Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-04-22
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brief exchange from the west end of
Montesinos street, where Federal
outpost was stationed.
Transport Prairie Opens
At 1890 the firing became general,
and at 1 o'clock the guns. of the trans
port Prairie went into action.
Destroy Protection
The first shots from these pieces
were directed against an ancient tow
er which once served as lighthouse
This was occupied by Mexican sharp
shooters. Lieut.. Commander Buchan-
an of the Florida ordered that it be
destroyed. Five shots brought the ola
Benito Juarez tower down.
The women of the American colony
in Vera Cruz had already been placed
aboard the chartered steamers Els
peranza and Mexico, but the foreign
colony, especially the American sec
ton, was greatly augmented TINS
morning when three trainloads arrived
from the capital. Some of these re-
manned ashore but many were taken
aboard the steamers. So far as can
be learned none of the refugees was
injured.
other Buildings Occupied
The postoffice, government telegraph
Office and the cable office were the first
buildings occupied after the customs
house. A squad of marines was plac-
ed in charge of the cable office. The
telegraph wires were found intact and
enough Mexican operators were re-
tanned to man the lines to Mexico City.
After General Mas had been driv-
en- from his position in Central Plaza
the Americans found themselves the
object of fusillades from the tops OF
houses, where small groups of soldiers
and citizens had taken up positions.
Citizens Responsible
1t was learned only tonight that the
greater part of those engaged in this
resistance We're civilians, who refused
to accept the American occupation
passively. They obtained guns and
stationed themselves at points of van
tage and did much to prolong the ac-
ton.
Lieut.. Col. Wendell C. Neville COM
and Majors Reid and Berkeley and Cap
tains Hughes. Hill and Dyer along the
line. Every precaution is being taken
to prevent a Mexican attack and the
lines have been reinforced by a detach-
ment which was originally in position
beyond the terminal works.
Towards the middle of the afternoon
large body of Mexicans evacuated their
position and are now somewhere in the
sand hills back in the interior where it
IL reported from Mexican sources they
are expecting to be Joined by reinforce
ments sent down from the capital.
Prairie Drives Re-inforcements
This withdrawal, however. was not en-
tirely premeditated. Those watching on
the ships observed through their glasses
a large force of Mexicans moving over
the hills In the western outskirts of the
city. apparently with the intention of
thanking a battalion of marines in the
railway yards and along Montezinos
street, which runs east and west not far
from the American consulate.
Instantly the five-inch guns Of the
Prairie let CO., breaking the Mexican
formation and causing hasty retreat.
This ended the Ranking movement.
Only a few minutes before. the S-inch
guns of the Prairie had been used effee-
lively near shore. A small detachment
of Mexicans had gained position near the
customs house and, their concealed
marksmen were causing some trouble A
few shots from the Prairie's guns served
to silence that position. From time to
time the same guns played their shells
along the line of the shore, keeping that
territory comparatively free of sharp
shooters.