.
Under the Warren plan representa
tion in national conventions would be
reduced by 70 delegates. The follow
ing named states would lose the fol
lowing number of delegates:
Alabama, 6; Florida, 2; Georgia, 6:
Louisiana. 7: MWsslPDi. f 8: North
Carolina, 2; Oklahoma, 1 ; South Caro
lina, 7; Tennessee, 4; Texas, 14; Vir
ginia, !i. Total loss for the south, 02.
Illinois, 2; Kentucky, 1; New Jersey,
1; New York, 4. Total loss for the
north, 8.
A plan for additional delegates
where the Republican vote was more
than 10 per cent of the total was re
jected because under it the north
would lose proportionally more than
the south. . Under it New York's rep
resentation would be cut by 8 and
Ohio's by five." The sub-committee
unanimously agreed on the 35 per cent
plan.
The sub-committee's report oa pri
maries and proceodure, reads, in part,
as follows:
"Be It Resolved, That this commit
tee, when it issues the call for the na
tional convention to be held in the
year 1910, to nominate candidates for
president and vice-president, shall pro
vide in such call:
"(A) That in any state which shall
have provided by law, prior to the
election of delegates from such state
for the election of such delegates to
national conventions of political par
ties at direct primaries, such dele
gates from that state shall be elected
in conformity with such law.
"(B) That all delegates from any
state may be chosen from the state at j
large, or part from the state at large ;
and part from congressional districts
in conformity with the laws of the
Btate in which the election occurs.
"(C) That delegates presenting cer
tificates of election from the canvass
ing board or officer created or desig
nated by state law to canvass the re
turns and issue certificates of election
to delegates to national conventions
of political parties in a primary elec
tion, shall be placed on the temporary
roll by the national committee."
The nlan of the sub-committee to
recognize primary lawB and change j
the rules governing conventions was'"
adopted by the national committee by
a unanimous vote. On a point raised
by Committeeman Chubb, of Florida,
It was announced that the resolution
would be changed so that in states
where it is optional whether a party
shall hold primaries for the elections
of delegates they shall be selected in j
the old manner and the primary plan i
shall be observed only in states where
the law provides specifically for such
action.
With the resolution for re-apportionment
of delegates and amendments
was accepted providing that the basis
for the selection of delegates from
each congressional district, in addi
tion to one, should be based on "the
Republican vote for Republican presi -
dentiai electors in 1908, or for the Re-1
publican candidate for congress in j
1914, which ever is the higher.'
R. B. Howell, of Nebraska, submit
ted a minority report. He concurred !
in everything except the apportion
ment scheme and declared that be be
lieved the proposal of the majority
would be subversive of. the object of
the meeting and result-In future em-,
barrassment to the. Republican party.
' He contended that the principal pur
j pi.so of the meeting was to reduce
jsoiKherii representation in Republican
l national conventions and that he did I
I believe thai the reapportionment
I scheme as proposed would remedy the
j difficulty.
The eleinination of only (!2 delegates
from all the southern states, Mr.
Howell asserted, would never in his
opinion, be satisfactory to the Repub
licans of the country.
Mr. Howell suggested as an alter
native a plan of the Republican con
gressional committee, providing four
delegates at large for each state and
one delegate in addition for each 10,-
000 votes or major fraction thereof
cast for the Republican candidate in
1I10X. That plan would reduce the
total number of delegates in the con
vention of 945. The south, which had
272 delegates in the convention of
1 St 1 2, would have only 11!) if that plan
were adopted.
William Barnes, Jr., of New York,
proposed us u substitute for the
Howell amendment that the report of
the special committee be adopted
with a provision that no congressional
district should get the benefit of an
additional delegate unless that district
had cast at least 7300 Republican
votes for presidential electors, or in
1914 for candidates for congress. He
said that it would he a fundamental
mistake to adopt any scheme of re
apportionment which would eleminate
the congressional district as a unit
The proposal of Mr. Howell, he said,
would absolutely shut out twelve
slates from the congressional district
delegate plan.
