Evening journal., 1913-02-15
Die RATHER
THAN RESIGN,
MADERO SAYS
Issues Ultimatum To Leaders
and Battle in Mexico
City ReOpenS
POURING SHELLS mo
THE NATIONAL PALACE
BY The United Press.


MEXICO CITY. Feb. 15.-After a
full week Of fighting in the midst OF
this, one Of the richest and most beau
tiful cities in the world, the forces Of
President Madero and General Diaz
were still bombarding each other to-
day There was little indication that
either side was nearer victory than a
few hours after the battle opened.
Strategy has played its part i'm the
battle, it was shown today. when it
became positively known that Presi-
dent Madero had not resigned. Re
ports circulated last night that he was
willing to abdicate were started by
friends Of the administration who
hoped thus to throw the rebel forces
OF guard and at moment when their
forces would consider the fighting
over, attack and completely crush
them.
Efforts have been made TO persuade
President Madero to step down, but
this afternoon he declared
Il Will die before l Will resign"
In the struggle for possession OF
the city IL is now estimated that the
property damage Will reach nearly
S2O,000000. Costly buildings have
been wrecked by shells, others seri-
ously damaged, and the main business
streets Of the city have served as a
battle-ground, resulting IN a complete
generalization of all industries. The
streets arc lined with the dead and
dying and the casualties of the week s
engagement run into the thousands.
Despite the protests OF United
States Ambassador Wilson and other
foreign representatives all rules OF
civilized warfare have been ignored
In the struggle. AS the arsenal. the
stronghold of the rebels. and the Ma
tional Palace where the Federals are
stationed, are separated by four city
blocks, the bombardment has wreck
ed all surrounding property. The
contending leders refused to recOg-
hize any neutral zone I'm which foreign
ers might flee to safety.
The Red Cross and White Cross So
cieties today abandoned their work
because their flags were fred upon and
their vehicles used as ambulances.
were seized by the troops.
Day and night the battle has been
waged for the last two days AS night
fell, looting also began. Homes have
been sacked and women and children
outraged Though it is known that
six American battleships win soon be
in Mexican ports, foreigners here We're
in terror today Of what may follow If
the city falls into the hands sof the
rebels.
When the report that Madero might
resign was heard there was hope that
The change might be made with com
parative quiet, but if the National Pal
ace falls, it is certain that Federals
and rebels will join forces in looting
ard robbng, and a reign of terror is
considered certain
The rebel commanders will he un-
able TO control their troops Already
the Federals have shown signs of be-
ing tired Of the fight and anxious 10
break away to the rich prize they
know the fall of the city will produce,
Shortly before noon today. the Sen
Rte was still in session after con-
tinued meeting lasting through tho
night The adyisability Of asking
Madero to abdicate was under discHs-
sion, but as the Maderistas control
the Senate there seemed but scant
reason to believe that such a request
would be made