The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1915-03-17
AMERICAN SHOT IN MEXICO.
IAPATA TROOPS KILL JOHN H..
M'MANUS WHEN THEY ENTER
CAPITAL AFTER OBRE-
CONS DEPARTURE.
Punishment OF Guilty Demanded by
Uncle Sam-Occupation of Mexico
City by Zapatistas Hailed With En-
thusiasm by Pcopt,-Marrcd by
LOoting.

thuSash ~ icOTIC-Moffcu Dy
LOoting.
Washington. March 12.-Encourag-
i'm advices telling of the relief Of the
food famine i'm Mexico City through
the evaucation of the capital by the
forces of Gen. Obregon. the Carranza
commander, were beclouded today by
the news that on the entry of the
Zapata troops John b. McManus, an
American citizen. was murdered-shot
down in his home, the door of which
had. been sealed with the coat of arms
ofsRe United States. and over which
flow the Stars and Stripes.
Instant demand was made by 'he
Brazilian minister OH behalf Of the
United States government for the
punishment Of those guilty of the
crime. After conference between
President Wilson and h's cabinet
Secretary Bryan telegraphed the Bra
ALLAN minister approving of his ac-
tion to the victims family. The minis
ter was instructed to insist on the
early punishment Of the offenders and
to impress upon the post command
er at Mexico City-Gen. Salazar-the
seriousness with which the American
government viewed the occurrence.
The general--who is not the same
Salazar. nor a relative Of the inde-
pendent chief. who has been conduct
ing an independent revolutionary
movement in Northern Mexico after
his escape from American custody last
year-promised that the demands Of
the United States would be promptly
met.
The occupation Of the city by the
zapatistas, which was hailed with
enthusiasm by the people, was marrcd
by three cases of looting. Official re-
ports said no disorders occurred, and
the city was quiet when the last dis
patch, dated p. m. yesterday, was
filed. 1t was said the killing of Nc
Manus ut first alarmed the foreigners,
but when it became apparent that the
attack was an isolated case. and that
assurances had been given for the pro-
lection OF the foreigners generally,
the tension was relieved
The Brazilian minister reported in
several dispatches on the murder. The
motive for the crime, he explained,
undoubtedly was one OF revenge for
the alleged killing Of two Zapata SOL
diers by McManus. The minister said
that when the Zapatistas withdrew
several weeks ago, after the depar-
ture Of Gen. Gutierrez, some Of them
attempted to loot the McManus home.
The latter stood on his doorstep and
although IL was never definitely estab-
lished who fired the first shot, when
he attac, ers fed because Of the ar
rival of Carranza forces two were left
behind dead.
Apprehensive OF the return of the
Zapata forces. McManus induced the
Brazilian minister to seal his door
with the coat of arms of the United
States and hoisted an American flag
over his home. Apparently, the min
lister reported. McManus was killed by
simultaneous volley. The American
had sent his wife and family to the
home of friends and no one, so far as
rs known. witnessed the shooting.
The killing OF McManus has in
creased apprehension here in official
quarters FOR the safety Of foreigners in
Mexico City. During Obregons oc-
cupation OF the city a Swedish sub
Ject and four Spaniards were killed.
Before leaving Mexico City Obregon
gave the Brazilian minister q certi-
ficate confirming the fact that the
Swede was killed by his soldiers. The
certificate was given TO afford the
Swedo's family basis for o. claim
The Carranza commander is under
stood to have paid 100 pesos toward
the funeral expenses of the victim.
Several OF the embassies and lega-
tions received word OF the occupation
OF the city by the Zapatistas. The
three cases Of looting were reported
as having occurred with German, n
ritish and a French subject as VIC
Tins. Unofficial reports that two thou
sand Mexicans had tried to release
priests imprisoned by Obregon and
that general riot resulted were not
confirmed.
Gen. Obregon's troops, according to
official dispatches. left in good order.
I'm view of this the American govern
ment. IL was said. probably would
talr