Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-02-14
Mexican Rebel Leader
Reiterates His Refusal
to Surrender
IN CONTROL, HE CLAIMS
Federal Force Gaining Strength,
Plans to Dynamite Part
of the Capital.

Mexico City. Feb. 1.-THE sixth day
OF fighting in the streets of the Mexi-
can capital brought no diminution in
the fierceness OF battle. Up to noon
there was no appreciable gain on eth
er side. Hundreds of thousands OF
terror-stricken non-combatants have
grown Indifferent as TO who wins.
But all uttered a prayer this morning
that one side or the other might bring
a termination Of the terrible artillery
duel which has wrecked the city and
caused so much loss of life and mis-
cry.
Grim determination was expressed
today by both sides. Madero received
reinforcements last night and more
are expected today. It was reported
this afternoon the government was
preparing TO raze with dynamite four
solid blocks, mostly residences, just
east OF the rebel positions between
the arsenal and national palace, to OBJ
tain a better sweep for the federal ar
tiIery.
PLACE MINES IN STREETS.
gan placing a series of mines charged
With dynamite beneath certain houses
between the national palace and the
arsenal. Explosion of these would
clear a passage four blocks long
through which artillerymen would di-
rect a mortar fire.
Residents of this district, densely
populated. were warned during the
night tc vacate. Just before noon the
White Cross endeavored TO arrange
a truce OF two hours TO collect the
dead and wounded About noon some
federals passed the United States en-
bassy 1t was believed they were de-
serters and the impression grew that
the government troops were refusing
to continue fighting.
MANY WANT INTERVENTION.
Mexico City. Feb 1.-THE subject
OF Intervention is being frankly diS-
cussed by Mexicans and foreigners,
and frequently a Mexican citizen ex-
presses the opinion publicly that the
United States or some other power or
powers Jointly should intervene.
In Juarez last night a gathering Of
Mexican women OF the better class
made no secret OF their desire for in
tervention. Their formal statement
OF feeling was: I'VE are praying for
an end to our country's troubles. even
through Intervention"
CONDITIONS GROW WORSE.
Conditions generally in the capital
steadily are growing worse. All busi-
nees. public and private. except that
connected with the war, has ceased.
Even the postofiice has closed and its
employees are carrying rifles in the
ranks OF the federal army. The city
was almost in total darkness through
out the night owing to the cutting of
electric cables by flying shells.
Provisions OF all kinds have scared
to unheard OF prices. Robberies and
burglaries are on the increase.
Disposition OF garbage has become
a serious problem. Carcasses of hun
dreds Of horses killed in street fight
ing in the past week are still in the
cutters.
The federals were repulsed with
heavy loss in the last hour OF last
nights fighting when they attempted
10 rush the arsenal. Another woman.
Mrs. Greenfield, a Canadian, was kill
ed yesterday.
RERELS PREFER DEATH.
The battle was opened by the rebels
az 5:45 this morning. and by o'clock
the firing had rolled into a steady
fusillade. President Madero this morn
ing sent another ultimatum TO Felix
DiaE. demanding his surrender. and
the reply was q number of cannon
balls from the insurgents biggest
guns. Diaz told the government his
followers preferred to die at their
posts than surrender. They would not
ask clemency.
A constant stream OF refugees, most
Of them Mexican citizens, carrying
bundles. has been scurrying toward
the suburbs from the densely popula-
ted district between the arsenal and
the national palace, as soon as firing
became intense. In many or the
churches special services were held by
the clergy for the restoration Of peace.
Thousands Of refugees knelt in the
CID edifces and Joined in players.
DIAz ASKS RECOGNITION.
Many shrapnel shells from the
rebels fell around the cable office. the
American club and other buildings in
the vicinity. Others reached the na-
uonal palace. Two federal batteries
o. fye guns each. stationed near the
British legation, poured a stream Of