Rock Island Argus., 1913-02-12
Shells Directed at Home
Mutual Life Insurance
Company.
3 AMERICANS ARE SHOT
Midnight Conference Decides On
Stringent Protective
Measures.

Mexico City, Feb. 12-Federal
troops reopened the battle in the
streets Of the capital at 6:35 this
morning with a light artillery fire.
Action became general with the ar
tillery Of both sides being brought into
play. Cannon fire was augmented by
sweeping salyos from machine guns,
while the infantry came into action
with volleys and individual shooting
The Mutual Life Insurance company
building. a four-story structure, was
set on fire by rebel shells.
ADVANCE on PALACE
Rebels under Felix Diaz started an
advance toward the national palace at
S:45. The rebels, seemingly employ
ing heavier cannon than yesterday, d.
rected fire toward the national palace
and onto the higher buildings in the
center OF the business district, on
Inany of which federal guns were
mounted and federal rifiemen posted.
The opposing forces occupied this
morning approximately the same posi-
tion as yesterday The federal forces
were strengthened during the night by
reinforcements. During the hours of
darkness the streets had the appear
ance OF a great armed camp.
ELECTRIC WIRES CUT.
Sentinels challenged the passerby at
every corner. Soldiers of all branches
of services slept on the pavements. A
large number OF horses were tethered
in the great Alameda park. with many
cavalrymen lying down beside them.
In many parts of the city electric
wires were cut by bullets. This re
suited in long stretches OF darkness
Thousands Of residents took advan
tage Of this TO escape from the zone
of danger.
\ suggestion OF foreign diplomats
that a neutral zone be established il
considered unfeasible by the govern
ment. which points out that il is i'm
possible to foretell in which direction
action may be shifted.
RUINS LOOTED.
There have been a number Of rob
berries by the lawless element. Boy
and men took great risk in lootini
ruins OF houses battered by the artil
lery. Milk and vegetables are praC
tica.ly unobtainable at any price. Char
coal. used as fuel by 80 per cent o
the population, has risen from 5
cents TO 50 a sack.
Groupes or women OF the lower clas
followed the cavalry early this morn
ing scrapping from the pavement
grain by grain the corn horses spille'
while feeding.
zAPATISTAS IN ACTION.
A Zapatista leader entered the cal
ital last night with 800 Of his follow
,rs. who are harrassing federals a
every point. The cable Office wa
struck by many sharpnel shells. Poi
ter's hotel and the American club, q
both OF which scores of American Wis
tors and residents are gathered, ar
in direct line Of the fire.
5000 PRISONERS FREED.
Be.em Jail, a famous old priso'
has been thrown open by rebels an
three TO fve thousand desperate pri
oners have been let loose.
The British legation is under FIJI
from the rebel position and batter
OF federal artillery has been place
close by for protection.
DEMAND on MADERO.
United States Ambassador Wilso
and the German minister went to II
national palace this afternoon to d
mand from President Madero that Il
battle cease Immediately.
Plans for a conference betwee
rebel leaders and representatives
the government were taken up
discussion at the national palace tn
afternoon.
Is REBEL TRICK.
Hopes OF a conference soon dimi
ished There was a temporary cess
ton OF firing. but this appeared to
trick Of the rebels TO draw the fe
erals oat. Americans and other Il
oigners found themselves in a despt
ate situation today. The foreign N
idential and commercial district
in line OF the artillery fire Of DO
sides. Many people taking refuge
the more important buildings fOuI
themselves penned in. while heav
shells whistled about them, tearir
through walls and roofs. Scarcity