Las Vegas optic. (East Las Vegas, N.M.) 1908-1921, 1911-04-17
MEXICAN government TROOPS
FAIL To take STRAGETIC POINT
Held BY THE INSURGENT ARMY
Biggest Battle Of the Revolution
Fought in the State OF Sonora
Today With Great Loss
MORE than 800 KILLED OR WOUNDED
Douglas, Arizona, on International Line,
Raked by Calling Fire, Two Americans
Being Shot-Fightine Resumed
After Short Lull

was having deadly effect on the
federal right wing and this portion of
the advancing federals was driven
back.
In falling back they swung to the
east and north, coming in contact
with the rebels lying in trenches
which had been dug to prevent a left
flank movement. AS the fire belched
from these entrenchments the rebel
bullets sped across the line into the
southeast section of Douglas and two
school buildings on the American side
were riddled As the federals fell
back the rebels commander-in-chief
pushed forward his men and with 9TH
ers coming to support them continued
tc engage the federal right wing
Following this movement the firing
slackened to the southeast and it be-
came evident that the first attack Of
the federals had been failure.
Apparently the federals had about
sixteen hundred men engaged, includ
ing two hundred cavalry under the
command of Colonel Barron. The
rebels showed remarkable organiza-
ton throughout the battle. Every
point of vantage was guarded. Most
of the residents of Douglas remained
within doors during the fight or
sought other places of safety. But
great throng gathered five hundred
yards from the international line to
witness the battle. The American
troops forced back all persons except
those carrying passes. The United
States cavalry dismounted and were
placed along the border. Many were
exposed to the fire and bullets passed
through several of the troopers hats.
but none was wounded. Troop G of
the Arizona National Guard was also
ordered out and took up position at
tie armory. Red Cross Volunteers
crossed the border and went upon the
field. Every surgeon in Douglas and
MANY from Bisbee were brought 10
the line to attend the wounded.
Oscar K. Coll, who accompanied an
Associated Press correspondent, was
struck in the head by bullet while
watching the battle from Fourth
street, Douglas. A long cash was cut
in his scalp, but he was not seriously
wounded Coll was the first Ameri-
can struck on this side of the line. He
is a newspaper man employed at
Tombstone and formerly was immi-
grafton commissioners of Cochise
county, Ariz.
At 1890 the firing had ceased, with
the federals holding every position
occupied at the beginning of the bat
tie. The rebels at this hour began !
digging new trenches. General Red !
Lopez reported the rebel losses in
the trenches light. He said the feder-
ais in advancing across the open |
ground had lost heavily. An Associat-
ed Press correspondent crossed the |
line and found Lopez, who is in com
mand of the rebel garrison. General |
Lopez said the rebels had concentrat-
ed their fire on the two machine guns
that the federals had brought into
action and put them out of business.
"The loss of life undoubtedly was
heavy" said Lopez. AT this hour
believe we have the federals badly |
beaten. Our men are holding every
position taken by them SO far and