The Oskaloosa herald., 1914-04-23
U. S. FLAG FLOATS
OVER VERA CRUZ
fContinued from Page ~

Ii dinered from the house resolution
but the house Immediately accepted
iii. There we're dramatic scenes when
the senate finally just before dawn
voted to sustain the president in
Mexico
The house passed the Mexican wal
resolution by "a viva yOee vote al
10 :2S this morning and sent ii to
the president This gives Wilson the
power to act.
The president signed the joint war
resolution at Z:09 this afternoon.
Fletcher to Capture Vera Cruz.
Washington. April Unsupported
by the big guns from the fleet in the
harbOr, the capture of the entire city
OF Vera Cruz was begun to-day by
Admiral Fletcher's marines and blue
Jackets. according 10 dispatch re-
ceiyed by the state department to-
dap The dispatch stated that under
cover of heavy firing from the big
guns of the ships in the harbor a
force of blue jackets and marines be
gan advancing at eight O'Clock this
morning to capture the entire city.
The strength OF the resistance is not
known.
Vera Cruz will be bombarded to-
day by the American feet Increased
by Admiral Badgers ships if there is
further firing on the marines and
blue jackets on shore at the customs
house. Four Americans are dead and
twenty wounded in the fighting yes
terday. The Mexican loss is greater
but not known. The Americans can
land ten thousand men if necessary.
There is great uneasiness over the
fate Of a train load OF Americans
which left Mexico City for here yes
terday but which has not yet arrived.
II IS reported to-day that General
Mas and other officials have fed
after cutting the telegraph wires,
Drunken Mexican soldiers roamed
The streets all night and looted the
saloons
Possible Massacre of Americans.
Washington, April 22.-High Off
eiaIs of the government are deeply
worried over the possible massacre
OF Americans in many parts of Mex,
leo, especially in the vicinity OF Vera
Cruz. The strictest secrecy was i'm
posed on all officials by the president.
A special wire manned by army
telegraph operators was opened be-
tween the White House and Calves
ton so that the order to send rein
forcements now on board transports
can be rushed.
Mexican rebel leaders here quoted
General Carranza as saying that all
Mexicans will unite TO oppose the
Invaders. General Villa is to-day
rushing to JuareZ on a special train.
American commanders along the
border have been ordered to be on
the alert for anything.
IL is rumored here to-day that
Huerta Aas ordered O'Shaughnessy tC
leave Mexico City.
Ii is reported that Admiral fetch
er at Vera cruz asked the German
commander of the ship bearing arms
and ammunition to Huerta 10 sur
render his cargo but he refused and
Fletcher did not press the demand
The German vessel is now anchored
near the Florida.
The president still thinks that war
can be averted but other officials
think otherwise.
Iiuerta is expected to declare war
and appeal TO the poweres for help.
II is reported that he has already ask.
ed aid from Germany and Japan
Bryan does not expect the other
powers 10 act anu has given out word
that the United States contemplates
no permanent seizure of territory.
American officials all through this
country have been notified TO pro
tect Mexicans from attack for fear
this would in turn lead to attacks up
Americans in Mexico.
The Mexican embassy at Washing
ton is guarded.
The War is On.
Washington, April 22.-The war Is
on.
Acting under orders from the secre.
tary Of the navy to block the port OF
Vera Cruz and seize the customs
house, Admiral Fletcher, In charge OF
the American forces, landed marines
from the Utah, Florida and Prairie
and proceeded to take the customs
house.
A sharp engagement between the
American and Mexican forces fol
lowed. Four American marines were
killed and 20 were wounded Two hun.
dred MeXicans were killed
according to the report from Ad
mifal Fletcher, the Mexican troops did
not oppose the landing OF the marines
but opened fire after the Americans
had taken possession OF the customs
house. The Mexicans employed artil
lery and made a desperate effort 10
drive the Americans out
v. S. S. Praire Shells MexIeans.
Admiral Fletcher at once ordered
the Prairie TO bring her big guns into
play, and from her place in the harbor
she proceeded TO shell the Mexicans Out
OF their position.
The Prairie was assigned TO shell the
city for the reason that she is OF
lighter draft than either of the big bat
tleships and by approaching nearer to
the water front could place her shells
with greater precision.
All OF this occurred while a grea,
gale was gathering just outside the
breakwater. The Mexican coast in the
vicinity OF Vera Cruz Ia subject to fire.
quent visitations OF "northers," among
the most furious storms encountered
anywhere in the world. These storms