Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1913-12-13

report
Washington, D. c., Dec. 12-Wireless
dispatches from Rear Admiral Fletcher
at Tampico on board the United
States Tacoma sent at p M, yester-
day say the federal gunboat Bravo was
then shelling the constitutionalists'
position, that there was no change in
the relative position of the combatants
and that the United States cruiser
Wheeling was in the river close to the
fighting. The federal garrison was
estimated at 1000 while the constitu-
tionalists claim was about 5000. Rear
Admiral Fletcher also reported that
150, refugees were on the American
gunboats, 15O on the British steamer
Logician, $50 on the Kronprinzessin
Cecelie, German vessel and that 800
were in the buildings along shore in
the neutral zone.
The cruiser Raleigh has been order
s-et etssf from San Francisco to Mazatlan on
the Racific coast
Rebels RepuIsed?
Vera Cruz, Dec. 12-The rebel forces
attacking Tampico were repulsed and
driven away from that city with heavy
loss, according to General Gustavo
Mas, military commander here, who
says that federal troops under General
X Joaquin Mas, Jr arrived to the relief
Of Tampico yesterday. =
Up to o'clock this morning no
further communication had been re-
ceived here from Rear Admiral Frank
F. Fletcher in command of the United
States warships OFF Tampico. His last
message reached here at half past four
yesterday afternoon when fighting be-
tween the rebels and federals was still
going on.
It was understood that at that hour
no communication was open between
Tampico and Mexico City.
FederaIs Hold Out.
Mexico City, Dec. 12.-The Mexican
seaport of Tampico was still in the
hands of the federal troops at late
hour last night. The manager of the
federal telegraphs reported early to-
day that the telegraph line from
Tampico to San Luis Potosi had been
reopened after having been interrupted
since the beginning of the fighting.
The federal war minister, General
Aureliano Banquet, appears to regard
Tampico as safe.
Awaiting Attack.
Presidio, Texas, Dec. 1.-THE situa-
ton at Ojinaga, Mexico, on the border
where the federal troops have concen-
trated, today was one of patient wait
ing in anticipation OF rebel attack.
Rebel bands were reported to be in
creasing in numbers outside the village
but were believed to be waiting for re-
Inducements which General Francisco
Villa has sent from Chihuahua. The
federals probably will be under siege
but will have the advantage of being
allie to take provisions and clothing
from the United States side.
Ojinaga suddenly has attained
population from almost nothing to six
or seven thousand The federal sol
diers and civilians who have not
crossed the river, are crowded in a few
adobe houses.
General Salvatore Mercados head
quarters Is marked by dry goods
box.
Many temporary stores have been
erected in Preside to meet the great
demand for provisions. All the goods
have to be hauled from Marfa Tex,
the nearest railway station.
Add to Border Guard.
Ell Paso Tex, Dec. 12.-Four troops
of u. S. cavlary left here for Presidio
today to strengthen the border patrol
at that point on account of the situa-
ton at Ojinaga, Mexico. The army is
taking precautions against possible re-
treat of Medican federal troops into
United States territory in case OF an
attack on Ojinaga by rebels.