Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1896-03-15
copyrighted. Associated Press)

Managua, Nicaragua. March 1.-THE
Nicaraguan government troops have
won another important victory over
the forces of the rebellious Leonists
and there is great rejo' here in con-
sequence.
The battle took place at and about
Pital, not far from Momotombo. Be
tween 1000 and 5000 men were en-
gagged, the fighting was severe and the
troops from Leon, Chichegalpa and
Chinandega. the three strongholds Of
the Leonists. numbering about 1900
men, were routed, with the loss of about
200 killed and wounded Only about
so of the government troops. which
numbered about 1,200 men, were killed
or wounded.
The rebels were commanded by Gen.
Ortiz the commander-in-chief of the
Leon forces; but Baca, the rebel presi-
dent, was at Leon, it is believed, super
vising the work OF putting that city in
as complete state of defense as pos
sible, previous to the arrival before it
of the government army, which the
government of Honduras has sent to
the support of the troops of President
Zelaya. The government troops were
commanded by Gems. Paiz and Bodan.
Pital is a small town near Lake Man
aqua Of the 300 or so buildings which
compose the town many are of wood,
and others of coarse mud-like bricks,
with red clay tiles. But outside the
town is a high ridge OF ground which
forms an admirable point of vantage
against an advancing foe.
The government troops began the ad-
vance from Nagar0le on Wednesday,
after the skirmish with the enemy,
which resulted in the LeOniSts being
driven backward with the loss of 80
killed and wounded. The government
forces approached Pital yesterday
morning. The firing upon the part of
the rebels commenced as soon as the
troops were within range. but the gov
ernment forces reserved their fire and
continued their advance. taking advan-
tage of all the inequalities of the ground
TO obtain protection from the bullets
OF the Leonists The result was that
President Zeiaya's troops were able to
get within striking distance of Pital
with the loss of only three men killed
and seven wounded. The Leonists,
however. kept up the firing throughout
the advance.
The government forces moved on Pi-
tai in four columns, each of about 800
men, and took up positions in a half
circle before the town The first and
third columns opened a hot fire on the
rebel positions. and under its cover.
columns two and four pushed forward
at the charge until they reached much
better positions. half sheltered by an
inequality in the ground From there
they opened fire on the LeOnists. enab-
ling columns one and three TO push for
ward
All four columns then concentrated
their fire on the ridge occupied by the
Leonists and then began a series of
short rushes forward and eventually
there was a charge up the ridge. a short
bayOnet fight when the summit was at
tanned, and then the Leonists broke
and ran fOr.Pital pursued by the troops
Of President Zelaya. When the Leon
lists reached the shelter of the town
they made a stand: but by this time
the two guns with the government col
/ umn had been brought into action.
The LeOnists defended the place stub
bOrnly; but the troops pushed on and
eventually entered the town. driving
the LeOnists before them at the point
| OF the bayOnet. The enemy afterward
scattered and in small bodies fed to-
ward Leon, after making a short stand
outside Pital, and firing at long range
upon the victorious soldiers of Presi-
dent Zelaya. A few shots from the ar
tillery, however. completed the rout of
the LeOnistS, who left about 200 killed
and wounded on the field besides TAX
ing away with them a large number OF
men who We're slightly wounded. The
government troops also captured over
so prisoners in the houses of PitaI. the
rebels in nearly every instance throw
ing down their arms as soon the sol
dierS broke in the doors of the build
ings.
There is much rejoicing here to-day
al this further success Of the presidents
soldiers and he is receiving congratula-
tion on all sides The church bells
have been kept continually ringing
ever since the glad news was made pub
lie, and battery of artillery. in the
small park in front of the palace has
already fired three presidential sa-
luJes. The blue and white colors of
Nicaragua are floating from every build
ing Of any importance and even the
smallest mud novels have displaved
some kind of decoration in honor of the
victory of the Nicaraguan troops.
The government troops are now be-
ing concentrated for the advance upon
Leon. which. it is expected. will com
mence in a few days time.
Although no Official announcement
has been made upon the subject il is
understood that the troops from Hon
duras will soon be in touch with those
of Nicaragua. and as both republics
suffer from the Vaccinations of the
clericals. who are the handspring of
the present rebellion, they will prac.fc-
ally be fighting for a common cause
and the result should not be long in
doubt although it is understood that
Leon and its neighbOrhoOd has been
very strongly fortified and well pro
visioned