The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1909-12-02

purely a matter of personal revenge
on the part of the Nicaraguan execu-
tive.
Zelaya is man with a purpose, and
for many years, even before his ad-
vent to the presidency, has had in
mind the union of the Central Ameri-
can states with himself at their head.
Of "Unmixed" Blood.
Born of wealthy parents, very little
is known of his early life except that
ne was of "unmixed" blood. The date
of his birth is fixed between 1S45 and
1850.
According to the best information
obtainable, his early days were spent
in the dirty little city of Managua,
the capital of Nicaragua, where, with
his indolent companions he passed
his time in gambling and cock fight
ing.
AS military service is compulsory,
young Zelaya entered the army at an
early age. This marked the beginn-
ing of his career. The energetic quail
tiles of his character. which had long
lain dormant, now asserted themsel-
yes.
The enormous power of the army in
the affairs of the state formed a blaZ-
ed path for his stormy career. He
quickly recognized the vast undevel-
oped mineral and agricultural wealth
of the Central American states, and
the deterrent effect the revolutionary
character of the inhabitants had on
the country's future. His prophetic
eye easily discerned the vast revenues
that would ensue, when the five states
were formed into one harmonious ma
ton.
A Student Of War.
But he was also keen enough to ap-
preciate his deficiencies. He knew he
must possess thorough knowledge
OF state and military affairs in order
to realize this dream of an empire.
SO with this end in view, he left his
native country and spent ten years in
travelling in Europe and United
States, where he studied the various
forms of government and military
training.
Fully equipped for his new enter.
prise he returned to Nicaragua. where
his superior knowledge Of military
| tactics won him a place at the head
of the army. Then he waited for his
opportunity. This came in 1898. when
after he had suppressed a revolution
airy movement. he made himself presi
dent. The dramatic details of this
event furnish good illustration OF
Zelaya's character.
President Sarcasa, who was then in
| office. and the members of his cabi
net were seated in the council room
of the capitol at Managua, to welcome
the victorious general.
, When Zelaya. surrounded by his Of
ficers. strobe majestically into the
room. the president began his little
speech of thanks. praising the con
queror for his great victory. But the
expression in the piercing gray eyes CT
the stalwart soldier caused the words
to die in his throat
All Turned Pale.
Then drawing revolver from his
belt, Zelaya advanced to the table
while all present. with the exception
of his escort. turned pale.
THE revolution is dead" he said
Long live the revolution: am now
the revolution. Do you think l wor
the victory for you No.
My army holds the town and the
country. The soldiers are devoted II
me. 1t is useless for you to protes
or resist
To-day you must all leave the city
under escort, for the coast, and yos
will depart to~the United States or Eu
rope by the first steamer. II you re
fuse. you will be shot"
They went.
Zelaya had now achieved the frs
step and his ambition. With a vel
equipped army. he quickly silenced al
opposition. for as he was wont to say
Opposition is anarchy, and anarch,
must be suppressed"
Soon after he assumed control. he is
sued proclamation incorporating tn,
Mosquito Coast. which lies on the At
lantic side and had for many years
been under the protest OF the British