The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1900-03-01
FOUGHT OVER FLAG
Americans and Mexicans In
a Shooting ARRAY.
Three of Former and Two of
Latter Killed.
The Maya Indians Make More
Trouble For the Govern
ment of Mexico.

OAXACA, Mexico, Feb. 2S.--lnforma-
tion has reached here of a shooting affray
which occurred at Pilares on Washing
toms birthday in which three Americans
and FIVE Mexcans were killed. 1t seems
that friendly feeling had existed in
Pilares, and in order to do honor to the
United States it was arranged on Feb.
Z2 to raise the flags of the two republics
together on the flagstaff.
The Mexicans had charge of the affair,
and raised the American flag above the
Mexican flag, to the complete satsfac-
ton of the Americans. But when the
Americans showed so much appreciation
Of the act the Mexicans found they had
made mistake and decided to lower and
rehoist the flag, with the Mexican flag
ON top. Then the Americans declared
such transaction would be an insult to
the United States flag.
Superintendent Danforth told the Mex,
leans that they would have to shoot him
before they could haul down the Ameri-
can flag. The Americans said that the
flags should have been hoisted properly
in the first place. The Mexicans were
about to mob Danforth when Charles
Hogsett, who was with the rough riders
in Cuba, interposed with a six shooter in
each hand. Firing from both sides i'm
medately began. Hogsett was killed in
stantly. John Evans and Dick Rea, two
other Americans, were wounded mortal
ly. But the Americans held the flag
pole, and both flags hoated through the
day. Five MeXicans were killed, and the
dance which was to have followed, was
"A failure, as no MeXicans attended, and
there were less than half a dozen Ameri-
cans in condition for dancing.
Information has reached the military
authorities here of desperate fighting be-
tween the government troops and the
Maya Indians during the last seven days.
Fighting began on Feb. q, when a force
Of about 600 Indians attacked Il regiment
Of General Bravo's troops between Sa-
ban and Okop. The battle lasted several
hours and resulted in only slight losses
to the government forces. Five soldiers
were killed and 2 officers and 10 soldiers
were wounded. The Indians retreated
TO their intrenchments, carrying with
them more than 100 killed and wounded
On the following day another brisk
skirmish was brought about by an ad-
vance detachment of government troops
attempting to reconnoiter the position of
The Indians. Three Mexicans were kill
ed in that fight On Feb. % force of
fully 1,200 Mayas attacked the outposts
If the government troops and after driv-
!ng in the sentries, a desperate attack
vas made on the intrenchments. The
indians were armed with Krag-Jorgen-
sens, which they had obtained from
raiders, and they poured hot fire into
he Mexican camp. Several pieces Of
light artillery We're brought into use by
he Mexicans, and the rebels were
riven back. 1t is believed that the In
lian losses were heavy. Ten Mexican
soldiers were wounded and one killed.
The Indians have established their
uain camp in an almost impenetrable
'orest. They have free communication
With the people of British Honduras,
Who are said to be in sympathy with
heir cause