Omaha daily bee., 1915-07-08

WAShlNGION, July t.-oeCIetdiy
Lansing today gave OF; a message
from an unnamed man who has been
travelling through northern Mexico,
saying reports Of famine have not
been exaggerated. The information
came through Tampico. A message
from Charles ]. o'Connor, Red Cross
representative, he described condi-
tions in the capital as "pitiful" be-
cause OF the shortage of food.
MEXICO CITY, July 7.-(Corre-
spondence Of the Associated Press.)
For the last four days this city
has been a prey to anxiety and
general sense OF insecurity prevails.
Reports of great battles along
front extending over some fifteen
miles are published daily in revoiu-
ton extras" which every one reads
and no one believes.
Just what caused the forces OF Zapata
and villa to change their minds after
having shipped the government archives
and the treasury funds 10 Cuernavaca,
preparatory to evacuating the capital,
Is not known. That there has been
some fighting between the advance
guards OF the carranzs forces and those
OF zapats and villa at Barrientos and
Cerro Gordo Ia certain, but It is be-
1levod here that the Importance Of the
engagements Rave been greatly exsg-
gersted.
Live In street Cars.
+. The bulk OF the defending army is liv-
ina IN street cars which are strung out
m q long line between the suburbs OF
Kfixooac and San Angel These cars.
numbering flfty-nine. occupy about
mile OF track along road lea1ing to
The city OF cuernavaca the ultimate des-
fination Of the defending army In the
event they are driven from the city.
These cars are on the opposite side Of
the city TO that which II being attacked.
The police force OF the city has been
swept aside 80 far as practical protec-
ton is concerned. and. although gendarme
are seen on post az usual. anyone wear
ing what approaches military Uniform
a. supreme. This was brought home 10
the British consul general here r. W.
yhuruton. the day before yesterday.
when he was compelled at the point OF
rifles 10 carry two OF zapata's soldiers
about the city in his automobile and was
almost forced to be an accompiice In
Jail delivery.
Mr. Thurston was taking his morning
drive when the soldiers halted ana
boarded his car. After joy-riding about
the city they finally caused the Chauffeur
10 drive to the penitentiary. where gem
eral jall-break was attempted by them.
During the confusion the British legation
was notified the men arrested and the
car returned TO the consul. The car Flew
the British flag at the time OF the assault.
The authorities have promised to execute
the soldiers In this case.
seixsng of Cars Common.
All foreigners owning cars are in the
habit Of flying the flag Of their nations
ON the hood Of the machines. Despite
this the SELLING and stealing OF cars has
become 80 general that few care now TO
risk riding All OF the banks ana nearly
all Of the larger commercial establish
n1enss have remained closed since the
forces OF carranza approached the city.
Today the shortage Of foodstuffs be-
came so serious that rioting was avoided
only by the presence Of troops, who fired
over tho heads OF the mobs. In one In
stance the soldiers fired low, killing q
number Of women. II IL estimated that
more than 1900 people, nearly all women.
gathered In front OF the offices OF the
international Relief commissions ware
houses.
Al the Red Cross first aid booths 500
women ard children were treated for In
3uriss sustained In the crush. Six car
a - "a a a.
people between O'Clock In the morning
and 40 in the afternoon. when the sup
ply was exhausted. Al that hour u very
long line OF women were still waiting for
che cereal. The local authorities have
been unable 20 do anything 70 date to
relieve the distress. The coming OF the
American Red Cross representative Il
awaited here with much anxiety.
Flight Duel I'm street.
Yesterday two army officers with a
doBen or more OF their followers, in.
dulsed in a duel. The fight occurred or
one Of the principal streets OF the cit,
while the thoroughfare was crowded with
pedestrians Tho contenders were al
mounted and the fusilade caused q panic
One OF the officers and two OF the horses
were killed and a trooper was wounded
The diplomatic corps has been meetln,
6asly since the city has been surrounded
By the forces Of CarranzA- While tn
sessions have been secret. II has hoei
learned that efforts are being made 4
have the different leaders promise I,
avoid lndlscriminate fighting In Tn
streets OF the capital
The corps Il very much exercised owe
the possibility OF the danger in whic
foreign lives and property may be put.
Biackmail has been INDUCED In by >
many officers lately that the mliitar
authorities executed Colonel Franclsc
Marines Mollejo. colonel Julian F1guaro
and Captain Francisco Aguierre today 1
an effort to stop the practice The me
we're executed before q great crowd /
the public square near the nation,
palace.
Colonel Moliejo. a spanlard by brit
but a naturalized Mexican, attempted
extoFt $4,000 from Alfonso Vega. a prom
nent merchant
Misses HIS nOlI.
Colenei Figueroa occupied a room IN
local hotel owned hy q spaniard nam.
Gonzeaio Baloontin. One night he miss,