War Sidelights

The progress of the Mexican Civil War (TIME, Dec. 17 et seq.) during the past week favored the Rebels. P: The Rebel blockade of Tampico, after being protested by the U. S. State Department, was lifted or modified so that now the Rebels do nothing more offensive than to warn merchant vessels that they enter the port at their own risk. This lifting of the blockade occurred about the time that the U. S. S. Richmond arrived on the scene. P: The Rebels gave notice that they were about to mine the ports of Vera Cruz, Frontera and Puerto Mexico. The U. S. State Department protested. The cruiser Omaha and six destroyers arrived on the scene. The Rebels abandoned their mine laying scheme. P: The Rebels were reinforced by 1,500 Obregonistas, who deserted from the Federal forces. They were all armed with weapons and ammunitions purchased from the U. S. Government. P: The Rebels gained important successes on the western front near Guadalajara. Federal troops were, however, preparing a smashing offensive. P: The Rebels were reported upon "unimpeachable official sources" to out-number by two to one the Obregonistas in and around the Tampico district, a fight for which was reported imminent.