Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1913-02-22
BATTLE In CITY OF MEXICO
Streets of Capital Swept by Hail of Bullets and Shell
From Artillery.

occurred present 0liaplQdIeQ ap-
pearance. One of the buildings which
suffered most is that in which the
American consulate-general was To-
Gated and from which the consul and
his stan were forced to fee.
Ambulances of the Red and White
Cross early were seen whirling away
from the federal rear with loads of
wounded, many of whom were citi-
zens, including boys and women OF
the lower classes.
Warnings From the Embassies.
Almost within a stones throw of
each other these two fighting forces,
each armed with more than twenty
cannon, are tearing at each others
throats and they expect to continue
the struggle regardless of the Incl
dental loss of life.
The diplomats by telephone notified
their nationals, when fighting appear
ed inevitable, to take care of them
selves in the best way possible. Ma
dero had refused or had neglected to
answer the note in which he was
asked if he would be able to give
protection to the foreign residents and
Diaz, in replying to similar request,
had frankly acknowledged his inabil-
ity to do so.
How the Trouble Started.
The City of Mexico.-The army
arose in revolt in the City of
Mexico, took possession of the pub
lie buildings, shot down federal adj
herents in the streets, released Gen.
Felix Diaz, leader of the Vera Cruz
revolt, from prison and, falling into
line under his banner, practically cap
tured the capital.
Francisco Madero, president of the
republic, and members of his cabinet
took refuge in the national palace.
They were besieged, but with some
loyal troops at their back succeeded
in defending the palace. Madero's
family has taken refuge in the Japa-
nese legation. The president made a
desperate fight against enormous odds
for the retention of his power.
General Diaz, who is the nephew
of the deposed President Porfirio
Diaz, is now at the head of a major
ity of the capital troops, including
most of the artillery, and is in pos
session of the arsenal in the city and
the powder works nearby.
The day was marked by four sep
arate engagements. The most SAN
culinary Of them took place in front
of the national palace. But the most
important was that which terminated
in the formal surrender of the troops
in the artillery barracks.
1t is believed that not fewer than
200 persons were killed. Among them
was Gen. Bernardo Reyes, a strong
adherent of Diaz and ex-secretary of
war.
The mutinous troops were led by
students of the military school at
Tlalpam, a suburb. They marched
to the prison to which General Diaz
had been transferred for safe keep
ing and released him. General Reyes
was also freed from Santiago mill
tary prison, there being no resistance
in either quarter.
To the army of the mutineers quick
1y came portions of the First cavalry,
Twenty-fourth cavalry and Twentieth
infantry. General Manual Nondragon,
retired, was in command, but gave
way to Generals DiaZ and Reyes.
At $3.50 o'clock the first encounter
with loyal troops occurred in front of
the National Palace and General
Reyes, whose long record as an army
officer was broken little more than
year ago by a farcical revolt, was
killed instantly by bullet through
the head.
Many fell in this engagement, and
among the scores of bodies which
strewed the streets were those of
minor officers, women and boys of
the lower classes and spectators who
gathered at the first shot.
General Lauro Villar, post COM
mander of the capital who remained
loyal, was among those slightly
wounded. The minister of war, Cen
eral Garcia Pena, received slight
injury.
The United States Ready.
Washington, d. C--President
Taft hastily summoned the heads OF
the army and navy to the White House
early in the morning. Three addition
al United States war vessels were or
dered to Vera Cruz. Two transports
will be held in readiness to load
troops at Newport News should occa-
sion require.
Washington, d. C.-Majcr-Gen-
eral Wood remained at his desk at
the War Department until nearly day
light working out details for the
quick movement of troops should the
occasion arise These troops prob
ably will be modified at Galveston,
Tex. being prepared to embark as
soon as the TRANSPORTS reach that