The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-06-17
navy IS CRUSHED
Rebel Gunboat Tampico Is
Sunk the Second Time
In q Battle With the Guerrero,
OF TOpOl0bamp0.


Ian, June 16.-Via San Diego. June H.
The constitutionalist gunboat Tampico
was sunk today by the federal gunbOat
Guerrero in twenty-five fathoms of wa
ter, leaving the Guerrero the sole sur
viving warship representing either fac
ton on the west coast Of Mexico. The
battle began at 500 a. m. aid lasted
until noon.
The rebels lost ten killed and ten
wounded; the federals none. In despair
at the outcome, Captain Malpico and
his chief engineer, after fighting with
great bravery against heavy odds, COM
mitted suicide,
The Tampico. which was on the
way from Topolobampo to Mazatlan,
was in o condition to fight when the
more heacvily armed Guerrero, bound
south from Guaymas, in chase over
hauled her.
Captain Malpico appealed to the
American destroyers, Perry and
Preble, which were following the
Mexican vessels, for a tow to Altata,
when the Tampic~ hoped to take ref
uge in shallow water.
The laws of neutrality prevented
the American commanders from COM
plying, but the Perry and Preble and
the cruiser New Orleans, which was
accompanying them. were able to
save many from drowning, as the
Tampico sank, and to give surgical
aid to the wounded.
After her victory, the Guerrero
headed south for Mazatlan, where she
will be of great service to the be-
leaguered federal garrison in prevent
occupying commanding positions.
Was Sunk June II.
Washington, June 17.-In the naval en-
gagement which took place of Topolo-
bampO in which the rebel gunboat
Tampico was sunk by the Guerrero
some of the crew of the Tampico were
rescued by the New Orleans, which had
accompanied the Guerrero southwark.
Others were rescued by the Guerrero.
The surgeon on the New Orleans gave
aid to the wounded and assisted in the
care Of the injured on both sides, CO.
operating with the stan Of the federal
gunboat.
This is the second time the constitu-
ttonalist warship has suffered at the
was sunk on June II and only yester-
day was repaired so that she could
move under steam.
The Guerrero is nearly twice the size
of the Tampico and her ordnance is at
least so per cent more powerful. The
Guerrero was built in England by
Vickers-M Maxim in 1908 and was a ves-.
sci Of 1880 tons, with six 4-inch gums
and two 3-pounders. She has a speed
Of IL knots.
The Tampico was built at Elizabeth.
N. j., in 1902. She is Of 1000 tons dis
placement and carries four finch quick
firing guns and four 6-pounders.
Both vessels were designed as combi-
nation gunbOats and transports to meet
the peculiar needs of Mexican service
and were able to carry about 500 men in
the case of the Guerrero and 250 on the
TampicO. 1t is believed by staff Of
ficers here that the victorious Guerrero,
now that she has destroyed the princi-
pal naval strength of the constitution
alists on the west coast. will be able to
greatly interfere with their siege opera
tions against Mazatlan and even as far
north as Guaymas.
American Officials See Naval Battle.
Washington. June 1.-THE Huerta
gunbOat Guerrero defeated and sank
the cOnstitutionalist gunboat TampicO
near Mazatlan, according to report
today, from Rear Admiral Howard.
The captain and engineer Of the Tam
pico committed suicide
The naval battle was witnessed by
the United States ships New Orleans,
Perry and Preble. No details were re-
ported.
A long dispatch was received at the
White House from the American dele
gates at the Niagara conference which
officials said did not change the stu
alton. Beyond expressing the view that
there was hope Of the ultimate success
of the mediation, officials did not COM
ment on the situation.
Both the war and state departments
and the White House disclaimed hav-
ing any official information on the re-
ported break between Carranza and
Villa.