SERIOUS FIGHTING ON THE BORDER.

Colonist, Volume LVI, Issue 13455, 29 April 1914, Page 5

SERIOUS FIGHTING ON THE BORDER.

AN INVASION FRUSTRATED

SIEGE OF TAMPICO RENEWED

BOMBARDMENT BY CONSTITU-

TIONALISTS

LITTLE HOPE FROM MEDIATION

Washington, April 27

Serious fighting between an American border patrol and tho Mexican Federals is occurring at Monera, some •miles south of Nuevo Laredo. The outcome of the engagement is not known.

The' Mexicans were planning an in-1 vasion of the United States, when the, patrol intercepted them.

The Constitutionalists have renewed the- siege of Tampico, and a heavy bombardment is proceeding. Huerta has taken over the control of all the Mexican railways, including the Tuhuantepec line, in which Lord Cowdray owns a half interest.

Huerta lias not yet formally accepted the offer of mediation, though he expresses ■•$ ull concurrence with the scheme. is thought probable that Huerta is imply gaining time to place the country on a better war footing. Mexicans insulted the American Consul at Monteroy, and endeavoured to lower the American flag. They arrested the Consul, but later released him without explanation.

The .Japanese Ambassador secured permission for all Japanese refugees leaving Mexico to take refuge in the United States.

Followers of Zapata are negotiating a settlement with the object of joining Huerta.

European diplomats think there is little prospect of & settlement of the embroglio through the South American Republics' intervention.

Protracted conferences are being held daily in the hope of securing peace.

The State Department discredits the Monera engagement, declaring that the information appears to show that the Federals were retreating southward.

Seven hundred Americans are leaving Mexico City.