Norwich bulletin., 1914-05-14
VERA CRUZ VERSION
 OF FALL OF TAMPIcO.
Federals Made Escape by Continuous
 Running Fight of Many Miles.

Vera Cruz, Mexico May 13-The fall of Tampico and what it may mean is the subject of general speculation here. It Is learned that the rebels delivered determined attack on the port beginning at four o'clock in the morning. The federal advance posts were driven in and until noon desper- ate firing was continuous. In what di- rection the federals are evacuaIng the town has not been learned, but 1t is believed that the rebels have over run the. territory around San Luis Poto- si and Montrey, which would make federal escape in that direction possi- for many miles
 Few if any Americans remain in Tampico, according to the last reports received here. A general exodus began when the news spread that the rebels were preparing for a final assault.
 Many refugees from Tampico passed through here, but few were allowed ashore, as the American authorities were not willing to increase the large colony already overcrowding the hotels. With the fall of Tampico hostilities on the Gulf Coast of Mexico come to an end, at least for a time.
 The federals are maintaining the armistice so far as the Americans are concerned, according to a note from General Rubio Navarette published here today.
 Nowhere else among the coast line, except at Tampico. are there more scattered posts of federals or rebels, and the logical movement of the vic toTious rebels from Tampico would be to join forces with those besieging San Luis Potosi.
 South of Tampico the nearest federal forces. those on the Mexican railroad are merely holding out posts against a n Ia Arrna \ srl- slx country between Tampico and Vera Cruz and inland to the line of the Mexican National Railroad is barren and mountainous and impossible foI military operations. There is no rail- road<or other means for the rebels to move against the federais at Paso Dei Mach nor would they gain great ad- vantage by driving them back toward the capital. The rebels first attacked Tampico last December and fighting has been virtually continuous since Twice they drove the federal garrison into the town and seemed on the verge of victory, only to be shelled by the hills. No estimate of the losses or either side has ever been officially ob- tained.
 The last reports of the federal forces at Tampico indicated less than 20,00t but they were well supplied with am.
 
 presence of Mexican gunboats saved the city repeatedly.-~Th is much discussion as to the possible relations between this port under American control and Tampico under the Con etftutonalists. Vera Cruz depends largely on the Tampico region for frui and other food supplies and merchant. here foresee good business if the reb. els open the port fully to trade. It IS probable that Tampico is great fy in need of supplies of all kinds, ant Vera Cruz merchants hope to fill thu demand. It is certain that the Amer. foan authorities will favor the resump ton of peaceful trading by every Dos. sibIe means which would be in lin, with the general policy since the occu' patton of this port.
 Gen. Maas Gives Way to Gen. Pens Washington, May 1s-News reached WaSiIinRtof through official soJlrc e