The First Battle

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 272, 23 April 1914, Page 5

The First Battle

AMERICA AND MEXICO.

MEXICANS SOON FORSAKE VERA

CRUZ.

CONFLICT SHARP AND SHORT. THE PRESIDENTIAL ATTITUDE CRITICISED. \ By Cable—Press Association—Copyright Received 23, 8.35 p.m.

' Vera Cruz, April 21. Tie firet battle in the Mexican-Ameri-can war raged short and sharp throughout the afternoon, ending when the Mexican troops fled westward. Com-mander-in-Chief, Rear-Admiral Charles J. Badger, commanding the American ships, arrived in the morning and landed a thousand marines, seized the Customs and the transport Prairie, with light armament, and shelling a number of Mexican troops who, from vantage points, attempted to prevent the landing. The Mexicans crowded on the housetops, and poured a desultory fire into the Americans. Admiral Badger notified the Mexican General Maas that he would use heavy guns unless the Mexicans ceased. The Mexicans then retreated, after a brisk rifle fire. The American flag was hoisted. Fow Americans were killed, and it is believed two hundred Mexicans were

killed, 'but statistics are not available.

The resistance was not organised, owing - fca the few regular Mexicans available for the purpose. Foreigners were uninjured. Admiral Badger later sailed with the object of landing marines also at Tarapieo. At a late hour it was reported that order had been restored at Vera Orm

INSURRECTION FOMENTED BY MADERO'S FRIENDS. A TREAT FOR THE PRESSMEN.

Received 22, 8.30 p.m. Washington, April 21.

During the Senate debate, Senator Alden Smith strongly criticised the Presidential attitude towards Mexico, contrasting it with Mr. McKinley's attitude towards Spain. Mr. Smith asserted that the present Mexican revolution, had been fomented by Madero's friends, Who met at a New 1 York hotel. They could have .been able to prevent .the Juarez battle, had they been able to agree to the division of the oil properties

Senator Thomas wished that all American newspaper editors who so loudly demanded war with Mexico were impressed into service with the army sent to the front. AMERICA STAYS HER HAND. NO FURTHER OFFENSIVE STEPS YET. SENATE APPROVES PRESIDENTIAL ACTION.

Received 22, 11.2 Op.m,

Washington, April 21. • ' The United States does not intend to take any further offensive steps at Vera Oruz for the present, unless forced to.

It is understood that a mere apology will now bo insufficient. Washington intends demanding an apology, a salute, •tnd a guarantee that the rights and dignity of America will be respected, otherwise there will be no withdrawal

of troops. The Senate is still sitting, and there is a likelihood of an all-night session. Many of the senators have suggested that reparation ought to be demanded for all Mexican offences against Americans.

The President is conferring frequently with the CaWnet officers. He thinks that war stilljmay be averted, and with that purpose will act slowly in seizing Tampico. Crowdß thronged the streets of Washington until a late hour, cheering the American success. The Senate defeated a substitute reaolution by 47 to 35, basing justification for the use of force upon the general conditions of the Mexican administration. A resolution was passed by 72 to 13 declaring the President wao justified in using armed force to enforce his demands for unequivocal amends for affronts and indignities committed against the United States in Mexico.

UNITED STATES READY' FOR WAR.

MEXICO UNITING AGAINST THE FOE.

Times and Sydney Sun Services. Washington. April 21. Prominent officers in both services stirte that the United States is fully

prepared for war, and that there will

be no delay similar to that preceding the intervention in Cuba. When the news of the result of the ultimatum was received orchestras at hotels played the National Anthem, and the guests rose and cheered. Barricades had to be erected near the Capitol to prevent the crowds encroaching on the Government departments: Two thousand five hundred students at Yale spontaneously marched to the residence of Mr. Taft, who said that ■any circumstances might yet prevent war. Every lover of his country should pray that such a national calamity might lie averted. Following war came the decadence of Government, corruption and fraud. The Customs authorities believe that Haerja baa just purchased consignment.-,

of arms, and that their delivery lias [greatly strengthened lilni.

Mr. Bryan conferred with the foreign Ambassadors, explaining the United States' action in full detail. He is understood to liave infoi'inud them it was advisable to ordur their countrymen to leave Mexico. Later it was official';, mmonnocd that [the Americans had i-nptured Vera Cruz. Four were 1. L.e.i and twenty wounded.

War preparations n- proceeding actively throughout t.,e I'nited States. President Wilson has- agreed to modify the statement to Congress to which objection was taken, on the ground that it was individualising/Huerta. It is now expected that the Senate will approve of the President's' proposals.

President Wilson has ordered Admiral Fletcher to seize the Vera Cruz customhouse, to prevent the Huertan forces securing large supplies or* ammunition expected to arrive there, aboard a German steamer. As no blockade is being enforced, ammunition cannot be seized until it is landed.

New York, April 21.

Mr. Norman Angell, author of "The Great Illusion," interviewed, said that Mexico would prove towards the United States what the Irish problem was towards Britain. The United States was likely to spend yeaTa conquering Mexico. The next thing would be some insult towards Americans from the other Republics, and finally the United States flag would extend right down to the Canal Zone. Mr. Angell warned the United States that it was a bigger problem to conquer Mexico than to conquer the Boers. The effect of war, however, was certain to be a great setback to the United States financially. It is currently reported from Turedo, Texas, that the rebels, and Huertan forces in Northern Mexico are likely to join forces against the Americans. Overtures to that effect have already opened. The Mexicans are reported to be planning mines in Vera Cruz harbor.

"London, April 21

The Daily Chronicle says it is plain that President Wilson will not desist until he (has driven Huerta from office. The occupation of Tampico and Vera Cruz is insufficient. There will have to be an expedition to Mexico City. All Englishmen will give the American* their good wishes for success in a thorny and thankless task.

Berlin, April 21. The Koelnische Zeitung approves of Mr. Wilson's action.

The Frankfurter Zeitung says that Huerta's demand is a scarcely disguised mockery, and nobody can blame Mr. Wilson if he establishes a blockade and occupies the harbors.

Other newspapers are less sympathetic with America.

Vera Cruz, April 21,

Sir Lionel Carden has arrived here and counselled moderation. He declared that the likelihood of immediate action was over-estimated.

EDUCATION AND LAND SETTLE-

MENT.

London, April 20. The Times, in a leader, says that so long as the Mexicans were left to fight it out among themselves, the present anrachy and its attendant horrors may continue. Given a restoration, there is nothing in the problem of Mexico that defies solution. Education and the breaking up of big estates are needed.