Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-21

what was left of his phaianx he had an
interview with Castellon that made that
gentleman shed tears and 1t was only by
exercising his authority TO the utmost
that Walker could prevent his men from
clashing with Castellon's active troops.
Castellon promised various things to COM
pensate the Americans. but did nothing,
and at last Walker left in disgust threat
ening to go to Honduras and enter the
service of President Cabanas. Nothing
was further from Walkers purpose than
what he led Castellon to believe he in
tended to do. In fact. he had received an
offer Of 100 recruits from Don Jose Vale
if Walker would return to the meridiOnal
department the Rivas territory through
which the Transit Company operated).
Vale wanted to set I'D an independent
government for that part Of the republic,
but Walker would not consider that part
of his proposition. Walker did, however.
want military control of the meridiOnal
section, for without it he would be cut
off from reinforcements from the states
and with it he would command what
really was the key to Nicaragua. Ac-
cordingly he put his men aboard the
Vesta again. arriving at San Juan del
Sur August % With Valle's 160 active
recruits joined to the phalanX he marched
to Virgin Bay. where he was attacked
by Gen. Guardiola and 60 1egitimists.
Walker made such skillful use of his men
that Guardiola s little army was routed
leaving sixty dead and 100 wounded on
the field.
GCardiola was succeeded by Corral, who
took up a strong position at Rivas. COM
manding the road to Granada. the largest
city in Central America. While Corral
strengthened his position and prepared to
give a hot reception to the Americans.
Walker quietly laid his plans for a move
that astounded Nicaragua. Granada is
on Lake Nicaragua and is well guarded.
Getting possession of lake steamer,
Walker got his whole force aboard hur-
riedly and approaching Granada stealth
lily at night with his lights shrouded and
his furnaces screened, he had his men in
side the city before the sentries could
spread the alarm. The surprised garrison,
panic-stricken at first, tried to rally in
the plaza but it was no use. walker
men drove them away In disorder. POS
sibly the fact that the day had been one
of festival and the inhabitants and the
garrison had celebrated it with fervor and
heartiness accounted for the complete
ness Of the surprise. AT any rate. wal
ker, with a force of Ito. captured the
chief city Of the republic and did not lose
q man.
It has been the custom in Central
American warfare to subject conquered
city to plumber. but that was not 10
Walkers liking. He established a pro-
visional government at once put the city
under guard and punished the first case
of footing SO severely that there was no
more of It, Then he sent ENJOYS to treat
with Corral. Corral not only rejected
Walkers proposals. but put the United
States minister, VINO accompanied the
ENJOYS into jail. -. .
Walker meanwhile had received reinl'
forcements from California, and his ma,
tive force had been increased until he.
had quite a respectable army. He might
have given battle TO Corral but it was
not necessary. Some of CorraPs mens
killed six or seven American travellers
who were crossing by the Transit Com:
pany road and Walker at once retaliated
by court ma tialing the legitimist secre--
tary of state, Don Mateo Mayorga, who
had been captured in Granada. Why
Mayorga should be slain for the murder
Gus deeds of the soldiers is not clear. but
he was executed This seemed to strike
terror to the soul of Corral, for he agreed
at once to treat for peace. Corral entered
Granada, and side by side he and Walker
marched to the. cathedral. where a high
mass and TIE Deums were sung.
Corral and Walker signed a peace
agreement by which Don Patricio Rivas
was appointed president pro tempore.
Parker H. French zone of Walkers lieu
tenants) minister of Hacienda and Cor
raj minister of war. Walker was made
generalissimo of the army.
Corral was the pride of Nicaragua He
was remarkably handsome and one of
the most generous, kindly and lovable
men, But he was not honorable, and
hardly had he signed the treaty than he
sent letters broadcast to his friends. beg
ging them to foment trouble, arouse the
legitimists everywhere and drive the
Americans out Of the land. Nicaragua
is lost lost are Honduras, San Salvador