New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-01-05
Driven Back by Federal
Garrison After DeS-
perate Assault.
TOWN HOLDS OUT
FOR SEVEN DAYS
Villa Rushing Up More
Troops and Will Lead
Them in Person.
SMALLPOX REBEL ALLY
Scourge Appears in Ojinaga and
Huerta's Men Have No Means
to Conquer 1t.
LRy Telegraph 70 The Tribune. ]

rebels under Ortega and Rodriguez
stormed The heights Of Ojinaga this af
ternoon in a combined attempt to dis
lodge the Federals. Supported by a
heavy artillery fire. the rebel forces
pushed their way almost to the rim Of
the mesa, when the Federals. concen-
trating their entire force, drove them
back
The attack was not expected by the
Federals. Ortegas men had attacked
the town from western position and
had failed. Moving from the protec-
ton of the aroya to the west, Ortega
united his force with that of General
Rodriguez and, using the Conchos
River bed for an entrenchment, the
combined army renewed the attack
from the north.
At one point which bore the brunt Of
the rebel attack seventy-five Federals
were killed and more than one hundred
and fifty wounded it was reported to-
night. The Federal commander at that
point, Brigadier General Martinez. was
mortally wounded.
Rebels tonight are expecting General
Pancho Villa TO assume command in
person tomorrow. They also are eX-
pecting large quantities of ammunition
and additional reinforcements from
Chihuahua. Villa already has left Jua-
rez for Ojinaga. according TO a dispatch
TO rebels in Preside.
Seven Days Of Fighting.
Seven DAYS OF almost continuous
fighting at Ojinaga tonight finds the
situation practically unchanged. Fed
eral forces, although handicapped by
n epidemic of smallpox in their camps,
have held their position against su-
peror force and under a constant bonn
bardment which at times became
storm Of shot and shell.
Reinforcements for the rebel army
arc being rushed to Ojinaga from every
part of Northern Mexico. Already 200
soldiers from the south of Chihuahua
have reached there after four days OF
forced marches. Seven hundred and
fifty rebel cavalry from Juarez left the
railroad tonight for forced march to
Ojinaga. and Sonora troops TO the num-
Der Of 1000 have started TO join the
movement.
The Federal garrison Of 1000 cannot
be increased. on one side is the AmeT-
can border: on all other sides are rebel
forces. and back Of them is vast
territory wholly controlled by rebels.
Without hope of relief. with their am
munition constantly diminishing ana
with their men dying of disease as
well as from bullets. the Federals nave
put zip a good fight and appear to be
in no way discouraged. The flight of
frightened deserters to the American
side has ceased, and IN Ojinaga there
is a determination TO fight TO the end.
Rebel assaults on Ojinaga were re-
sumed to-day after n lull or several
hours. During the early morning the
rebels shifted their position, and to-day
the attacks were moe 10 the north
than heretofore.
Cne Shot Silences Big Gun.
An artillery duel was fought for two
hours. and rebels scrambled up the
heights toward the Federal position,
only 10 be driven back time and again
hv the Federal fire. one well directed
shot from rebel cannon silenced one
of the largest of the Federals' big guns
wounded ffty or sixty men and killed
several.
Federals and rebels alike are angered
o,.ar the action OF Major Michael NJ.
NcNamee. commanding the American
forces here. in closing the port OF Pre-
sidio IN both sides. In dispatch TO-
dav 70 General Hugh l.. Scott. at FORT
Bliss. Major McNamee said that 'ne
Nexicans he is now turning back are
NOT armed soldiers seeking an asylum
but individual soldiers, dressed as CIV
uians vho are trying 10 use the Amer
loan territory not 10 give up but TO
cross and recrosj TOT various 'e"eoi'S'
Ma ior McNamee added:
"The situation here requires constant
vigilance and the use OF my command
"a enforce neutrality"
The Federals at Ojinaga late to-day
dug new pits and rerared for night
attack. which they expect 10 be the
most desperate that yet has taken
place.
Smallpox Greatest Danger.
with smallpox claiming many sol
diers. the epidemic in camp and town
il causing the Federal commanders
more concern than is the attacking
rebel army.
I'VE can keep the rebels on inieh-
Continued on ath page. fourth column.