The Washington times., 1914-05-08
FEAR FOR REFUGEES
IN TAMP|CO SECTION
Message Stating Situation Re-
ceived From 300 0usted
Persons by Senator Stone.

nGIe are luiIN Ot EAIi4CA iS'''' ---''
women and children in the territory
tributary to Tampico. whom it was i'm
possible TO reach in time, and who, con-
sequently, were unable to avail them
selves OF a safe refuge. We fear great
ly that if they have not already been
murdered, their lives are in graVest
danger
This was the message from refugees
on the steamship Connecticut, off Gal
weston, which Senator Stone. chairman
Of the Senate Foreign Relations Com
mittee, received today. 1t was signed
by several hundred. and giving the first
accurate account of the riots and loot
ing at Tampico.
I'm all. from Tampico district" the
petition continues, there are over 900
American men, women and children,
who have been forced to leave their
homes and business for the lack of ade-
ouate protection from our Government.
Had one American gunboat been allowed
10 remain in the harbor, ii is believed
that there would not have been any ac-
tive demonstration or attempt TO destroy
American psopery, notwithstanding the
bitter feelings oward Americans"
Can't Estimate Value
cit is impossible to estimate the
value of the business and property in
terests which have been abandoned
ny the $500 Americans who have been
forced to leave this part of Mexico to
he concentrated in eTxas ports.
"Since Tampico and the adjacent
vicinity is the only district in Mexico
which has been practically undis-
turbed in the republic during the
three years revolution, we cannot
help but feel that conditions making
our exodus compulsory were brought
about solely by the fact that our
government failed to give US ade-
quate protection at the critical mo-
ment-
The properties, large and small.
abandon by existing conditions will
be entirely lost unless our gvoern
nent sees fit TO protect those prop
critics and give US immediate relief in
order that we ma yreturn TO look
after them ourselves.
The great number of refugees will
be left homeless and destitute. and
what is true in this respect Of the
Tsmpico district is undoubtedly true
Of all other portions Of Mxeico.
No Hope of Safety.
The failure of our Government TO
take definite stand at this critical mo-
Iuent will make It impossible FOR Us to
ever hope to return with safety 10 what
we have been forced 10 abandon.
''on the morning of the 2Ist Of the
l.resent month (ApriO Consul Miller re-
ceived advices that the gunboats of Ad-
rniral Mayo's command had been order
ed out of the port Of Tampico bv the
American Government AMI were to leave
within one hour.
No intimation was given to the
american residents Of anv danger
whatsoever. While We considered the
1aayin- nf ha
ordinary, still no uneasncss was felt.
In the afternoon rurnors became insist
ent upon the streets that the American
forces were landing IN Vera Cruz.
About 2:N an official bulletin was
poeted advising the Mexicans that the
American forces had landed. and ap-
reallnE to them 10 take up arms to de-
ftnd their country.
Search Every Place.
Armed Mexicans were running in
every direction Word was sent to the
Americans to assemble at central places.
The Mexican authorities we're con-
stsntly searching every place owned by
Americans for arms and ammunition
and the few arms left in the possession
~ Americans were only those that had
not been found.
After dark manifestations were made
IN the shape of street parades, Drincj-
young men, yelling Viva Huerta,' and
'neath to the grinRoes' Stones were
thrown. brick striking two Americans
at the Southern Hotel
The captain of the German war YES
gel advised General Zaragoza. command
er Of the port, that the mob must be
dispersed, and the mob was Immediate
" dispersed. Two hours later another
mob appeared, filling both streets in
front Of the Southern Hotel. having
been melted by incendiary anti-Ameri-
can speeches delivered by prominent
Mexican lawyers and doctors at the
INaZa Libertad.
The mob made an attack and at
tempted TO batter down the front doors
or the hotel. in which we're assembled
more than $50 American men. women
and children. only thirty Of whom had
arms sid Of any description. There were
the crowd, with their guns pointed
toward the upper stories Of the hotel.
An tnsistent demand was made that
the American flag be taken down from
their shouts Of death 10 the gringoes'
became more vociferOus Similar dem
"nstrations were mad at other places
where Americans were congreGated."
Women Insulted.
Th- appeal to the American consul. !
: Nd his assurance that the British and
German gunboats would take refugees,
wss then described
While going through tDe streets to
~. docks" continued the petition.
Americans were hissed ana their
" omen insulted by unsPeskable names
Z nj epithets by all classes of Mexicans !
Some local Americans. az their own
rlEk. went up the river as far as
Fsunce. and brought down nearly zoJ
americans from there"
Heartfelt gratitude was expressed TO
N" German and British captains. while
C:-:itude also is expressed to Admiral
Mayo.
Our statement is but a feeble attempt
10 portray to our coIntTymen the actual
conditions through which we have pass
Cd. and which we will ne compelled TO
ace in the future" the petition CON
c'udes. and as withir our midst are
citizens Of every State and Territory
we take this means OF appealing to our
Senators and Representatives and to
our friends al home TO take such i'm
mediate action as will insure the so
iutlon OF this sad problem"