Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1912-05-13
Between Mexican Rival
Forces Fought, Sunday.
Government Army Under Gen.
Huerta Claims Victory.
Scene Of Fighting About 800 Miles
From American Border.

AT the Federal Front Conejos, Mecy
May 12.-Twelve hours of brisk fight
ing on the desert plains 800 miles
south of the American border between
force of 5000 rebels under Gen.
Orozco and an equally strong body
of federals under Gen. Huerta result
ed, today. in decided advantage to
the government
The fighting began at daybreak and
at nfghtfali. the sandy mesas between
here and Yermo, IA miles north, to
which 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-
courier reported that Gen, Trucy Au-
bert, the dashing Federal commander.
was shot in the leg.
'rhe rebels abandoned 10 cannon and
much ammunition in their retreat.
Gen. joaquin Telles, who had been
stationed in the rear of Huertas van
guard, was sent around to the east
ward at noon to flank the rebels and
cut off their retreat Tonight. Federal
headquarters claim the rebels are COM
pletcIy surrounded and that the second
day of aghting viii prove eventually
decisive.
This town. yesterday, occupied BY
the vanguard OF the rebels. was riddied
with bullets when the Federais gal
loped into it at sunset Over the foot
hills to the north the Insurrectos could
be seen retreating
Gen. Huerta has been receiving many
/ kilograms OF congratulation on the out
come of the days fighting. Should the
advantage gained. today. be followed
by equal success, tomorrow, the Fed
eral leaders are confident it will mean
the humiliation of the Insurreeto
army.
Gen. Huerta considers ii probable,
however, that the rebels will make their
last stand at Escalon, their central 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 which dislodged the
enemy The aim of the federal gunners
was true. They began to shell the rebel
positions at daybreak. For time the
insurrectos fred in volleys and seven
Federal officers were wounded It was
for only few hours. however, that they
withstood the cannonading and soon be-
gan to evacuate their positions.
Gen. Lettes arrived at nightfali with
| tEdO men in the valley behind ConeJos,
where the vanguard of the rebels gath
cred. 1t seems likely that unless the
rebels continue to fight desperately many
prisoners win be taken. tomorrow.
AS they retreated the rebels destroyed
several bridges but the Federais were
equipped with pontoons and will not Dc
seriously affected.
Enthusiasm in the Federal camp ~
| intense. Word reached here that Torran
| is celebrating the victory with street
parades and music.
| Gen. Huerta talked enthusiastically
| of the fight
after II hours of lighting, today,
| he said. "my troops took the positions
of the rebels By storm The artillery
| fire was superb My forces filled win
! enthusiasm have onee more shown the
power of the government and they
| covered themselves with glory
II have information that the dead
| will number more than 500.
"on our part we had an almost neg
Iible loss except that unfortunately
Gen. Trucy Aubert is slightly wpund-
ed In the foot BY means of the aftis-
: lery the infantry fire of the rebels was
4
held beyond range.
More than 20 Federal cannon were
in action at once. The enemy was en-
trenehed in the hills in line 10
niles long The Federal fire was III
rectcd 50 well that every she'll hit
vulnerable spot
Mexico City, May 12.-Although Gen.
Trucy Abrey' IS column was denoraiized
and the general himself was woundeu
In today's fighting south of ConeJos ire
federal commander. Gen. Heurta. re-
ported to President Madero, tonight.
that the result of the first battle or
moment with the main body OF oro2co
army was a decided victory for the
government forces.
Orozeo was personally in command
of his troops. according TO information
gained from prisoners taken in the
Engagement. q
At General Orozco's headquarters.
Rellano, Mex. May 12.-Gen Orozco
transferred his headquarters. today.
from Escalon, Mex. where he has been
for the last fortnight. to Rellano, u
miles. north in order. he said. to place
his men in better positions for maj
stand. The rebels fought briskly, all
dav Losses have not yet been an
nounced here.