Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-12-16
armed Vanguard
OF U. S. SHIP FIGHTS
GANG OF MEX!CANS
One Killed and Two Wound
ed in Clash With Gus
toms Guards.
AMERICANS WENT TO AID Of
THEIR ATTACKED COMRADE
Attacking Party Ran Away as
Soon as Men From Yes
sci Opened Fire.
MATE HAD REFUSED TO TREAT
TampicO Port Officials Demanded
That Men OF Steamer BE Delivered
to Them Pending Investigation.
AMERICANS WENT TO AID Of
THEIR ATTACKED COMRADE
MATE HAD REFUSED TO TREAT
tBy Associated Press ]

NEW YORK. December l5.-In a
clash on November IS between the
armed naval guard of the American
steamship Monterey and Mexican Gus
toms guards at Tampico. one Mexican
said to have been a captain. was killed
Mexican soldier mortally wounded
and CHIEF gunner's mate. named
Berry. In charge OF the American guard
less seriously hurt. This was learned
to-day with the steamers arrival here
from Havana and Nassau. where she
touched after leaving Tampico.
Members OF the armed guard and
oIhcers OF the ship refused to discuss
the incident. but details were learned
According 10 them. the fight occurred
shortly after 4. NJ. after, members of
Berry, who had been attacked. TIL
Americans at frs; responded to the
call without arms. but upon the Mcxi-
weapons and responded in kind
me night, passengers said. was brief.
the the AmsEien5s ronnnS away as soon
dead and wounded. Later officials OF
the port took the matter into hand the
passengers asserted. and a demand was
made upon the captain of the Monterey
mat the armed guard be delivered up
10 them pending an investigation. \
ACTION WAS SUPPORTED HY
OFFICERS OF GuNDOATS
This the captain declined to do. his
aGSaon aGsnon. oeing supported. it was said. by
disposed OF by decision 10 leave the
entire subject to diplomatic settlement,
,adt was said that the gunner's mate
before the Monterey sailed. Several
blocks from where the ship was tied up
vas saloon. and AS Berry was return
ing 10 his ship. passing in front OF
Inns !is saloon. he was called upon TO
When he refused, several Mexicans
started after him. The American ap-
proached his ship, shot was hred and
coming. placed him under detention.
IL star,sd was also So asserted ,,,. that others
Of their rifles The sailor fourh, rh pS..s bacs
the best he could. and as he drew near
sns ns,,p. ship. he called TO his men for
they needed no second invitation
one OF the passengers said, and all who
were In sight on hearing joined in the
Tray. seeing re-enforcemcnts coming
some OF the Mexicans opened fire. N"
one was hit on the ship
GUARD RETURNED SHOTS
AND MEXiCANS FELL
The naval guard then secured arms
and as the firing continued. they re.
iSrned ,wn the shots; with the result that
arms the Mexicans hed. ieaving" the Hs
gunner,s mate free to return 10 his
ship with his men.
sound OF the firing attracted a con-
siderable crowd. but no further demon
stration was made Threats were
heard: however, and during the twenty
TOUR hours that the Monterey was de-
Ihihed pending the Investigation or
.nc incident every prccaution was
tack 'Se at
The two sunboats were sufficiently
ciose SO ma! they could have rendered
assistance TO the Monterey had il been
required In addition to hand arms
tne monterey carries a gun mounted
on her deck placed during the war a q
Il protection against submarines.
On arrival OF the Monterey here to-
Gay. the SunncrS mate and his mon
Went to the navy-yard TO make nn nn,
cial report of the matter. Oficers Of
the snip were also questioned by naval