Mr. Barnes' substitute proposal he
said, would reduce the southern repre
sentation by 77 votes in the conven
tion, and the northern states by eight,
of which New York would lose four.
An agreement on a plan is looked
for tonight. National Committeeman
Howell of Nebraska led the fight for
a radical red ...tion of southern repre
sentation. National Committeeman
Remmel of Arkansas, violently op
posed such a plan. He said that the
history of Republican conventions
showed conclusively that the southern
contingent always had followed the
lead of a northern majority in support
of presidential candidates.
' Are you going to kick us out and
make the Republican party a section
al party?" he asked, shaking his fist
at Mr. Howell. "Treat us fairly
En -
courage us as we deserve to be en
cou raged and don't try to throttle ns,'
UNIONS PLAN
FINE PROGRAM
FOR COLORADO
Denver, Colo., Dec. 17. Reports of
the committees on resolutions and
policy were matters of absorbing In
terest at today's session of the special
convention of the union labor dele
gates. The open discussion of yester
day served to outline quite clearly the
views of Individuals and the local
unions they represent on the question
of a state wide strike in sympathy
with the members of the United Mine
Workers of America on strike in the
Colorado coal fields.
Early today it seemed practically
certain that the convention would not
Issue a formal call for such a strike
but would confine itself to the ap
pointment of a committee empowered
to call a state wide strike of all
unions represented if it finds condi
tions warrant.
It was explained by labor leaders
that this condition has not power to
enforce such a strike and should one
be called under the plan outlined it
would rest with the various unions,
through their national officers to
make the strike effective.
Yesterday's discussion, it was said,
clearly outlined the position of the
delegates on the chief questions under
consideration by the resolutions com
mittee and furnished a reasonable
basis for predictions on its recommen
dations. These include resolutions
for the recall of Governor Amnions,
the removal of Ceneral John Chase as
commander of the militia, the recall of
Jefferson Fair, sheriff of Huerfano
county; a constitutional amendment
for the state operation of coal mines;
compulsory arbitration of labor dis
putes, speedy recall of the militia
from the coal fields, urging Colorado's
delegates In congress to support the
resolution by Congressman Edward
Keating for a congressional Investiga
tion of the Colorado coal situation.
Just before the noon adjournment a
suggestion was made to have the 500
delegates march to the: 8e P""1
" , "' " ..... . ,,a
nS the recal of the militia and the
oisnussa. or aojuihui m-
1 UK ugt:liuil gallic ni ,nr- vivoc
speech by "Mother" Jones, in which
she. : demanded the release of the
military prisoners held In the strike
zone. Many delegates had already
left the ha.ll for the march on (he state
house when William B. Green, secre
tary and treasurer of the United Mine
Workers, took the floor and counseled
moderation. He urged the delegates
to make their demands upon the gov
ernor in an orderly manner, in the
form of resolutions.
Secretary Green in his address to
the convention today discouraged the
plan of calling a general strike, declar
ing (hut l:ilinr unions should alwavs
,. to thel. contracts with em-
piover8.
Jt was exPected that action on reso-
Ilutions would be reached late today.
.e,.yER NAMED FOR
SALT LAKE OFFICE
Washington. D. C, Dec. 17. Presi
dent Wilson today nominated Charles
Gammon, of Utah, for assayer in
charge of the assav office at Salt Ijike
City.
37 ARE KILLED
IN VULCAN
E
THIRTY BODIES HAD BEEN RECOV
ERED UP TO NOON TO-DAY.
RESCUERS STILL WORK TO RE
COVER BODIES. NO LIVING ARE
HOPED FOR.
ARRANGETo CARE FOR
WIDOWS AND CHILDREN!
Newcastle, Colo.. Dec. 17. Twenty
five bodies of the 37 men killed in "yes
terday's explosion had been removed
from the workings of the Vulcan mine
cf the Rocky Mountain Fuel company
early today. Three more bodies had
been located in the rooms of the west
entry. After a rest of one hour
wearied rescuers started into the mine
with pick and shovel to release the
corpses imprisoned by broken timbers,
stone and coal.
