The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-05-04
The KnOwltOns, Refugees From
Tampico, Are in Topeka.
Declare Administration Or
dered Battleships Away
At TIME 0F GREATEST PERIL
Saved by the Germans Who
Stayed in Port.
Mob HOwled "DOwn With the
GringOs."
u, s, ACTED SCANDAL0uSlY,'
Saws Mr.. KnOwltOn, in Telling
the Story.
Protests and Evidence OF ferll
Sent to Wilson.
Saws Mr.. KnOwltOn, In Telnne
the Story.
Protests and Evidence OF ferll
Sent to Wilson.

That the United States government
has "acted scandalously" Is the op".
ion of C. M. Knowlton, who arrl~eu III
ropeka today from the Mexican sea
coast. having been, according u nm
self "shanghaied' from TamRico' MS
wife and little daughter were save
from death by the Intervention Oh q
German officer, who carried Doa'. !.
load of women and children to one oA
the kaiser's men O. war at O'CLOCK IN
the morning. Tales of piliage ana
plunder and mob rule are told by Mr.
Knowlton. formerly a Topeka drug
gist, with rooms for fourteen years a.
$50 Kansas avenue. . -
At the time of the bOmbardment Oh
Mexico City a year ago the hnowA luis
escaped to Tampico, where Mr.. hnowl-
ton represents SanbOrn Bros.' "hoie-
sale and retail druggist.
= Two weeks ago. news haVins IeaSn.
ed Tampico that Vera Cruz had Deen
captured by the United States. thrones
of trouble hunting Mexicans poured
through the city streets, shouting
Death to the Gringos!
They Counted In Vain.
The Americans gazed, with feel,
ing of protection. out toward the Droao
blue harbor. Big battleships-Uncie
Sans own boats-rode the waves
within call. Watchers suddenly no
ticed that tho boats were astlr Win
preparatiOns. Word was received tnae
the warships, torpedo boats, gunpoats
and cruisers had been ordered to
leave. They sailed out of sight. leav-
ing the Americans in mob-mad Tam
pico unprotected.
The windows of Mr.. Knowlton's 8
pharmacy were shattered with rocks.
Two wounded citizens were brought IN
for help.
Germans Saved Them.
The Dresden" a German warship.
was anchored in the harbor. The COM
mander sent word that the streets
must be cleared in fifteen minutes or
Germany would fire. A quarter OF an
four later the streets were deserted.
At two o'clock that morning MRS.
Knowlton, her eight-year-Old daughter.
Gertrude, and other American women
and children were rowed silently to the
German boat. They were allowed to
take nothing--not' even a change OF
clothing. Officers made them comforta-
BILE in their own quarters.
Next morning Consul Miller ordered
that all Americans leave the seaport.
Mr.. Knowlton asserts he was veritably
kidnapped-forced to abandon his busi-
ness, trade and home. He was placed
on a British transport and taken to All
American vessel where he met his wife
and child.
At this time a yacht, flying the
stars and stripes attempted to leave
the harbor. Take down that flag or
well sink you," was the order sent
from Tampico. The owner of the little
white craft was obliged to pull down
the flag. There was nobody to pro-
tect 1t.
Under the German Flag.
1--WE were rescued under the Ger.
man flag" said Mr.. Knowlton thi!
afternoon. "The United States gov
.ernment has used us scandalously
Every American who escaped from
Tampico has the same sentiments. L
the Germans had not taken affair."
into their own hands, we wouldn't b'
in Topeka today. In my opinion, ou
government made a terrific mistake
in taking one port. and then ceasinl
hostilities. Conditions are frightful
NY little girl is only eight years old
but she's a seasoned veteran.
When the Tampico refugees arrived
in Galveston an indignation meeting
was held. Five delegates were select
ed to protest personally to Presiden
Wilson.
Mr. Knowlton Is anxious to return
to Tampico. AS soon as permission /
granted he will go back. The Knowl
tons are guests OF the A. NJ. Officers
1869 Clay street. and expect to leav
for New York in a few davs