The Parma herald. (Parma, Idaho) 1903-1917, 1914-04-30
VERA Cruz TAKEN
Americans AVenge Insult to Flag
by Taking Mexican Port.
-Four Americans Are Killed and
2I Wounded in First Days
Fight-Enemy's Loss 200.

Vera Cruz, Mex, April 21.-Vera
Cruz tonight is in the hands of forces
from the United States warships, but
the occupation of the port was not ac-
complished without the loss Of Ameri-
can lives.
Four Americans, bluejackets and
marines, were killed by the fire of
the Mexican soldiers and 20 fell
wounded. The Mexican loss is not
known, but it is believed to have been
close to 200 dead and many wounded.
The waterfront, the custom house
and all important piers, including
those under the terminal works from
which extend the railroads to the cap
ital, have been occupied. All the ter
ritory around the American consulate
is strongly patrolled sad detachments
hold other sections of the city.
The Mexican commander, General
Gustave Mas, offered a stubborn re-
sistance and for many hours there was
fighting in the streets. Toward night
fall it was reported that the main
body of the federal garrison was in re-
treat westward.
Rear Admiral Fletcher, in command
of the United States warships, pre-
faced his occupation of the port by a
demand, through the American consul,
w. w. Canada, for its surrender.
General Mas promptly declined to ac-
cede to this demand, and shortly after
ward ten whaleboats were sent of
from the side Of the transport Prairie
loaded with marines. These boats
effected landing in the neighborhood
of the custom house before noon, ano
a few minutes later Captain William
R. Rush, of the battleship Florida,
who was in command of the operations
ashore, brought his flag in.
Captain Rush's men had already
taken up their positions. They mum.
bered $50 bluejackets from the Flori
da, 80 marines from the Prairie anc
65 marines from the Florida Later
these were augmented by a detach
ment from the Utah.
The coming of the American forces
was not heralded by any great excite
ment, but small crowds gathered t
watch the landing. Soon the blue
Jackets and marines marched through
the streets leading from the water
front and along the railroad yards
Others proceeded to the American
consulate, while still others were de
ployed along the approaches to Contra
Plaza, in which General Mas had con
centrated his men.
These maneuvers were effecte
without opposition, but suddenly Gen
eral Mas challenged the advance wit
the first shots-a volley fired from
point three blocks from the marine
and two blocks south of the mai
plaza. The marines replied immedi
ately, but the action ceased in me
ment. There was lull for 10 mir
utes and then another brief exchang
from the west end of Montesino
street, where a federal outpost wa
stationed.
At IL: 80 the firing became general
and at l o'clock the guns of the trans
port Prairie went into action.
Prior to this a detachment of blue
jackets from the Utah, holding tn
ground between the consulate and tn
waterfront, opened fire with two G
their three-inch guns. The first shot
from these pieces were directe
against an ancient tower which ono
served as light house. This was OF
cupied by Mexican sharpshooters.
Lieutenant Commander Buchanan
of the Florida, ordered that it be d,
stroyed. Five shots brought the oil
Benito Juarez tower down.
The women of the American colon
/, in Vera Cruz had already been place
aboard the chartered steamers Espei
ANA and Mexico, but the foreign co
ony, especially the American section
! was greatly augmented this mornin
D when three trainloads arrived from I'll
capital. Some of these RENAME
ashore, but many were taken aboaI
the steamers. So far as can
learned none of the refugees was il
jured.
o Washington, April 81. - Rear Al
miral Fletcher reported to the Nav
department from Vera Cruz under dat
0 of 10 p. m. that firing,still was
: progress. There was no mention I
: further casualties.