The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-05-14
FEDERAL SOLDIERS IN TeeMCHesA
DEFENDING ATAMPiCO OT;CSss.."1'o~Aa =

ASH1NGION, May Id atnplcO mas
fallen and Is now occupied by the Con-
stitutionalists. The Federal forces
evacuated the city and are retreating
over the National Railroad of Mexico
toward San Luis Potosi, where Huerta
probably will make his next stand
against the successful advance OF the
troops of Carranza and villa toward
Mexico city.
The fall Of Tampico was the out
come of one Of the most decisive bat.
ties OF the Mexican revolution. II
marks too one of the most important
strategic victories that the Constitu-
tlOnalists have gainel. 1t gives them
an important port OH the Gulf OF Mex.
leo, the first they have had; II puts
into their hands the most valuable oil
field In all Mexico. and IL opens up a
source Of revenue through the customs
collections. 1t also gives them an I'm
pOrtant new base for their prepare
tons for the march on To Mexico city.
Military experts here say. though. that
| IL will be at least six weeks before
Carranza and his followers could hope
10 penetrate from Tampico on to the
capital of the republic.
Reports tonight indicate that the
losses on both sides had been heavy.
Tampico was captured shortly after
noon. Admiral Mayo reported to Ad-
miral Badger AZ IL 30 o'clock this af-
tcrnoon, who cabled the state Depart
ment as follows:
Fighting nearly over. The Fed
erals evacuate via the railroad. Gun
bonts not yet moved"
An hour and half after this Ad'
miral Mayo reported the two Federal
gunboats the Bravo and Zaragosa. the
main dependence of the Iluerta forces
nj Tampico. left, the city and steamed
out into the harbor. where they an
chored near the ships Of war OF other
nations
Complete Victory RepOrted.
The last skirmish occurred IN the
plaza Of the city, Admiral Mayo re-
ported. In the latest despatch received
through Admiral Badger he reported
AZ follows;
"rhe rebels have occupied Tampico
Heavy rife fire in the plaza and also
heavy guns ashore continuing.
The Navy Department interpreted
these dispatches rs Indicating com
plete victory for the rebels.
The story Of the investment and con-
certed attack upon the Federal strong
hold of Tampico az told in the des-
patches to the Navy Department indi-
Gates that only within the last twenty
four hours has the augmented artillery
force of the Constituencies been
brought into action.
Last night at 9:cO o'clock Rear Ad-
miral Mayo reported that there had beer
continuous rifle and artillery firing all
dav but later it was explained that only
one field gun was used by tho rebels
There was cessation of firing for while
I'm, at 4 o'clock this morning II WAS re-
Sumtu WIN IeNop'''' ''''N'NN' ,''~''
| guns had been brought into play. appar-
T emily. and a portion of the Federals' de-
3 fensiye entertainments were reported oc-
cupied by the advancing Constitution
alists. Later the Constitutionalists were
driven from their advanced position by
the defenders.
The casualties on both sides in the
, lighting of Tuesday ARE said to have
be.n many, and a shortage OF ammuni-
tion WAS reported az existing on thu
: Federal side.
1 Evacuation Of CITY Begtns.
. shortly after noon to-day wore
cnmc down the PanucO River to Real
5 Admiral Mayo that the lighting was
o nearly over and that the evacuation %
y rampico by the Federals had begun
9 These dispatches Were rushed through
= to Washington by Admiral Mayo
through Admiral Badger at Vera Cruz
the cables being cleared Of commercial
: and press messages In order to tacili