The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-05-15
BIG BATTLE IN MEXICO,
OROZCO'S REBELS AND 5000
FEDERALS CLASH.
ln~urrcctOs Beat Retreat and Fedcr-
ais Claim Second Day Will he Still
More Dccsivc-Niay Stand at Esca-
lon

Al the Federal front, Conejos, Mex
leo, May 12.-Twelve hours Of brisk
fighting on the desert plains 800 miles
south of the American border force
Of 5000 rebels under Gen. Orozco
and an equally strong body of federals
under Gen. Huerta resulted today in
a decided advantage to the govern
ment.
The fighting began at day break and
at nighlfall the Sandy mesas between
here and Yermo. IA miles north,
where the insurrectOs were gradually
forced back. were covered with dead
and wounded
Nearly 500 are believed to have
been killed and wounded on both
sides A courier reported that Gen.
Aubert, the dashing federal comman-
der, had been shot in the leg.
and much ammunition in their re-
treat.
Gen. Joaquin Tellez, who had been
stationed in the rear Of Huerta's van
guard at noon, was sent around to
the eastward to flank the rebels and
cut off their retreat. Tonight fed
eral headquarters claim the rebels
are completely surrounded and that
the second day Of fighting will prove
equally decisive.
This town only yesterday occupied
by the vanguard Of the rebels was
riddled with bullets when the federals
galloped into it at sunset. Over the
foot hills to the north the insurrectos
could be seen retreating.
Should the advantage gained today
be followed by equal success tomor-
row the federal leaders are confident
ii will mean the annihilation of the
insurrecto army.
Gen. f1uerta considers it probable.
however, that the rebels will make
their last stand at Escalon. their CEN
trail base. IA miles To the north, where
they have built Notifications and
trenches in the last fortnight.
1t was the steady artillery fire Of
the government troops that dislodged
the enemy. The aim of the federal
gunners was true. They began to
shell the rebel positions at daybreak.
For a time the insurrectos fired in
volleys and seven federal officers were
wounded. Only a few hours however.
they withstOod the canOnading and
begun to evacuate their positions. Gen.
Tellez arrived at midnight with 1900
men In the valley behind Conejos
where the vanguard Of rebels gather
ed. 1t seems likely that unless the
rebels continue to fight desperately
many prisoners will be taken tomor-
row.
Gen. Huerta talked enthusiastically
Of the fight.
After IL hours Of fighting today"
he said. 'my troops took the posi-
tions Of the rebels by storm. The ar
tillery fire was superb. My forces,
filled with enthusiasm, have once
more shown the power Of the govern
ment and they covered themselves
with glory.
Three trains of reinforcements ar
rived for the rebels during the fight
but the heavy artillery fire from our
batteries prevented them from de-
training.
Up to 10 p. m. I have had no time
TO go over the battle ground. / have
information. however. that the dead
will number more than 500.
"On our part. we had an almost
neglihe loss except that unfortunate-
Iy Gen. Trucy Aubert is slightly
wounded in one foot. by means of
the artillery the infantry fire Of the
rebels was held beyond range"
Most of the shells Of the enemy OK
plodcd coo feet i'm front Of the fcdcr-
nj lines, which accounts for the small
losses To the government troops.
THE M\lESNILLE SCHOOL.