The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1914-04-29
VERA CRUZ IN
YANKEES HANDS
City's Capture Cost the Lives Of
Seventeen Americans
STORY OF THE EASY VICTORY
After Marines and Bluejackets Take
Up Positions in City Irregular Fir.
ing by Mexican snipers Is Begun.

Badgers powerful meet, all ready IOr
action, Rear Admiral Fletcher in com
mand ashore completed the occupa-
ton of Vera Cruz, Mex, by the naval
forces of the United States.
From the water line on the east 10
the sand dunes on the west, from
sand hill on the north to sand hill on
| the south the sailors and marines are
in complete control of the city. There
is no organized opposition anywhere,
no danger zone left.
Outside the city on every land side
the marines of Major Smedley d. But
| Ter are thrown as an advanced line TO
prevent any attempt by the Mexican
forces of General Mas to attack the
city.
Scouts located him at Tejeria, fif
| teen miles to the south. He is in
camp with about 500 or 900 men and
announced he is awaiting reinforce
ments of 400 from Puebla. The Unit
ed States forces are near enough to
watch him, but they do not believe
that he will receive any reinforce
ments.
Up to date the American losses have
wounded. The Mexican losses were
placed at 123 dead and 1876 wounded.
Rear ADMIRAL Fletcher worked hard
to reassure the municipal officials and
to get them to take up the city gov
| ernment. In this they are being as
sisted by responsible Mexican busi-
ness men who now understand that
they have lost nothing tangible by
the change. The mayor is besieged
by advisers telling him to resume of
fee.
The collector of customs has been
assured by the admiral that the Unit
ed States does not intend to collect
the customs money. He has been told
to go ahead and exercise his func-
tions in perfect ease of mind. Consul
Canada is giving invaluable aid to the
naval authorities in persuading the
city officials to resume their duties.
During the night the searchlights
of the warships play continuously on
the quarters of the city where there is
likely to be any shots fired.
1t was during the night that the
only accidental death of an American
occurred. A young sailor on sentry
duty became excited when he saw
figure stealing toward him in the
shadow of wall. The boy forgot the
order to challenge and shot. He killed
an American marine.
Story of the Fighting.
The first news OF the fighting at
came in this report from Admiral
Fletcher received at the navy depart
ment:
Tuesday, in face of approaching
norther, landed marines and sailors
from Utah, Florida and Prairie and
seized customs house. Mexican forces
did not oppose landing, but opened
fire with rifle and artillery after our
seizure of customs house, Prairie
shelling Mexicans out of their posi-
| llOup' DCoullOly ms llOhl liOuoS
tops and streets. Hold customs house
and section of city in vicinity of
wharves and consulate. Casualties
four dead and twenty wounded"
This bulletin was followed in an
hour by another dispatch from Ad-
miral Fletcher, which read:
Holding the vicinity of the railroad
station and yards and desultory firing
continues. Also holding the vicinity
OF customs house and cable Office.
Light norther is blowing"
Another dispatch from Admiral
Fletcher read:
"Our men are firing only when fired
at. We prepared flag of truce with
message to General Mas to cease
firing or our big guns would be used.
Now about 1000 marines and sailors
ashore. All business here suspended"
A later dispatch from Consul Canada
at Vera Cruz said
marines and bluejackets landed,
Immediately taking possession of
cable office, postofiice, telegraph Of
fee and customs house. Have also
railroad terminal and yards with roll.
ing stock. Notwithstanding the firing
from housetops we are masters of the
situation so far without the use OF
heavy guns. Firing all around the
consulate, several shots having struck
the building. Our men simply defend
: ed themselves. Some resistance from
naval forces soon silenced by guns OF
the Prairie. At this time reported
four men killed. twenty wounded"
Other information received at the
navy department was to the effect
that American forces in seizing the
yards of the railroad from Vera Cruz
to Mexico City had taken 100 cars and
other equipment.
This equipment will be Of the great
est value in transporting troops over
the railroad toward Mexico City from
Vera Cruz as a base.
Admiral Fletcher in seizing Vera
Cruz called upon only about half OF
the force available for landing service
Navy departmental officers estimat
ed that General Mas had about 1000
troops in the city of Vera Cruz and
1000 more in the province of the same
name