FIRST BLOOD DRAWN IN MEXICAN REVOLT

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6853, 7 March 1929, Page 7

FIRST BLOOD DRAWN IN MEXICAN REVOLT

GOVERNMENT WILL ESTREAT ALL GOODS.

United Press Association —By Electri* Telegraph—Copyright. WASHINGTON, March 5.

The rebels report that they have captured a large number of machine guns, rifles and ammunition at .Monterey. They claim a further victory at Mazathlan, in Sinaloa, and state that they inflicted considerable punishment upon tho fleeing loyal troops. The Federalists still deny that Monterey has been captured. The Mexican government will confiscate all the property of the rebel leaders. To-day in Nogales, Sonora, the Bishop of Navarette, who was driven from the State by General Calles’ restrictions, officiated at the first High Mass held there for 18 months. 600 FEDERALISTS PRISONERS NEW YORK, Mar. 5. Tho first bloodshed in tho Mexican revolution was reported to-day. The government and the revolutionists have settled to what appears to bo a life-and-death struggle. The revolutionists claim the capture of Monterey (a strategic railway and munition centre in the Stato of Nuevo Leon), with severe casualties and the capture of 570 men, threo generals and 78 officers. General J. G. Escobar, C.omman der-in-Chief of the revolution in Northern Mexico, issued a statement to-day to the effect that Monterey was captured after a combat lasting ten hours. General Lnrriaga, the Federal commander, was killed. The lives of all the prisoners were spared. Loyal troops have claimed a victory in the State of Vera Cruz. The States of Coahuila, Sonora and Sinaloa have also reported fighting.. The government has made wide plans of action on two fronts.—North and South. General Calles will conduct the campaign in Sonora, and General Andrew Almazon will concentrate on the south. Eight'hundred of his troops aro marching on Vera Cruz. For the first time the religious question has appeared, with the promulgation of an manifesto by Governor Eausto Topeto, of Sonora, proclaiming religious freedom. Preparation has been made to reopen the Catholic Cathedrals in Sonora. They have been closed since 1926. Heavy troop movements are reported from Mexico City, where perfect order is being maintained. Mr. Morrow, the United States Ambassador, has made it plain that he will continue to deal only with the recognised government. The commander of the Federal troops at Matamores denies that Monterey has been captured. He states that the battle for tho city, which started on Monday, is continuing. Further reports indicate that the (.rebels captured Monterey after a battle lasting ten hours, in which one Federal general was killed, and three generals, 78 officers and 570 men captured. Tho Mexican Navy is supporting the rebels. General Calles is massing loyal troops. Mexico City is the rebels ’ next objective.

American Arms for De Facto Government HOOVER WILL NOT INTERFERE. WASHINGTON, Mar. 5President Hoover states that be sees no reason to disturb' the policy under which shipments of arms and munitions from the United States for the Mexican government has been permitted under license during the last fivo gear*