New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-05-15
FACE DEATH BY FOE
In TAMPIC0 FLIGHT
Federals Barely Can Es-
cape Being Cut to Pieces
by Rebels.

Vera Cruz. May IA violent electrical
storm in the vicinity of Tampico has made
the wireless communication virtually i'm
possible, and only meagre details OF the
situation at that port which was evacu-
ated yesterday by the Federals, were re-
ceived here to-day. The plight of the
Federals under Zarogoza. who are retir-
ing in the direction of San Luis Potosi
along the railroad from Tampico, is con-
sidered by those who know the country as
serious
The Constitutionalists have overrun the
territory about San Luis Potosi and con-
troll a considerable portion of the railroad.
Northward toward the Federal lines the
country is rugged and barren and prob
ably impossible to the weary veterans OF
Tampico which has long been under
siege.
In Zaragoza's rear are Constitutional
forces, elated by victory and ready to
press after him. The general belief here
is that the little force Of Federals will
be cut to pieces before it reaches the lines
south of san Luis Potosi
News was received to-day that the
warning Of the Consttutionalist leader.
General Caberallero. of his purpose to at
tack Tampico with artillery and force
surrender, was given to the commander
Of the British cruiser Hermione on May
9. Foreign residents Immediately began
to so aboard the various ships. IL Is re-
ported that all foreigners left the city
with the exception of little group OF
Americans. who chose TO remain
Within the city native demonstrations
of a patriotic nature occurred frequently
before the attack began. few recruits
had reached General Zaragoza, but the
rebel forces had increased to 5000, with
twelve field guns. making the odds against
/ the Federals hopeless The ammunition
supply aboard the Federal gunboats had
| been greatly reduced. and this is consid-
cred the probable cause of ZaragoZa's de-
termination TO evacuate the city and at
tempt 10 cut his way through the rebel
llneS ABOUT san LUIS fOtOSl.
The situation at Vera Cruz was one OF
absolute quiet to-day, and Brigadler GEN
eral Funstons men have settled down to
the routine OF garrison duty. With the
arrival of additional equipment plans are
afoot TO make the troops more comfort
able. Several barracks in the old cramped
buildings will be abandoned. and il Is
probable that most OF the troops will be
put under canvas.
Among the barracks to be thus aban-
doned is the Municipal Building, facing
the plaza i'm the centre of the city. wher.
foreigners congregated about cafe tables.
There is little new to indicate the military
occupation of Vera Cruz.
Consul Canada is disturbed over the de-
tention Of a Cuban messenger who was
sent out to General MASS lines with a
letter urging the release of Admiral
Fletcher's Filipino servant. who wandered
out into Mexican territory and has been
held by the Federals for more than a
week. The Cuban has been gone for four
days. and IL is learned that he. too is held
by the Federals. The Cuban also bore a
note TO General Mas regarding the Mexi-
Noh S'hNA az = p'.S'lioA AOpSINNt WHICH ne
left when he withdrew from the city on
the landing Of the Americans. The au-
thorities are eager TO return the property
or make what disposition OF il General
Mas may wish.
Workmen are busy throughout the city
removing the traces OF bullet and shell
fire resulting from the two days fghting
before the city was cleared Of snlpers The
gaping holes in the Benito Juarez tower
over the Municipal Museum, where the
bluejackets planted three shells the first
day, have been repaired Private houses,
except those on the waterfront, torn b. the
ships suns have virtually been restored.
and only few bullet scars at various
points remain for the curious TO inspect
The court of claims is busy sitting out
complaints II property damage submitted
by foreign residents The total OF these
complaints has been surprisingly small so
far. The Mexican claims will go TO Wash
ington for settlement, put the fact that
foreigners will probably receive quick
compensation for broken windows and
doors has encouraged the native business
men 10 believe that for once they will not
he compelled 10 bear IN silence the dam
ages sustained in fighting in which they
had no part.