Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1914-04-22

WASHINGTON, April 22.-The
American forces commenced an adj
vance to take the entire city of Vera
Cruz at s o'clock under guns Of the
war vessels, according to d first re-
port from Consul Canada received at
the state department today.
A second report cabled under date
of . a. m. by Consul Canada, said
that he expected fighting to cease
within an hour. The total Ameri-
can forces ashore numbered 5000.
They were well into the city and had
the situation in hand, the report said.
During the attack the Mexican
sharpshooters occupied the roofs of
houses in the central part of the city
and were able to fire down upon the
American marines and bluelaclSets as
the latter reared the land from the
vessels lying off shore.
Rear Admiral Badger, command
ing the Atlantic fleet, officially re-
ported to the navy department today
the arrival at Vera Cruz of his flag
ship, the Arkansas, along with the
battIeships Vermont, New Jersey,
New Hampshire and South Carolina.
The scout cruiser Chester and the
San Francisco have arrived in Vera
Cruz from Tampico.
Consul Canadas dispatch says
Firing commenced at daybreak.
the city. Large force landed from
Admiral Badgers fleet before day
light. Copies of proclamation issued
by Rear Admiral Fletcher requesting
at once the cooperation of the mayor
and municipal authorities in restoring
order have been distributed but have
been unable as yet to get in commu-
nication with these officials. Major
Buffers force of marines from Tam
pico are now ashore. Expect the city
will be quiet later in the morning.
Estimates of Mexicans killed and
wounded up to late last night approx
imately 150 Battleships here: Flor
ida, Utah, Arkansas, Vermont. New
Hampshire, New Jersey, South Caro-
lima. transport Prairie and collier
orion. Transport Hancock with ma
rlnes reported due. American forces
advance m. under guns or war
vessels to take city"
Consul Canada reported to the state
department that $50 Mexicans were
killed and wounded yesterday.
Admiral F1etcher's Proclamation.
In Rear-A dmiral Fleteher's procla-
nation to the people of Vera Cruz, he
called upon them in the interests OF
humanity to cooperate with him in
restoring order. He said they could
carry on their municipal government
as before, and that the United States
merely would hold the customs house
and patrol the city.
Admiral Fletcher's proclamation to
the mayor, chief of police and citizens
Of Vera cruz read:
at has become necessary for the
naval forces of the United States OF
America now at Vera Cruz to land
and assume military control of the
customs wharves of Vera Cruz. Your
cooperation is requested to preserve
order and prevent loss of life.
ut is not the intention of the
United States naval forces to inter
fere with the administration Of the
civil affairs of Vera Cruz more than
is necessary for the purpose of main
tanning a condition of law and order
to enforce such sanitary conditions as
are needed to meet military require
ments.
1T is desired that the civil officials
of Vera Cruz shall continue in the
peaceful pursuits of their occupa-
lions. Under these conditions full
protection will be given to the city
by the United States naval forces.
1T is enjoined upon all inhabitants
and property owners to prevent firing
by idividuals from the shelter Of
their houses upon United States
forces or upon anyone else. Such fir
ing by irregulars not members of
an organized military force is con
trary to the laws of war; If persisted
in 1t will call for severe measures.
Signed OF. F. FLETCHER,
Rear Admiral. u. S. N.
Commander detached squadron u.
S. Atlantic fleet"
VERA CRUZ, April 22-There was