With the coming of day Newcastle,
relieved of the tense excitement of
yesterday, was just beginning to real
ize the full meaning of the catastro
phe. Women and children thronged
the morgue for a final glimpse of hus
band, brother or father. Tentative
plans were made today for a general
funeral at which the victims of yester
day's disaster would be buried In the
same cemetery where relatives of vic
tims of the explosion In 1S9G still go
to mourn for loved ones.
E. E. Shumway, general manager of
the Rocky Mountain Fuel company,
and State Mine Inspector Dalrymple
arrived here today. Dalrymple Imme
diately entered the mine on a trip of
inspection.
The thirtieth body was taken from
the mine at 11 o'clock. Parties of res
cuers are at work in both entries, re
moving the masses of dislodged coal
1 and rock.
Coroner Hopkins, of Olenwood
Springs, nnnounced lhat he would ar
range for an inquest as soon as the
I last body had been recovered.
Arrangements are being made to
I care for the widows and children of
I thn mtnf. victims.
The state mine inspector spent four
hours In the mine. Upon his return
he said that he would have no state
ment, to make until later. Thirty-one
bodies had been brought out up to 2
o'clock.
CURRENCY BILL
TOBEUOTED
ON FRIDAY
Washington,' D. C, Dec. 17. A ten
tative agreement was reached late to
day between Democratic and Republi
can leaders of the senate for a final
vote on the currency bill before the
end of the legislative day of Friday.
Other changes are favored by many
Democratic senators. The proposi
tion against "member banks" extend
ing any of the benefits of the new
federal system to "non member
banks" probably will be modified.
Efforts will be made to bring about
an agreement of Democratic senators
on all amendments, which then will
be offered in the senate by Chairman
Owen.
Democratic House Leader Under
wood assured senate leaders the house
would not take much time in dispos
ing of the bill. He predicted that if
the bill passed the senate tomorrow,
it would be disposed of by the house
before Monday.
At a conference of Democratic sen
ators tonight it is proposed to elimin
ate deposits guarantee from the cur
rency bill, change the "lawful redemp
tion" to make treasury notes redeem
able in gold, and arrange, if possible, j
for a final vote Thursday night.
THE DAY IN CONGRESS
Senate.
Met at It) a. m.
Currency debate resumed with Re -
publican senators predicting the ad -
ministration hill would pass by Satur -
day.
House.
Met at noon.
Alaskan railway bill, involving
MN
sue of government ownership debated, jgees, chiefly Spaniards from the north
Secretary Bryan, before foreign af- em states, each of whom brought an
fairs committee advocated purchase i
of embassy buildings at Tokio, Mexico
City, and Berne.
C. K. Mahoney, of Denver, vice
president of Western Federation of
Miners, made charges against mine
operators in Michigan copper districts
at rules committee hearing.
Representative Roberts of Massa-
chusetts urged interstate commerce j silver ror tne redemption or tne pa
committee to report his bill to re- per on account of the refusal of an
quire all steel cars on railroads within
four years.
Representative Fowler of Illinois,
and Marsh Lambert of Shawueetown,
urged rivers and harbors committee
to appropriate $600,000 to repair and
strengthen levees at Shawneetown.
W. L. Gazzam and Jas. L. Gibson, of
Seattle, declared requirements of La
Follette Beaniens' bill physically im
possible on Puget Sound vessels, at
merchant marine committee hearing.
Judiciary committee heard delega
tion of American bar association in
advocacy of removal of technicalities
in judicial procedure. ...
VILLA HAS BEEN
BRANDED TOO
j
! BLACK
CONSUL LETCHER REPORTS THAT
THE REBEL GENERAL HAS NOT
MISTREATED AMERICANS IN CITY
OF CHIHUAHUA. NORMAL CON
DITIONS RESTORED AT TAMPICO.
