The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-03-13
American Was Murdered for
Revenge Because He Killed
Invaders of His Home
American Flag
Waved Over House
Incident viii Not Be Minim-
lied by Government Zapa-
ia Commander Says All tos-
sible PREPARATION be Made

Washington, March 12.--Tfle
ZapaLA SaAAcit.AiIis, whose soldiers
kIlAIiK John Is. aac.,Aa.iu,s, Oh Chi
CAxo, under the American flag ut
Mexico City. have promised all
due repaiation, including ltic i'm
mediate punishment vi the men
responsible, but this prompt re-
spoiis, to the demands made Oh
behalf OF the United States Gov
ernnlent has not ohscured the
gravity of the oircnse nor its sig
nificance AS 10 the situation of
Americans in Mexico.
Advices received at the State De-
partment indicate that this was the
only serious disorder accompany <
the evacuation of Mexico City by the
Carranzistas and the reoccupation of
the capital by Zapatistas. although
the British. French and German le-
cations each reported to the Brazilian
minister a single case of footing Of a
house occupied by their nationals.
Reports of the case thus far indicate
that McManus' death was the result of
a deliberate attack upon him for the
purpose of revenge. When the Zap
atistas evacuated Mexico City two
months ago, several OF them attacked
McManus' house. He defended his
home and killed three of his assaii-
ants and the rest fed
Went Directly TO His House.
When the Lapatlstas began to come
in at clock esterday "A party went
directly 10 his house and attacked it.
There Is disagreement as TO whether
McManas or the Mexicans fred the
first shot, but there Ii no disagree
ment about the fact that the soldiers
went there with hostile intent. Nc
Manus' hat was found Allied with bull
let holes. while his body was literally
shot to pieces. indicating that the
Mexicans fired into il, even after ne
was dead. Whether McManus kill I'd
any OF the attacking party or not Ia
not stated.
The murder of this American Is ali
the more serious because il involved
an open Insult to the flag
McManus' house had been placed
under the seal of the BRAZILIAN con-
su!ate with the announcement on a
placard that the property belonged
to an American and was under the
protection OF the Brazilian consulate
and legation. In addition, the United
States flag WAS flying from the house
The seal of the Brazilian and the
American flag apparently did not de-
Ter the Zapattstas In the least. but In
Washington these facts are regard ed
AS greatly SAiGScIateH, II Was re-
called that the only action President
Wilson has taken with reference &c
Mexico involving the use Of force was
brought on by the insult TO the fac
and uniform OF the United States al
Tamrico where an officer and blue.
Jackets of the Dolphin were taken out
Of boat and led to the jal under
arrest
SaT"zar Investigates
The Brazilian minister was prompt.
ly Informed of the affair and he al
once sought the commander. Genera
Salazar. and escorted him to tn,
scene, General Salazar supplied the
information about the previous at.
tack Of Ia patistas on McManus' house
Ee gave assurances that he would
investigate at once and later sent WORD
TO the minister that he would imme.
diateiv punish the men responsible
indicating that ne intended to take
this action this afternoon. The de.
partment Is not Yet advised whether
he did act or not
On receipt OF the Brazilian minis.
ter's reports Secretary BRYAN imme,
diately cahied to him, confirming al
that he had done and directing him 4
continue his efforts to secure prope.
reparation and punishment OF those
responsible. The minister will de
mand OF tho Zapatis.as a proper In.
fContfuued ON Eeron5 pauat