Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-02-15
Wilson Refuses to Move.


twice requested by Pedro Lascurain, the
Mexican foreign minister. to move the
American embassy to another location.
The ambassador refused to consider the
suggestion. The object of the Mexican
governments desire to move the Amer
lean embassy was to permit the federal
troops to place their cannon in a position
which would draw the rebel fire from the
arsenal directly in line with the embassy.
A great number of residences occupied
by American citizens would thus be en-
dangered
Despite the refusal of the ambassador
federal batteries were placed in position.
At O'Clock in the afternoon general
the two preceding hours the fire from
the government lines had practically
been suspended. General de la Vega, COM
handing the line directly to the east OF
the rebel position, admitted that he was
unable to advance. Failure had been
encountered in all quarters.
1t was coincidental with this cessation
of firing that a battalion OF the Goth In
fantry revolted. All but a handful Of
these federals succeeded in joining DiaZ
This battalion was stationed along In
dependencia street. The men suddenly
turned upon their officers and shot them,
but the sound of these shots did not at
tract general attention in the heavy fu-
Sllade. linen the entlre DaLtdllOn prOke
for the rebel lines.
Thirty-eight of them were overpower-
ed, however. by loyal troops, and were
marched to the palace.
American Embassy Active.
The activities of the United States en-
bassy are covering a wide range outside
Of the ordinary channels Of diplomacy,
in which Ambassador Wilson has become
a sort of general manager Of numerous
allied industries in connection with the
care of Americans.
The work Of gathering families whose
homes had been rendered unsafe by the
shifting fire Of the Diaz and Madero
forces during the week resulted in the
organization of feet Of ten automobiles
for the rescue of those in peril. Flying
both the American flag and a white one,
the cars were prompt to answer calls
from the danger zone, from which they
removed more than 1000 Americans. A
number of Italians and several Mexican
families were also helped.
Under ordinary circumstances none of
those rescued would think Of calling for
financial assistance, as most of them
are more than wef-to-do, but with banks
closed not even the wealthiest had much
more than pocket money available.
Opens Bank in En- bassy.
E. S. A. Delima, a local banker, estap-
lished temporary banking institution at
the American embassy, to which he
moved a large quantity Of furniture and
relieved the situation by honoring checks.
The automobiles which had been used
to rescue the endangered were sent out
today to scour the outlying districts, seek
ing eggs and other produce to relieve the
food scarcity among the refugees. pri-
vate medical corps was also organized,
as many of the White Cross physicians
had been withdrawn when the govern
ment demanded use Of its ambulances to
carry ammunition.
Capt. Burnside. the military attache of
the embassy. has undertaken the organi-
cation OF the Americans into a sort of
military body. He believes that from 500
to 600 OF them can be brought together
and used to advantage in patroiling the
police-deserted districts with arms.