MEXICO CITY BANKS
STILL IN TROUBLE
El Paso, Texas, Dec. 17. United
States Consul Letcher at Chihuahua
telegraphed to Consul Edwards today
that almost all foreigners had left
Chihuahua and that the city under the
rebel occupation was now quiet.
Reports from other sources were
that the next activity between Gener
al Villa and the federals was expected
south of Chihuahua, but it probably
would be some time before the oppos
ing forces would meet.
Luis Terrazas, Jr., is still held a
I prisoner by Villa. The avowed pur
pose is to compel the Terrazas family
to pay a large sum of money for his
release. Villa asserts the family suc
ceeded in taking much of their cash
and securities to the United States
before the rebels arrived and it is
planned to hold Terrazas until $250,
000 or more is sent back.
Not is Bad as Reported.
Washington, D. C, Dec. 17. Consul
Letcher has advised the state depart
ment that many reports of maltreat
ment of Americans in Chihuahua are
without foundation. The department
issued this statement:
Consul Letcher reports that many
of the statements published In the El
Paso press relative to conduct visited
on Americans since the entry of the
constitutionalist forces into Chihua
hua are without foundation as also
are reports of discourtesy to him on
the part of the revolutionist leaders."
Rear Admiral Fletcher reported to
day that normul conditions were be
ing restored in Tampico. His reports
state that the weather has moder
ated and that he has been able to
transfer all the refugees back to the
Sumner. A later dispatch advises that
the refugees have all been returned
safely to Tampico. Further advices
say the Ward liner Morro Castle sail-
ed on Tuesday at 8 p. m., but eight
Americans desiring to leave on board
her. Rebels to the number of about
4,000 are reported to be camping
eighteen miles northwest of Tampico.
For the present the army transport
Sumner will remain at Tampico,
Mexico City, Dec. 17. The rebels
who have penetrated the federal dist
rict and who yesterday clashed with
federa.1 troops at Milpa, Alta and San
Ijorenzo, are said to be accompanied
and directed by Emiliano Zapata. Fe
lipe Neri and (lenevo de la O, other
southern rebel leaders, are reported
j nearby and in daily communication
jwith Zapata.
I General Zapata is alleged to have
j taken possession of Nepanpa ranch, a
few miles from Milpa Alta. At one
Mime this property was a favorite rest
ing place of General Porflrlo Diaz.
According to government reports re
ceived at the capital today, a further
rout was administered to the rebels
tat San Lorenzo yesterday,
j After the engagement the followers
i of Zapata took refuge in the rough
I country at the base of Mount Ajusco,
twenty miles south of Mexico City.
Crowds again formed this morning
in front of the doors of the Central
Bank hours before the opening, in
order to exchange their state bank
hills for cash. Notices had been post
ed over night to the effect that the
Central Bank would redeem to their
holders only half of the amount of
the state bank bills. This was for the
j purpose of relieving as many of them
as possible and the redemption was
to be made conditional on the Central
I Rank having on deposit funds of the
state banks to cover the bills. It was
'announced that as fast as the de-
j posits of each of the state banks -was
'exhausted the redemption of its bills
i would he stopped,
The panicky condition growing out
of the refusal of state bank bills was
j augmented today by the flooding of
is-lthe city with this currency by refu-
accumulation.
The refugees naturally applied to
the Central Bank, which was quickly
confronted with the prospect of being
drained of redeemable paper and left
with notes possibly good hut not
easily convertible.
This was due to the fact that the
bauks of issue woro nnaMe to ship
express company to carry the money
through districts where rebels are
numerous.
Villa as a Strategist.
El Paso, Tex., Dec. 17. General
Francisco Villa, the constitutionalist
leader of Chihuahua, again appeared
in the light of a military strategist
yesterday when it was announced by
his officers that instead of sending
the column of constitutionalist troops
under General Maclovio Herrera, to
attack the federals at Ojinaga. he had
dispatched them to Torreon to trap it
i i m.i
(Continued on page four)..