The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1893-03-30

PANAMA, CoLoMBIA, March 20.-A dis
astrous battle was fought near Tatum-
bia, Honduras, several days ago. Gen.
Alfonso Villeta bad been sent to the
front with large body OF government
troops to intercept the march OF the
revoiutionists, who were moving against
the capital at Tegucigalpa. Tatumbia
had been occupied by tho troops under
Gen. TerNoncia Sierra, who commands
tho south wing OF the revolutionary
army. In connection with theeast wing
OF the revolutionary forces commanded
by General Beynas, General Sierra was
leading the advance on TegucIgalpa.
Tho east wing under General Reynas
was four miles in the rear Of General
sierra's forces. General Villetta's ap-
pronch was in the nature OF surprise
to tho revolutionary commander at la
tumbia, He had stationed u body Of
cavalry on height in front Of tho town
on the road to IeguciGalpa, but the cav
alrymen appeared to be unaware Of the
approach OF the enemy until the attack
had been made. The officer in COM
mand desperately attempted 10 rally his
men. The made a brave and deter
mined resistance, but were steadily
pushed back toward the town.
So closely were the cavalry men fol-
lowed that the advance OF Villetta's
army approached within $50 yards OF
the outskirts Of the town. One band Of
guerillas brayely pushed on in the pur-
suit until they wore only fifty yards
from the town, but were driven back
with considerable loss OF life by tho
reinforcements sent forward by Gen.
Sierra Reyna's troops were pushed
rapidly to tho front, Col. Manuel Rosas
with two companies leading the ad.
vance. Tho battle had begun so late in
the day that firing had been suspended
on account Of darkness when Col. Rosaa'
detachment arrived to relieve the bo-
seighed army in Tatumbia, Gen. Viii
letta's troops fell back and waited for
the following day to renew the attack.
A flank movement on Gen, Villetta's
was decided on. Five hundred texigant
were detached from the east wing with
Gen. Reyna himself at their head, oc-
cupied height to the left OF the posi-
ton held by Gen. Yillettas' army.
General Villetas renewed his attack
upon the revolutionists at daybreak,
and the battle was soon raging all along
the line. AS soon as the attack in front
became general General Reynas and his
texigant braves opened fire on Villetas'
forces in tho rear. This attack was So
fierce and surprising that the govern
ment troops wero almost demoralized.
The FIRE In front and roar ragged for an
hour and half. The government forces
could stand it no longer. General
Villetas ordered retreat and the de-
moralization was completed. Not moro
than fifty soldiers OF Vllletas' army fol.
lowed in the retreat. With this small
force he fled toward LaMontanita.
Small bands fled in other directions,
hotly pursued by the revolutionists.
They killed US many as they could while
fleeing, and when the fight was over all
who had been captured were slaughtered.
No prisoners were retained to be cared
for More than 100 government soldiers
fell in the battle, and fully one-half as
many revolutionists were killed. The
bodies Of all who fell on each side were
gathered In heap and burned.
Further dispatches from Honduras
say that tho position Of acting Presi-
dent ARuero is q pltiable one. lie la
said tobe practically prisoner in the
capital aud Is acting undor the orders
OF Gen. Vasquez, who is DR.. BonillRs'
rival for the control OF the republic.
Gen. Vasquez has gone into the field
to lead the men who favor his cause.
Anarchy, terror and despair are rampant
in 1egucigalpa. The persons and prop.
erty OF those suspected OF sympathizing
with the rovolutioniSts are not re-
spected. Wives and children Of absent
revolutionists have beon imprisoned
and subjected to frightful torturos, as.
sauiis Of tho most revolving character
have been committed and oven tho hair
has been cut from tho heads Of women.
vasques Is held responsible for the
atrocities.
Since his victory at Tatumbia, Gen.
Sierra has advanced closer to Tegu-
clgalra. DR.. Bonillais with him. Con.
Manuel Bonilla has taken possession Of
Glance. Con. Fome Is stationed IN
Corpuc. Col. Miguel Podolla Is threat
ening Intibuca. President Ezeta, OF San
Salvador, has assured Dr.. Bonilla that
he will take no part in tho trouble.