The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1914-04-24
old Glory Flies Over
II Vera Cruz.
FEAT COST FOUR LIVES
Twenty More Americans Fall
Wounded In the Enterprise.
TWO HUNDRED MEXICAhS DEAD

Rear Admiral Fletcher Reports the
Seizure of Mexico's Principal Port,
After Sharp Exchange With Mex
lean Garrison-Firing Still In Prog
Fess According TO Latest Reports.
Admiral Badger Arrives at Scene
of HostIitIes and Is Ordered to
Divide Fleet.
Washington, April %. - American
marines and bluejackets are now in
possession of Vera Cruz, the princl-
pal port of Mexico.
The seizure of the city cost the
Americans four lives and 20 wound
cd, while the Mexican losses have
'AGen estimated unohicially as be-
tween 100 and 200 men.
The first shedding of blood came
when the Mexicans under General
Maas opened fire on the American
landing force from Admiral Fletcher's
heet. With the firing of these shots,
the last hope of avoiding an open dec
,laration of war disappeared The
United States will now be forced to
move against Mexico with all the
force OF its tremendous military and
naval power. No attempt was made
here to conceal the tremendous con
sequences that are likely to follow
the developments. 1t means the eX-
Renditure OF millions Of dollars and
ahe rislSing Of thousands of lives
While no formal action was taken,
II is believed by officials that Charge
'a'AEaires O'Shaughnessy will be i'm
mediately recalled from Mexico City
'and the Mexican charge at Washing
ton, Senor Algara, will be given his
passports without delay.
The first news OF the fighting at
Vera Cruz and the seizure Of the city
came in this report from Admiral
FLETCHER, received at the navy de
partment
TUESDAY, in face of approaching
norther, landed marines and sailors
from Utah, Florida and Prairie and
-sseized custom house. Mexican forces
did not oppose landing but opened
fire with rifles and artillery after our
seizure OF custom house. Prairie
sheiling MeXicans out of their posi-
tions. Desultory firing from house
doIs and streets. Hold custom house
and section of city In vicinity oil
wbarves and consulates. Casualties
-four dead and 20 wounded"
This bulletin was followed in about
on hour by another dispatch from Ad
sniral Fletcher which read Holding
the vicinity Of the railroad station
and the Yards and desutory firing
continues; also holding the vicinity
OF custom house and cable Office"
This dispatch was filed at Vera
Cruz at O'Clock yesterday after
moon. Al $3.50 O'Clock, Vera Cruz
time, Admiral Fletcher sent this dis
patch; Our men are firing only
when fred at. We prepared tlap
OF trace with message to General
Maas 10 cease firing or our big guns
would be used. Now about 900 ma
Plnss and sailors ashore All business
acre suspended"
Soon after this the state depart
NaSht ANNtlNtu lHt tolipNiHS ulSphlCU
from United States Consul Canada al
Vera Cruz:
Marines and bluejackets landed
Immediately taking possession of ca
Ole otfice, postofliee, telegraph Office
Ahau customs. Have also railroad
aerminal and yards, with rolling
"utock. Notwithstanding the nrinl
from housetops, we're masters of the
situation so far without the use oil
heavy guns. Firing all around the
consulate, several shots having
Etruck building. Our men simply de
Tending themselves, Some resistance
from naval forces soon silenced by
gums Of the Prairie. AT this time re
ported four men killed. 20 wounded
Several Americana, including some
women, who refused to 90 aboard ref
ugee ship, now marooned in hotels
within firing line. Trains from Mox
-aco City did not arrive"