REVOLT IN MEXICO.

Otago Witness, Issue 2983, 17 May 1911, Page 33

REVOLT IN MEXICO.

SANGUINARY ENGAGEMENT. TSE REBELS' SUCCESS. STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT DIAZ. SIEGE OF MEXICO CITY. MEXICO, May 9. A big battle is raging at Jaurez. Hundreds of dead and wounded are reported on both sides. The Federals refuse to surrender. It is expected that the rebels will get possession of the town this afternoon. May 10. Reports from El Paso and Juarez state that the battle was resultleise. It is probable that there will be a resumption of hostilities at daybreak. Five American trans-frontier spectators are dead, and 15 were wounded. The Federal loss does not exceed 50 dead, and the insurrectors' losses are probably the same.

The rebels gained the streets of Juarez several times, but the Federal troops drove them out by means of a heavy fire.

The rebels hold important positions, and if the attack is resumed they are likely to capture the city.

The rebels captured the town of Tiguana, in Lower California, by assault. There were 70 dead or wounded on both sides

The'rebels have won Jaurez, and further reinforcements are arriving. The retreating Federals may be caught by the insurrectionists, who are marching to assist Madero. The .latter estimates the Federal killed and wounded at Satillo at 56.

May 11. The town of Jaurez has formally surrendered, and Navarro, the Federal general, has been made captive. General Madero, the revolutionary leader, is ready to treat for peace terms, as previously offered. The dead on both sides does not exceed 100. There are 200 wounded. The rebels captured much ammunition and several machine guns. May 13. It is stated officially that President Diaz refuses to resign the presidency while the country is in its present state of unrest. When peace is restored, he states, he will resign. If the rebels will not receive such a declaration the President says nothing further will be done in the direction of peace. The rebels have organised the States of Sonora and Chihuahua under General Madero's presidency, appointing State Governors and establishing garrisons. It is reported that the Federals while retreating to Aguaprieta shelled two villages, killing many inhabitants. May 14. A state of siege prevails here. An attack is expected, although it is believed that no rebels are anywhere in the neighbourhood. Troops are watching the suburbs. An army of 2000 rebels captured Acapulco on May 8, the small garris:n, although aided by fcho guns of a Federal cruiser, being overpowered. Reports from Jaurez state that Generals Orozco and Madero, the insurrectionary leaders, have quarrelled. The former tried to arrest the latter, who defied him. The insurrectionists took sides, and a conflict was threatened. Peace, however, was restored. It is believed the dispute involved the life of Navarro, the Federal General, who was secretly sent to El Paso (Tekas) by order of General Madero.

Navarro is suspected of cruelty in previous battles.

The rebels have occupied Cananea and ! Sonora, and threaten Nogales. WASHINGTON, May 10.

President Taft admits that the Mexican situation is grave. All the States except three are involved in the insurrection. The Cabinet has discussed the duty of maintaining order on the American continent. No foreign Government, President Taft declared, had hitherto suggested that the United States should intervene.

Senator 'Stone attacked President Taft in the Senate during a debate on the Government's failure to take action to protect the lives of Americans and Mexicans on the border. He asserted that the despatch- of American troops was a mere game of bluff, and suggested that troops be sent to Mexican soil to protect Americans and then retire. Senator Bacon replied that an invasion meant immediate war. The Senate decided to take no action in the matter. May 13. The United States does not propose to interrupt legitimate commerce with the Mexican States now in the hands of the rebels, but with a view to preserving American neutrality all transfrontier shipments will be carefully examined.