Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1905-1919, 1913-12-13

MENICO CITY, Dee. 1.-Two
thouaand fcderals at Tampico, pro-
tected by the shells Of the Eunboat
Bravo more than by their own cf-
forts, were waiting late today for a
forward movement OF the rebels or
some other maneuvers that might de-
eide the fate of the seaport. The
iighting which began two days ago.
was then continuing, and the best in
dtions were that It might last an
other day or even longer.
How many rebels are engaged in
the attack on Tampico is not known,
but it L. estimated that their number
is at least twice that of the fcderals,
and their operations indicate that
they expect more men from Victoria,
capital of the state of Tamaulipas,
which lies half way between Tampico
and Montero. TO the north.
The rebels, who are in possession of
the railroad yards and shops and large
stores Of material and equipment, ac-
tually have detached from their lines
sufIicielt men to undertake repairing
the railroad north and west from
Tampico toward Victoria.
The damage that has been done this
Ire while enough to prevent the oper-
Ytion Of trains, is not so great that 1t
.ill long delay a resumption of traf-
fic. Most Of the destroyed bridges be-
ing small ones, can easily be replaced
Repairs to the road southwark from
Nicotria also are being made, and II
is not improbable that the rebels will
be able to transport fresh troops and
additional artillery in time TO use
them at Tampico before the govern
ment can get reinforcemcnts to the
port.
Occasional shells fell in the heart of
Tampico during the day and bullets
from the rifles and machine guns were
numerous enough to make il advis-
able that all residents not engaged
seek cover. For the most part, the
firing was limited to the artillery of
the rebels and the guns Of the Bravo.
OH Tanks Endangered.
According to reports received here
the rebels have not damaged any
property, but the firing, from the
Bravo and the few federal cannons en-
dangers the tanks and the refinery of
the Waters Pierce company.
The federals have their positions in
that part of the city behind triangle
formed by the Panuco river, which is
really the city's harbor. and the canal
running into it between the city and
the coast Just below the mouth Of
the canal and above Dona Cecilia lies
the Bravo. The rebels are utilizing a
hill about 100 feet high in attempting
TO land shells on the Bravo, which in
turn is trying to render their position
untenable. To tho west or rear Of the
city. the federals have a defense in
the Tanesi river which also flows
into the Panuco, a stream not easily
crossed.
Trains entering Tampico from the
west do 80 over a drawbridge which
the federals are keeping open. Gov
ernment observers are surprised that
no rebels have yet appeared on that
side Of the city. The track Of this
mas llti bffH iflnfifN hhN Ah'
two train loads of refugees were tax
Ell out of the town today. Failure Of
the rebels to throw out of commission
this line. which extends to San Luis
Potosi, before the inauguration OF
their attack enabled the government !
to materially strengthen the garrison |
of Tampico. Three train loads OF
troops were run into the town from
the west.
The meagre information available |
here indicates that the federals at !
Tampico will be able to do nothing /
more than resist.
II IL not believed likely here that ,
500 men which the war office says
left Vera Cruz today for Tampico will !
be able to enter the town. as the reb- I
els hold the hanks Of the river from
the coast farther In than Dona Cecilia. f.
The loss OF life in the lighting at I
Tampico probably has not been great |
That the rebels appear confident /
enough of their strength to consider !
an attack on Monterey. even after us |
Ing large numbers Of their men In the |
about Tampico. is indicated |
by news received here today Rebels |
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