New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-05-14

were lhter driven pdSh. ~ " N''~'>
Yesterday afternoon the firing ceased
and there was complete cessation OF
hostilities until this morning at D
o'clock.
Then the final assault was begun.
The losses OF the day before we're
heavy on both sides, and the Federals
appeared TO have very little ammu-
milton. At 1890 o'clock to-day word
came down the river to foreign war
ships lying of Tampico that the FED
erals were evacuating. leaving the town
hy the railway. il was understood
that they were taking the line that led
to San Luis Potosi. The Federal gun
boats Bravo and Zaragosa were ap-
parently covering the retreat OF
Huerta's forces. which had finally
given I'D the struggle after having re-
PEELED two desperate attacks from the
rebels in the last four months.
AT / o'clock heavy rifle fire was
heard in the plaza. indicating that the
rebels had actually made their way
into the city. forced by the desperate
resistance to carry the fight into the
heart of the town. There was, how
ever. some heavy gun fire also. which
led TO a conclusion on the part OF far-
off observers that in some parts OF the
town the Federals were still holding
out. although there was the possioillty
that the big guns were being directed
AGAINST the troops who were escaping
by rail.
At Q o'clock this afternoon the gun
boats Bravo and Zaragosa. the last
homes of Huerta in Tampico, slipped
down the river and anchored near the
foreign warships assembled outside the
bar Foreign naval observers sup
posed that the gunboats Kept ther
nlsces near the city to hold off the ad-
vancing Constitutionalists until the
Federal troops could entrain ana get
AWAY. At all events. their withdrawal
marked the last stage Of the orgahlzeo
resistance Of the Federals.
II is imagined that the Federals must
have retreated by way Of the railroad
leading 10 san Luis Potosi, and 1t IS
assumed that they hope to reacn "a
chuca. the terminus OF railway line
that leads indirectly TO Mexico CITY,
for the railroad out of Tampico 10
Monterey is held by the Constitution
alists.
Rear Admiral Mayo's first dispatch
of the day prepared the Navy Depart
ment for the evacuation announce
ment. He said In 1t that heavy flrlng
had been resumed at midnight, and
reported that the Constitutionailsts
had said that they expected TO capture
the city to-day.
THE general impression seems 10 be
that the expectations of the Constitu-
tionalists will be realized" Mayo
added.
Vera Cruz. May 13.-The fall of Tampico
and what IL may mean Is the SUBJECT OF
general speculation here. 1t is believed
that the rebels have oveTrun the territory
around San Luis Potosi and Monterey,
which would make federal escape in that
direction possible only by a continuous
running fight for many miles.
Few, if any. foreigners remain in Tam
pico, according TO the last reports received
here. A general exodus took place when
the news spread that the rebels were pre-
pairing for a final assault. Many refugees
from Tampico passed through here. Few
were allowed ashore, however. as the
American authorities were not Willing 10
Increase the large colony already over
crowding the hotels.
With the fall of Tampico hostnities on
the Gulf coast OF Mexico will come 10 an
end. at least for the time being. The
Federals are maintaining the armistice SO
far as Americans are concerned, accord
ing TO a note from General Rubion New
erette published here to-day Nowhere
else along the coast, except at Tampico'
are there more than scattered posts OF
Federals or rebels. and the logical move
ment of the victorious rebels from Tam
pico would be to join forces with those
besieging San Luis Potosi.
South of Tampico the nearest Federal
forces. those on the Mexican Railroad.
are merely holding outposts against
possible American invasion. The coun-
try between Tampico and Vera Cruz ana
inland to the line of the Mexican Ma
tional Railroad is barren and mountain
Gus and extremely difficult for military
operations. There are no railroad or
other means for the rebels TO move
against the Federals at Paso del Macho,
nor would they gain much advantage by
driving them back toward the capital.
The rebels first attacked Tampico last
December and fighting has been practi-
cally continuous ever since. Twice they
drove the Federal garrison into the town
and seemed on the verge Of victory. only
10 be shelled by the gunboats and forced
to retire TO the hills. No estimate of the
losses on either side has ever been Of
fcally obtained. The last reports Of the
Federal forces at Tampico indicated less
than two thousand, but all well supplied
with arms and ammunition. The pres
ence of the Federal gunboats has saved
the city repeatedly.
There is much discussion here as to the
possible relations between this port un-
der American control and Tampico under
the Constitutionalists. Vera Cruz de-
ponds largely upon the Tampico region
for fruit and other food supplies. and
merchants here foresee good business If
the rebels open the port to trade. 1t is
probable that Tampico is greatly in need
of supplies Of all kinds. and Vera Cruz
merchants homo 10 fiji The demand That