THE MEXICAN CRISIS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 663, 25 April 1914, Page 3

THE MEXICAN CRISIS.

VERA CRUZ BOMBARDED

WATERFRONT IN RUINS

2 AMERICANS KILLLED: 100 MEXICANS.

By Telegraph.—Press Association—Copjrislit Washington, Thursday.

Further detail of the capture of the Mexican port of Vera Cruz by the forces from tha American warships show that short and sharp fighting took place throughout the afternoon, ending when the Mexican troops fled to the westward. Mexicans crowded en to the housetops, and poured a desultory fire on the Americans. Captain Badger at once notified the Mexican leader, General Maas, that he would use his heavy guns unless the Mexicans ceased their fire. The Mexicans then retreated after a brisk rifle fire.

The American flag was hoisted at four o'clock. The Americans lost in killed two men. A hundred Mexicans were killed, it is believed, but the statistics are not available.

The resistance was unorganised, only a few regular Mexican troops being available for the purpose. No foreigners were injured. Captain Badger later sailed with the object of landing marines also at Tampico. BIG GUNS OPEN FIRE. Owing to the continuance of rifle fire from the housetops after the capture of Vera Cruz, the American warships bombarded the soutßern section of the city with their heavy guns.

Many buildings are i:: ruins

The bombardment, which was made early in the morning was vary brief but effective.

Many bodies are lying in the streets.

The city waa in darkness throughout the night, owing to the power supply failing. No non-combatants were injured, but the bombardment destroyed numbers of buildings along the waterfront where the Mexican shaipshooters congregated. liuerta has broken off diplomatic relations.

The Chicago wheat prices jumped at the announcement of the commencement of hostiilties. A DRAMATIC MOVE.

There is much comment in Washington at the President's action in dramatically forestalling Congre3F, while the Senate was wrangling over tha term? of the resulution supporting his policy. The President's action in ordering a landing at Vera Cruz was intended to prevent Huerta receiving German consignments of artillery and several million rounds of ammunition. Huerta intended to entrain this ammunition as speedily as possible for Mexico City and to destroy the railway behind the trains, The Senate ha 3 ratified the President's action in Mexico. GERMAN MONITIONS TO BE SENT BACK. VERA CRUZ NOW TRANQUIL. Wshington. Thursday. By arrangement with the German Ambassador, the German steamer bringing ammunition and guns to Mexico returns safely to Germany, restoring the cargo to the shippers, despite the fact that Huerta had paid for the supplies. Grave fears are expressed that Americans are likely to suffer at the hands of tha Mexicans in the oil camps in the interior. The Topila oil companies are directing their employees to return to Tampico. Vera Cruz is now tranquil. ~ STEAMING TO MEXICO. 52 SHIPS: 22,775 MEN. Washington, Thursday. The Naval Department gives the total force approaching Mexican waters as 52 ships and 22,775 men. Thirty-six of these ships are on the east coast and 16 on the west.

Four thousand marines will soon be ready for immediate landing.