Offensive movement

Nº 203

AHSRE L-E-953 F. 319

The Arizona Republican, Phoenix, Arizona

23 de febrero de 1911

Offensive movement

Vanguard of Insurrectos Leaves for Ensenada

Desertions have begun

The American Contigent Hears that This Country Will Regard Them as Outlaws No Asylum From Federal Vengeance.

Mexicall, feb 22 Leyva's advance guard started on the march to Ensenada today. To confuse the fugitive Nexican officials now in the asylum on the American side and who are eager to forward information to the Diaz government, the rebel detachment started southwest. It was composed of sixty men, fully a third of the entire strength of the insurgent army. They carried water in a pack train with the evident intention to keep southward until they reach the Cocopah mountains and then turn sharply westward and make for the passes in the San Bernandino mountains. Thereafter they will have a clear trail to Las Juntas where Governor Vega rested on his retreat after his defeat on February 15.

The entire rebel army is expected to follow the advance guard and be out of camp by tomorrow night. The horses have been freshly shod and the provisions and blankets are packed.

In anticipation of the move Mexicali was thrown wide open today. Forty one saloons and gambling houses, nearly, all conducted by Americans did a large volume of business in celebration of Washington's birthday and the lifting of the lid. Sixteen insurrectos detailed as police are expected, however, to quell any riotous manifestations on the part of the celebrants tonight. Leyva himself was among those who made the round of the refreshment places.

From Las Juntas the insurgents may go to Tia Juana. But this is uncertain. If they think they can raise money there they will surely go. Money is urgently needed now by the insurrectos and Berthold disappeared today presumably on a filibuster into the United States to procure funds from sympathizers.

The men of the army are becoming clamorous for the pay promised them. Many who joined when Leyva first came to Mexicali in January assert that they have not seen a single peso since they enrolled under the red flag which is now a symbol of the proposed socialist commonwealth of Lower California.

They are now demanding money and many threats of desertion are heard. Three deserted last night, leaving their arms where they had been posted on guard in the trenches. Ten others were escorted out of camp at Leyva's command. He declared that this was done to separate the sheep from the goats. He had 500 men at hand, but said he had arms for only 200 and he wanted to weed out those who joined the army simply to procure board.

Captain William Stanley, the only rebel officer who has had previous war experience said he expected to take between 175 and 190 men on the campaign. “But all these will be true to the cause,” he added.

The tendency toward desertion was strengthened today by reports from Calexico that a determined effort will be made to have the United States government outlaw all Americans who persist in bearing arms in the campaign established by Berthold and Leyva as the heads of a socialist commonwealth.

Down in his heart, every insurgent believes that if the Mexican government presses too hard all he will have to do is to cross the boundary for safety. When the Americans among the rebels learned today that there might be a possibility of asylum in their native country being denied them, it inmediately became a question with them whether to take the chance of certain death if cornered by federal soldiers.

Leyva was much excited when he learned of the plan. “They cannot do it,” he exclaimed. “That would place the United States in the list of barbarous countries. We will get socialists all over America to flood the country with telegrams of protest”.

Tijuana guarded

San Diego, Feb 22. Tia Juana is more strongly guarded tonight than at any time since the panic seized the little town. Every able bodied man has been forced to take up arms. If the insurgents seize the place they are likely to get little or no booty.

Money and valuables have been sent to this side of the line. There is plenty of mescal, howewer, and a considerable supply of provisions in Tijuana.