The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-24


President Huerta was given out at the
| palace:
II called together the cabinet TO re-
port that Madero and Pine Suarez, who
| had been detained at the palace at the
| disposition of the war department, were
taken to the penitentiary in accordance
| with a provision decision. as the re-
suit of which that establishment was
placed yesterday afternoon under the
charge of an army officer for its bet
ter security.
when the automobiles had traversed
about two-thirds of the way to the peni-
tentiary they were attacked by an armed
group and the escort descended from the
machines TO offer resistance. Suddenly
the group grew larger and the prisoners
tried to escape.
"An exchange of shots then took
place in which two of the attacking
party we're killed and two were wound
ed. Both prisoners We're killed. The
automobiles were badly damaged.
THE President and his cabinet have
resolved that the affair shall be con-
signed to the military judicial author
tiles having to do with the attempts
against military prisoners. such as
were Madero and Pine Suarez, so that
they may make strict investigation
with the direct Intervention of the
military prosecutor general
The minister of justice has asked
that when these Investigations are
over--the case being of so exceptional
a character-that the prosecutor gem
eral of the republic make further in
vestigation.
"The government deplores the event,
and, wishing to attend to the neces-
stiles of the public welfare, had asked
the minister of Justice to formulate
| t,Ia pf nct tba pria-
oners for their several responsibilities.
at the same time making an effort to
have some of the friends of Madero
assist in the solution of this difficult
and dangerous question.
"Filled with the desire to guarantee
itself as well as the prisoners, the
government had appointed Col. Luis
Vallestores, director of the peniten-
tiary. and had given him strict in
structions to provide for any contin-
gency.
"The government promises that So
ciety shall be fully satisfied as to the
facts in the case. The commanders of
the escort are now under arrest and
the facts above recorded have been as
certained so as to clear UP this un-
happy event, however comprehensive
it may be under the present sad cir
cumstances"
Heavy patrols were sent out tonight
to guard the streets. At o'clock the
bodies of Madero and Suarez were still
lying in the mortuary at the peniten-
tiary
calm, tenseness prevahed, as though
the people of the city were on the watch
for further grave happenings. AS an in
dication of conditions. rumor spread
quickly throughout the city this evening
that Sonora Madero had committed sui
eide. This was followed by rumor that
Gen. Felix Diaz had been shot.
An investigation showed that there was
no foundation for either report.
Sympathy for Maderos
Early today small groups congregated
about the president. They were composed
for the most part of men and women of
the lower class
There was decided feeling of sympa-
thy for the Maderos. Many women were
crying. Some of the men attempted to
make speeches, but such attempts at pub
lie display were firmly but quietly re-
pressed by the guards.
In the downtown district the people
went about their pursuits quietly. What
had been intended as a day of jollifica-
tior for the new administration was one
of solemnity not usual on Sunday in the
pital.
A group of independent congressmer
had announced huge manifestation, in
which all classes of society from high
government officials to the wearers of
sandals had been asked to participate.
tut the plan was promptly abandoned
upon news of the affair at the peniten-
tiary.
The Maderistas have been discreet in
their utterances and the pro-government
men almost equally so. Apparently the
populace remember the cannonading of
the past weeks and patrols of soldiers
as well as mounted police have served
to remind them that the country is now
ruled by a government whose administra-
tive programme is of the sternest char
aeter.
No attempt is made at the national pal
ace to disguise this fact and President
Huerta himself has said that drastic
measures will be adopted to restore order.
No Official Nofificafio