The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1914-04-22
AMERICAN SHELLS
IN VERA CRUZ
The neet turned its guns on tn
fCcntinued from page

occupied by the money changers ~"-
wrecked and burned.
Non combattants were safe In tn'
idepot throughout the fighting. fhe'
lfatriy fought for place OF vantass
whore they might witness lhe AZ
vance OF the marines. When the CIT,
hail was seized, It was discovers
that most OF the officials had appar
entity fled. There being no ofnclai'
to preserve order it was evident tna'
/ there was no other course Tor Al
ntral Fletcher to pursue but 70 Ilsn'
his own way into possession on the
city and assume control. While the
fighting was In progress. the mayor
Of Vera Cruz turned up and vfsiten
Consul Canada under nag o. Truce
Nothing was accomplished IN the en-
ference which they held however, ano
the marines began house TO house
search for Shippers" The American
forces were resisted mainly ny an un-
organized rabble of citizens OF the
lower class. Few OF the upper Grass
were In evidence during the lighting.
The rattle of rifles and the dea1en-
ing booming Of the guns OF the ~aI-
ships swept and shook the entire CITY
Intense excitement prevailed and the
poems ran bswildered and terror strick-
en- before the advance OF the marines.
The men moved forward in perIecs
order until the word was given to
break into small squads and hunt out
the Shippers" Then came a chase
over house tops and into private resi-
dences to drive out the sharp shoot
ers.
AS the marines moved on the Aren-
ada Independcia, Mexicans in the sec
ond story OF the naval academy 2oo
yards away. fired upon them. TWO
marines were wounded, but not sert
ously
Mayor Roberto Diaz told Canada
hat he did not relish the idea OF try
ing to run the city with Mexican OH
cials under the domination OF Ameri.
can marines.
4 am compelled to decline, as the
plan could not possibly be success
full" SAID Mayor Diaz.
No report has yet been received
from the trains loaded with Ameri-
cans supposed to be enroute from
Mexico City. The capital is entirely
cut of from the outside world. The
Huertistas are believed to have cut
the land wires west OF this city.
Captain Rush this afternoon said:
I'VE do not want to hurt any peace
full citizens but we are bound to put
a stop to these snipers. taking pot
shots at our men. We will surround
the whole city with our men SO that
the house to house search for sharp
Shoppers can be made thorough. All
federals and CIVILIANS will be compell-
ed to cease firing.
$50 Field Guns Seized.
VERA CRUZ, April 22.-The Ger
man Ypirango locked early today and
the American marines Immediately
took possession of 100000 rounds
OF ammunition and $50 field guns con-
signed to Euerta. The cargo OF the
steamer was unloaded at the customs
house which Is held by Americans.
Attack Began at 8 q. m.
WASHINGTON, April 22-The
American forces began a general at
tack on the city of Vera Cruz at 500
O'Clock this morning. They are oper-
atinx under protection Of the guns
OF the combined fleet of Admirals
Fletcher and Badger, which are she'll
ing the southern part OF the city.
Consul Canada reports directly to
entire city will shortly be under the
control OF United States forces and
that order will be restored. In his re-
port the consul said: Firing COM
menced from the Mexicans at day
break today. Our ships Immediately
began to shell the southern part OF
the city. A large force Of blue
Jackets and marines from the feet of
A drniral Badger which arrived during
the night, was landed before day light
TO support Fletcher's men. At the
same time, he caused to be widely
circulated copies OF a proclamation
signed by Admiral Fletcher. request
ing the local authorities and the pop
ulation Of the city to aid US In re-
storing order. I have men circulat-
ing this petition and looking for the
officials.
80 far I have been unable to COM
municate with the embassy at Mexico
City but I am hopeful that I may yet
be able to do SO.
Major Butler and his command
from Tampico are now ashore, and
the Florida, Utah. Arkansas. Vermont,
New Hampshire, South Carolina and
Prairie are lying in close, using their
guns. The Hancock with its marines
has been reported. The American
forces which commenced their general
attack at 800 o'clock, are operating
under the guns of the war vessels.
We have no details OF Mexican cas-
uaIties but believe that up to 800
o clock last night $50 Mezfcans had