Madero Gratified By Reply.

New York Times 100 years ago today, February 18, 1913:
Big Guns Fired All Day – Mysterious Talk of New Developments.
    MEXICO CITY, Feb. 17.— President Madero to-day received the reply of President Taft to his telegram protesting against possible intervention, in which President Taft assured him that the reports of the intention of the United States Government to land forces in Mexico were inaccurate.
    "I never expected anything less than this," commented Madero on President Taft's message. "I regard it as satisfactory and friendly."
    Brisk firing with big guns began in the early morning to-day. The big caliber guns possessed by the rebels in the arsenal were almost constantly in use, and the Federal artillery brought another big siege gun into action, but did not succeed in silencing the rebel fire.
    The engagement was very severe almost till noon, but the firing then dwindled and developed into an exchange of volleys of rifle bullets. The rebels tried to pick off the Federal artillerymen as they were serving the guns. They also poured a shower of shrapnel across the city toward the National Palace, but did not succeed in doing much damage.
    The Federal guns were as ineffective as ever in dislodging the rebels from their positions. Furthermore, the Federals did not show the aggressiveness that characterized them in the early days of the fighting. This is believed to be due to the realization that for the present the Government forces are not of sufficient strength to defeat the rebels. An American, named Gibbons, was wounded while crossing a street near the United States Embassy during the afternoon.
    Gen. Huerta, however, said that he expects soon to begin an encircling movement in which bombs will be used at short range.
    It is asserted with some mystery that there are indications of developments of a character that may soon relieve the situation to a measurable degree. It is not possible to transmit details because of the close censorship.
    Gen. Blanquet is loyal to the Government and will be put in command, of the reserves at the National Palace.
    Both on Sunday and to-day Madero appeared sanguine of the ultimate success of the Federal Army. He asserted that the outlook was bright and that he had been offered support of all kinds. In his opinion Zapata, the guerrilla leader, was not in favor of Diaz in the present movement.
    Nearly all the non-combatants have moved out of the real danger zone. Bread and cornmeal are abundant in the capital, and are being distributed among the poor.
    Many American residents who had their nerves shaken by the gun fire of the past week departed yesterday and to-day for Vera Cruz.
    The danger zone was practically deserted to-day except by the soldiers on the firing line and superior officers passing from post to post.