The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1894-02-28
The Fall of TegucigaIpa.

Inc capture OF the city OF Tegucigalpa,
the flight Of President vAsoUEz, the dis
persion OF his army. and the occupation OF
his palace by a rebel General. are events
which bring to an end the war that has
been waged for the past two months be-
tween the republics OF Honduras and Near
aqua. The struggle has fortunately ended
without involving Guatemala and Salvador,
which have stood ready to participate in it
ever since the belligerents took the field at
the opening OF this year.
The Government OF Honduras will now bs
reorganized by the triumphant rebel COM
mander. BoNILLA. with the aid OF his Mic
araguan allies. Honduras has accepted the
situation. The army OF Nicaragua is to be
withdrawn from the capital OF Honduras.
the ancient city OF Tegucigalpa.
The quarrel which has been settled on the
battlefield. began near the close OF last
year. 1t grew out OF the fact that Nicara-
qua had offered an asylum to certain Hon.
duras rebels who had raised the standard
OF revolt against President yAsoUEz, HIM
self usurper. VAsQUEz demanded their
surrender; ZELAYA sent an insolent reply;
threats were exchanged fights took
place on the frontier Of the two coun-
tries; defiant notes passed from President
to President: war was declared by both
Governments; the army OF each country
marched toward the other: the first battle
was fought on New Years Day or the day
following 1t, near Choluteca. In Nicaragua,
which was stormed and captured on the Sd
OF January by the Sicaraguans. another
detachment OF them selling the towns OF
Yuscarran and Los Angeles. At this time
the Presidents OF the two countries sent
warning to each other; VAsQUEz notified
ZELAYA that he would be executed IL taken
prisoner, and ZELAYA notified VAsouEz that
he would suffer the same fate IL taken. The
Nicaraguans advanced into the enemy's
country. lighting and burning towns as
they advanced; the Hondurasians retreated
toward their capital. making a stand when
within twelve leagues Of it. at Robrerai,
where they were defeated by the invaders.
and again at Amapala. where they were
once more defeated. and then at Apacilagua
which they held at the end OF the battle. and
next near Mataja.pa. A brief period OF in
activity ensued; the belligerents needed a
rest; the respite lasted for nearly a week.
On or about the 18th OF January. the invad-
ers started for the capital; after march Of
two days TegucIgalpa was in sight.
President NAsoUEz realized his danger. |
but was determined to hold out.
His troops were deserving: several OF his |
Ministers appeared to be hostile: the popu- |
lace were displaying their hatred for him. |
The siege OF the city by the allied rebels |
and Nlcaraguans was begun before the end |
OF January. -Four of YAsQUEZ's Generals |
went over to the enemy. VAsqUEz attempt
ed TO enter into negotiations to secure his |
own safety; BOSILLA was implacable. |
The artillery OF the invaders PLAYED |
upon TesucigGips; the cannon of the city
replied 10 the Invaders. The fighting WAS |
fierce; the slaughter was heavier than had
been expected. NAsoCEZ offered To surreI-
der, though Ee preferred To perish in tho
light; tho eTUitant Invaders scorned tho
offer, hoping 10 witEess his execution.
NSsEUEZ was wounded. shot Ia the leg.
He received information thai IL he could
escape To the republic Of Salvador no
you'd be protected by President EzErA: |
but 1t was impossible for him 10
get ont OF the besieged city. one part Of
which was already in the hands Of tho
Nt1ai aguans. At the opening OF THO month
" February the bombardmeat Of the city
was yet going on: the defenders were can
nonaGing the enemys caIa. though short
81 provisions. There vas a desperate fight !
'n the 81 Of February, neither side won
he victory, NAsQURz Was bottled IN"
There ware reports that there would he a
.ruce, followed by GuAtsmaiian arbitration.
'AsQCEz's Intimate friends urged hlm to
surrender. as his array was dwindling
through the dsseruon OF both officers and
aen. who joined the enemy. Ihs invaders