Lopez Says Rebels Have Quit Saltillo.

New York Times 100 years ago today, March 24, 1913:
Wires Mexican War Department a Detachment Is Following Repulsed Insurgents.
PUBLIC IN CAPITAL ANXIOUS
Carranza's Activity Toward South Makes It Question Huerta Government's Expressions of Confidence.
    MEXICO CITY, March 23.— The rebels who attacked Saltillo were repulsed last night by the Federals after the latter troops were reinforced by Gen. Casso Lopez. Gen. Lopez, reporting to the War Department to-night, says a detachment is following the scattered rebel forces. The rebels made their last stand in an old fort known as Fuerte Americano, but were dislodged by the Federal infantry advancing under the cover of artillery.
    Gen. Trucy Aubert has a strong force at Monterey, and the Government is not worried by the threatened attack on that city. Keen satisfaction was expressed by the Government over the victory at Saltillo, which is the first important engagement of the present administration, but the public is not so enthusiastic, because the operations of Gov. Venustiano Carranza so far south, with a large body of adherents, appear to reveal unexpected strength.
    The railroad has been cut to the south of Saltillo.
    With the rebels in control of the northern part of the State of Coahuila, the Sonora frontier practically dominated by the followers of Maytorena and bands which may be independent, but are none the less troublesome, operating in the States of Durango and Chihuahua, the residents of the capital are beginning to realize the seriousness of conditions, although the state of affairs is not admitted to be dangerous by the Government officials.
    How many rebels are engaged in this latest movement in the north is not known. It is believed that in Sonora there are not fewer than 4,000, and in Coahuila 3,000, and that independent leaders have at least another thousand, making a total of 8,000.
    The situation in the South appears likely of settlement, although not all the military men are convinced that the adherents of the Zapata brothers will be content with the alternative of returning to the fields or entering the army. Gen. Trucy Aubert's retreat to Monterey from Villaldama when he had moved two hundred cars of troops and regained the railroad, is regarded here as evidence of clever strategy on the part of the rebels, who feinted an attack on Monterey and probably would have carried it into effect, had not Gen. Aubert returned, thus leaving them in possession of the territory between Monterey and Laredo.
    The railroad south of Monterey has been cut, both by fire and dynamite, and the time it will take to complete repairs is problematical. North of Monterey, the destruction of forty bridges makes it certain the line will not be open for weeks, and possibly more than that, on account of the difficulties to be encountered in dislodging the rebels.
    The International Railroad from Ciudad Porfirio Diaz to a point further south than Monclova is in the possession of Carranza's men, who are operating trains.
    The situation in the State of Nuevo Leon, of which Monterey is the capital, is considered to be complicated, owing to the resignation of the Governor, Gen. Geronimo Trevino. It is not believed the veteran General will join the rebels, but it is feared his resignation will be interpreted by many persons as a sign of his disapprobation of the Huerta Government and that this possibly will result in sending recruits to the rebels.

    EL PASO, Texas, March 23.— Three more adherents of the late President Madero were put to death in Jiminez, according to mail advices received here to-day. They were Juan Rosetles, ex-State Senator; Jose Mena, a former municipal office holder in Parral, and Juan Baca, capitalist. Each was arrested on political charges in his home in Parral and removed to Jiminez.
    Former rebel troops under Gen. Jose Inez Salazar occupied the Casas Grandes district to-day. The regular Federal forces will be withdrawn. Salazar will become Military Governor, with headquarters in Casas Grandes.
    The arrangement was made through a telegraphic conference between Gen. Salazar and President Huerta. The rebel General several days ago, in a written proclamation, denounced Huerto, insisting on the Presidential claims of Emilio Vasquez Gomez. It is not made clear what the present position of Vasquez Gomez and his party will be.