The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1914-05-15
F0dHraIS After a Hot
Battle Retreat.
VICTORY IS COMPLETE
Rebels Now Hold Gulf Port and
Control OIL FiaIdS.
ADMIRAL MAYO MAKES REPORT

Federals Moving Via the Railroad
Toward San Luis Potosl, Where
Huerta viii Make His Next Stand.
Losses On Both Sides In the Con-
filct at Tampico Believed Heavy.
Capture of City Of Strategic lmpor-
tance to the constltutionalist Cause.
Washington, May 14.-Tampico has
fallen and is now occupied by the
Constitutionalists. The federal forces
evacuated the city and are retreating
over the National Railroad of Mexico
toward San Luis Potosi, where HUI
erta probably will make his next
stand against the successful advance
of troops of Carranza and villa to-
ward Mexico City.
The fall of Tampico was one OF the
most decisive battles of the Mexican
revolution. 1t marks, too, one of the
most important strategic victories
the Constitutionalists have gained.
1t gives them an important position
on the Gulf of Mexico, puts into their
hands the most valuable oil field in
all Mexico, and opens up source OF
revenue through the customs collec-
tions. 1t also gives them an impor-
tant new base for their preparations
for the march on to Mexico City.
Reports indicate that the losses on
both sides have been heavy. Admiral
Mayo, through Admiral Badger, re-
ported that the two federal gunboats,
the Bravo and Zaragosa, the main de-
pendence of the Huerta forces at
Tampico, left the city and steamed
out into the harbOr where the an
chored near the ships Of war of the
other nations. The last skirInish oc-
Cured in the Plaza of the city, Ad-
miral Mayo reported. In the latest
dispatch received through Admiral
Badger he reports as follows: "The
rebels have occupied Tampico. Heavy
rife fire in the Plaza and also heavy
guns ashore continuing"
The navy department interpreted
these dispatches as indicating COM
plete victory for the rebels.
There was a concerted attack upon
the federal stronghold of Tampico.
Dispatches indicate that only within
the last "a hours has the augmented
artillery forces Of the Constitutional
lists been brought into action. Ad-
miral Mayo reported that there had
been continuous rife and artillery
firing all day Tuesday.
There was cessation Of firing for a
while, but at 5 o'clock Wednesday it
was resumed with redoubled violence.
More guns had been brought into
play, apparently, and portion of the
Federalists' defensive entrenchments
we're reported occupied by the ad-
vancing Constitutionalists Later the
Constitutionalists were driven from
their advanced position by the de.
tenders. The casualties on both sides
in the fighting of Tuesday are said
to have been many, and a shortage
Of ammunition was reported as exist
ing on the federalist side.
Shortly after noon yesterday word
came down the Panuco river to Rear
Admiral Mayo that the fighting was
nearly over and that the evacuation
of Tampico by the Federalists had be
gun. These dispatches were rushed
through to Washington by Admiral
Mayo, through Rear Admiral Badger
at Vera Cruz.
The federal position at Tampico
was well fortified naturally and pro-
vided the greatest stumbling block in
the entire rebel campaign. Surround
ed on three sides by the river and
partly cut off from the other side by
a lake, only narrow neck Of land
remained to be defended against the
attack of infantry or cavalry. 1t was
at this point that the rebels concen-
trated their attack.
The importance to the Constitution.
alists Of Tampico can scarcely be
overestimated. With the single ex
ception of Vera CrYz, now in the
hands of the United States, it is the
most important port Of Mexico on the
gulf. The collection of revenues at
this port alone makes 1t Of great
value In maintaining the army.