The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1913-02-14
Seven Hour Battle in Very Heart
OF Mexico City
MANY BUILDINGS DESTROYED
Madero and Diaz Will Resume Engage.
ment; Three Americans Were
Hit With Bullets.

Mexico City, February 12.-The
third days battle between the ad-
ministration and Diaz Isrces began
at 7:2o this morning. TAe federals
began fighting by renewing the as
sault upon the arsenal, where Diaz
and his followers are entrenched.
Rifles and machine guns were train
ed upon the arsenal and a brisk can.
nonading is in progress.
Mexico City, February 12.-Desper-
ate fighting between the rebels and
federaIs continued in the streets to-
day. Fighting began at an early hour
this morning and the heart of the
capital is the battle-ground. The Eng
lish legation building is under the
fire Of the rebel batteries, and the
federas under Madro have station
ed guards to protect it. General Oiaz,
the insureent leader, began an at
tack on the national palace at 8:45
this morning. The cable office has
been hit repeatedly by shells, the
Mutual Life Insurance company
building near by is burning, the
American club and Porter's hotel,
where many Americans reside, have
been riddied.
Washington, February 12.-The
First brigade of the first division Of
the army, about 5000 strong, have
been ordered to prepare for "expedi-
tionary service" 1t is composed of
the Third infantry, at Madison bar
racks and OsWego, Fifth infantry at
PIattsbure and Twenty-ninth infantry
at Fort Niagara, all in New York.
Mexico City, Feb. l2.-The federals
and rebels fought a seven-hour battle
in the heart of the city. When dark.
ness put an end to the fighting Meth
Ell side appeared to have gained any
marked advantage.
Estimates of the casualties run as
high as 1000, although accurate infor-
nation cannot be obtained at this
time. The dead certainly will be
counted by the hundreds.
Foreign residents for the most part
kept under cover. but three Amer.
cans suffered from stray bullets. They
are Lloyd Osborne. the author, who
was shot in the thigh; DR.. Il. II. Nc
Crosson of Lincoln, Neb, and Mark
johnson, negro, of Madison. Ill.
Artillery played the chief part in
the fighting, but rifle fire was kept
up continuously, through more or less
ineffectively. President Madero and
his ministers expressed satisfaction
with the work.
General Felix Diaz, in his arsenal
stronghold, appeared as ditant as at
any time since he was released from
prison by the mutinouS soldiers and
promises a repetition OF the terrific
bombardment, the fierceness of which
is attested by the many partially de
stroyed structures within radius OF
half 4 mile.
The greatest loss of life resulted in
the charge OF rurales, who. with dar-
ing amounting to foolhardineSs. moved
against n rebel battery which moved
down men and horses almost TO ex.
junction.
Tries to Prevent Fighting.
The execution done in the prolonged
engagement was sufficient in the belief
OF Senior de la Barra and the dipio-
matte representatives to warrant a
further attempt to prevent another
battle within the city.
Senior de la Barra sent a message to
President Madero saying:
In the name OF humanity and as
a Mexican who is free of all political
and revolutionary parties | wish to
offer my services in any way possible
10 effect peace without further blood
she'd"
Madero replied, thanking him, but
declaring that no terms other than an
unconditional surrender could be made
with DiaZ.
That the president is determined to
make this a finish fight is evident,
though not more so than DiaZ. who
Continued on Page Two