The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1913-02-20
Death, Destruction, Misery and Crime
Is Weeks StOryt10m War Torn MexicO

front OF the palace. Diaz led his cav
airy and artillery on a mad gallon
through the streets 10 Ciudadala and
the arsenal, which he captured from
tho federal garrison after a sharp
battle. Diaz lost no time in arrang
ing TO stand a protracted siege, ably
assisted by Gen Manuel Mondragon,
the most expert artillery officer In the
army, Mondragon Is also the In
ventor OF an improvised fire cannon
adopted by the government
Government Caught Unprepared.
The government was caught UMPIRE
pared. and could make no immediate
assault upon the rebel position.
Madero spent Monday sending troops
and placing his batteries in advan-
tageous positions on the streets lead.
ing 10 the arsenal Early on the
morning of Tuesday. Feb. IL, the ar
tillery duel began in earnest Six
batteries OF federal guns, located In
all directions. concentrated their fire
on Diaz's strong Notifications. Diaz
had captured with the arsenal an
enormous supply OF shrapnel which he
poured upon the federal forces and
the surrounding buildings with dis
astrous effect.
The real horrors OF war were
brought home 10 the people OF the
capital A scene unheard OF In mod
ern warfare unfolded Itself before the
terror-stricken gaze Of half a million
people. The capital became a great
battle-ground, and one crowded with
the thousands OF women and children.
none ~ whom had been warned or
given the slightest chance to escape,
from the shell-swept area.
Practically everyone in the city
was exposed TO the chance OF being
killed or wounded, even when in their
houses. This was testified 10 by the
deaths Il Mrs. Holmes and Mrs. Crit
fifth. the two Americans, who were
killed by shells In their own homes.
This was only one instance.
Exploding Shells Kill Non-Combstants
Hundreds OF non-combatants were
killed under similar circumstances
by the bullets that few far and wide
from the shrapne shells bursting
over the city. These shells explod-
tu ONcI TIE HlOSL pODulOuo bCSNlOh VI
the city. scattering their leaden mis-
siles in a death-dealing hail. Other
shells crashed into the walls OF high
buildings. entered the windows or
clubs. hotels; banks and stores, wreck
ing buildings or rooms by the dozen
and killing or wounding hundreds OF
innocent victims.
Day after day, and often for hours
at night, the same frightful conditions
prevailed Added to the thunder or
the larger cannon came the almost
incessan5 rattle OF the machine guns
and the whining song Of rifle bullets.
In many streets the bodies 81 the
dead or wounded lay throughout the
day TO be removed only when dark
ness brought partial protection to the
rescuers. Automobiles flying the
flags OF the Red and White Cross
speeded through the streets, picking
UP what wounded they could, but even
6ther GRAND of mercy was not re-
spected and many OF the machines
we're fired upon and their occupants
struck by bullets.
Until Sunday morning at o'clock,
when a supposed 24-hour armistice
was declared, the stricken city knew
hardly a moments peace.
ON Sunday people ventured ttmor-
ousy out OF doors. hardly believing
the news OF temporary cessation OF