The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1913-02-19
Consolidated Aug. 3, 1881.
MADERO SURRENDERS.
PRESIDENT OF MEXICO QUITS
JOB UNDER FIRE.
Gives the Reins To- De la Barra.-
With his Forces Unable to Drive
Diaz from City, Chief Executive
Lays Down His Power. Announce
ed at the British Legation.

Mexico City. Feb. 14.-Affairs in
Mexico City. the theatre for almost a
week of an innovation of modern war
fare. took a sensational turn tonight,
when II was authoritatively stated
that President Madero had agreed to
resign II the Mexican senate so WISH
ed. The senate was called into ses-
sion at o'clock tonight to take action
on this important situation 1t is be-
lieved the resignation of Madero is now
In the hands OF the Mexican congress
At the British legation. where Senior
de la Barra took refuge Thursday. it
Is stated that Madero's resignation
practically had been arranged for. AMI
that de la Barra likely would succeed
him In the presidency.
Later Senior de ie Barra, while pro-
ceeding through the streets in an au-
tomobile, stopped and made a brief
address. assuring the crowds that a
peaceful settlement was certain, and
probably would be reached before
morning De la Barra had been in
consultation with both Madero and
Diaz regarding n quick settlement to
avoid Intervention.
AT o'clock Gen. Huerta, the fed
erai commander. gave the order to
cease firing. Soon detachments Of
federal troops were seen marching
from their positions to the govern
ment base near the palace. their guns
slung on their backs.
The laws OF Mexico make IL neces-
sary for the abdication OF the presi-
dent to be submitted to congress. and
for this reason announcement OF the
resignation OF Madero would be con-
siderably delayed. even IL already de-
cided upon
1. Another development OF the early
evening was the resignation of Rafael
Hernandez. ss minister OF tina Interior.
Whether hostiiities viii be resumed
tomorrow naturally depends on the
action OF the president and congress
or upon the rebels.
In case OF dilatory tactics IL Is not
impossible that Diaz may decide to
force the action. He repeatedly has
said that nothing short OF resignation
OF the president would satisfy him
that Madero must resign or he him.
self would die lighting.
Another interchange OF notes took
place today between Gen. Huerta and
the rebel commander. That OF Huerta
was OF n conciliatory character. 1t
offered Diaz permission TO retire in
peace with his men. Diaz replied that
he would continue to fight.
His army repulsed with great loss
and after his absolute failure TO sub
Jugate Diaz with not half the number
OF men. Madero was subjected to the
pleading OF his closest friends. many
going so far as TO demand his resig-
ntion.
The government has not been
whipped. nor have the rebels Diaz ls
not attempting to whip the govern
ment at present, but merely 10 resist
Il. end for six days ne and his forces
have done that In an eminently brill
liant manner. although the methods
employed resulted I'm a ruthless bonn
bardment OF the capital by two heavy
forces OF artillery.
Tho damage done today was not rs
great as on previous days. but this was
due merely to a change OF tactics. and
Mexlcans high I'm public life. know
ing that continuation OF hostilities
I'm the city easily might result in in
terventlon. spared no efforts TO bring
about a settlement. To those watch
ing the battle II was no surprise to
hear the bugles sound the order FOR
the federals to cease firing.
The tired soldiers obeyed with alac-
rity but the effect on the rebel band
was different The small arm fire in
creased In volume. as II the besieged
were expressing defiance. Ten min
utes later all firing along the federal
lines ceased but that from the rebels
continued.
During the day the rebels had not
been reinforced. as had been the fed
erals. and the claim was made by the
government that II had 5000 men
available. The rebels numbered 5000
The federal forces were increased by
100 brought by Gen. Blanquet from
Toluca early In tho afternoon.
De Ia Barra was accompanied to