SENSATIONAL CHASE

Evening Star, Issue 21724, 19 May 1934, Page 24

SENSATIONAL CHASE

> " DILLIHGER " OF MEXICO FRANCOIS VILLA’S CAREER PICTURESQUE DEATH. It, has been claimed that only fbe incidents of a sensational “ gangster mm or tho pursuit by American troops into Mexican territory of the bandit and rebel general 1 * Pancho ” Villa in 1916 a pmsuit which almost precipitated war between the two nations —can parallel the marshalling of armed forces through half a dozen States of America for the capture of John Dillinger, “ Public Enemy No. 1, and his gang of desperadoes. Those who have patiently sat through such films are judges of the first parallel, but the second all who recall the spectacular career of Villa may recall. , , Francisco Villa was born at Rio G ramie, in tho State of Durango, Mexico, m 1877, and, as a homeless youth, roaming and thievin'", he gathered a band around him, assuming the name by which he was known in place of his own (Doroteo Arango). Cattle rustler and bandit, he escaped to Texas in 1910 from President Diaz, against whom he had revolted, but returned to join in the three-sided struggle which kept Mexico in civil turmoil for years. Stories of Villa’s bravado abound. On one occasion ho kept a promise to snake hands with an opposing general m Chihuahua (Mexico) by entering m disguise and making a dramatic appearance m the Governor’s palace. Rushing on to the balcony, he shouted to the crowd that ho would give them liberty. When he took the town he left it with a convoy ot motor cars filled witli supplies and ammunition, under the guard of troops who had deserted from tho garrison ot 6,000; and he took with him 1,000 more men than he had when ho entered! , . Probably hoping to overthrow ms rival, Carranzo, by causing international complications, Villa, in 1916. took 400 men and raided tho town of Colombus, m New Mexico, United States, shooting sixteen Americans. Next day President Wi son ordered a force into Mexico to capture him Reports of his death alternated with reports ot fresh activities, but General Pershing was notified by the Mexican Government that further invasion would bo resisted, and the troops were withdrawn. But Villa was not dead. Though he ceased to be an international menace, he remained under arms until 1920, when hij retirement was bought by a presentation ot a large estate. In 1923 his picturesque career was closed by a picturesque death, for his motor car was swept by a shower of bullets, and with his three companions ho died.