The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-04-18


 Agua Prieta, Mexico, April 17.-(Via Douglas, Ariz, From the Associated Press Correspondent in the Field.)-The most important battle of the Mexican revolu- tion was fought here today between 1900 federals under command of Lieutenant Colonel Diaz and 1000 rebels under Bala- sario Garcia, and resulted in the repulse of the federals.
 The battle. however, was not finally de- cisive. It lasted from 6:30 a. m. until sundown. At nightfall two federal ma chine guns were in the possession of the rebels and the federals had sustained loss estimated by the rebels as at least 200 killed and wounded. The rebels gave their own loss as 20.
 From the beginning of the battle, re- gardless of the warning given by the United States government to the leaders of both forces a rain of bullets poured into tho American town of Douglas and when the day was over 1t was found that seven non-combatant residents of that city had been wounded. It was day of terror in Douglas.
 First Guns Fired Dawn revealed the federal forces formed fin fan-shaped battle line in the level coun- try about mile distant from Agua Prie- ta, with their machine guns in the cen- ter. They gave notice to the enemy of their approach with hail of bullets from the machine guns, supported by rifle fire, their evident intention being to gain the international line with it's adobe guard houses and from this vantage ground turn their fire upon the rebels. The insurrectos directed their fire at the crews manning the machine guns. But the fire of the federals was so fierce that it forced the rebels back to their sec l ond line of entrenchments. The fed erals advanced slowly. As they came nearer. the fire of the rebels became more effective.
 K Leaving the protection of their breast works they moved out into the open, con- tipung to concentrate their fire upon ma chine guns. The federals, finding tho | rebel defense after three hours fighting too strong to enable them to carry the trenches, began to retreat. Presently the machine guns were silenced. Sharp shooters had made 1t impossible longer to man them. Sheer exhaustion occa- sionally caused partial Hull in the fight ing.
 At il o'clock the repulsed federals had | reformed and again advanced to gain l the boundary line, making their move ment with heavy rife fire. The machine guns were silent. The rebels, encour- aged by their early success, returned the l fire eagerly. The interval had been epi- poyed by the rebels in digging new trenches.
 The advance guard of the federals in this attack consisted of 50 cavalrymen md 300 infantrymen. Behind them was supporting party that kept under cover of trees and bushes. The federals re- served their fire but an unceasing stream of bullets poured from the trenches. These, striking the dry earth, made 1t appear as though dust storm was rag ing and for time served to obscure view of the conflict
 The advancing federals again found the strength and determination of the insur- rectos too great for them. They fell back in good order, firing as they fled, leaving their two machine guns in the possession of the enemy.
 The Wounded Americans
 Those wounded in Douglas are
 s. O. K. Coll, Tombstone, scalp wound on the side of the head, while watching the battle from Fourth street. Douglas. MT. Coll had accompanied the Asso- ciated Press correspondent to the front earlier in the day and had fallen back to that point of observation.
 Fl Pido Arc, Douglas, wounded in ln- step.
 Frank Williams. blacksmith helper, Cop per Mining company. shot in the back while standing outside of the so-called danger zone; wound dangerous.
 Hani1top uro, in back while watching the battle with 40 others from the top of adobe house several blocks from the international line
 Jesus Alcantara, Douglas, flesh wound in leg.
 Mrs. Larson, severely cut by shattered glass of kitchen window of residence.
 John Keith, Douglas, wounded in leg while walking in the street.
 More than half of Douglas was under fire from the beginning until the end of the battle. The United States custom house was in the direct range of the at tack, and the United States soldiers near there were forced to seek shelter.
 Every indication points to resumption of fighting tonight or tomorrow. If the felerals should prove successful 1t means that the battle will be carried 10 the streets of Agua Prieta with increasing menace to the citizens of Douglas.
 There is movement tonight among the leading citizens of Douglas to send a large number of telegrams to President Taft asking him to safeguard. at any cost. the lives of United States citizens.
 The fifth non-comba tant to be wounded today in Douglas. Jesus Alcantara. Mexican, was shot while near the east ern part of the city. eight blocks from the international line. His leg was pierced by a bullet At o'clock the fir