The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1914-04-23
FIRST BLOOD IS SPILLED
AMERICAN SOLDIERS ARE LAND
ED AT VERA CRUZ. A.,
United States Flag Hoisted at Most
Prominent Mexican Port After
Sharp Fighting.


Vera Cruz, April 21.-Vera Cruz
tonight is in the hands of forces
from the United States warships, but
the occupation of the port was not
accomplished without loss of Ameri-
can lives.
Four American bluejackets and
marines were killed by the fire of
the Mexicans and 20 fell wounded.
The Mexican loss is not known, but
it is believed to have been heavy.
The water front, the customs house
and all important piers, including
those under the terminal works, from
which extend the railroads to the
capital, have been occupied. All the
territory around the American con-
sulate is strongly patrolled and de-
tachments hold other sections Of the
city.
The Mexican commander, Gen.
Gustavo Mas, offered stubborn re-
sistance to the American advance
and for many hours there was fight
ing in the streets. Toward nightfall
it was reported that the main body of
the federal garrison was in retreat
to the westward.
Rear Admiral Fletcher, command
ing the United States warships, pre-
faced his occupation of the port by
demand, through the American
consul, w. W. Canada, for it's sur
render. Gen. Mas promptly declin-
ed to accede to this demand and
shortly afterward whaleboats were
sent off from the side from the
Prairie loaded with marines.
Brings Flag Ashore. S
These boats effected landing in
the neighborhoodS Of the customs
house before noon and few min
utes later Capt. VIM. R.. Rush Of the
battleship Florida, who was IN COM
mand of the operations ashore,
brought his flag in.
Capt Rush's men already had
taken up their positions. They num-
bered $50 bluejackets from the Flor
ida, $50 marines from the Prairie
and IS marines from the Florida.
Later these were augmented by de-
tachment from the Utah.
The coming of the American
forces was not heralded by any great
excitement, but small crowds gath
cred to watch the landing. Soon the
bluejackets and marines marched
through the streets, leading from the
waterfront and along the railroad
yards. Others proceeded tol the
American consulate, while still 9TH
ers were deployed along the ap-
proaches to central plaza, in which
Gen. Mas had concentrated his men.
Manoeuvres Unopposed.
These manoeuvres were effected
without opposition, but suddenly
Gen. Mas challenged the advance
with the first shotsra volley fired
from point three blocks from the
marines and two blocks south OF the
main plaza. The marines replied,
but the action ceased in a moment.
There was a lull for ten minutes and
then another brief exchange from
the west end of Montesenor street,
where a federal outpost was station
ed.
Prairie in Action.
At 1890 the firing became general
and at 1 o'clock the guns OF the
transport Prairie went into action.
Prior to this, detachment, of
bluejackets from the Utah, holding
the ground between the consulate
and the waterfront, opened with two
of their three-inch guns. The first
shots from these pieces were directed
against the ancient Benito Juarez
tower which once served as light
house. This was occupied by Mexi-
can sharpshooters.- Lieut.. Com
mander Buchanan of the Florida, Or
dered that it be destroyed. Five
shots brought the old tower down.
The women of the American colony
in Vera Cruz had been placed aboard
the chartered steamers EsperanZa
and Mexico, but the foreign colony,
especially the American, was greatly
augmented this morning when three
trainloads arrived from the capital.
Some of these remained ashore, but
many were taken aboard the steam
ers. So far as can be learned, no
refugees were injured.
The demand for the surrender of
Vera Cruz was made at o'clock
in the morning. Consul cana
da called General Gustave