The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-24
RED CROSS WILL AID SUFFERERS
 IN NICARAGUA Terrible Conditions Exist In D|uede|d Since Battle
 Was Fought PEREMPTORY WARNING
 ID PRESIDENT MADRl Secretary Knox VIII Hold zeiaya's Successor Responsible For Safe ty of Americans Who Are
 Now In Nicaragua.

Washington December 23.-Following a peremptory warning to President Madriz that the United States will hold him per sonally responsible for the safety of the Americans in the western part of Nica- ragua. the state department tonight ex- tended more than moral encouragement to the revoiutionists. Under orders from Secretary Knox, American Red Cross funds are to be expended in caring for the sick and wounded troops of both the Estrada and Zelayan armies. more than 2ooo of whom are incapacitated in Blue fields. This move on the part of the United States is said to be more effica- cious than the dispatch of strong force.
 Bread instead of bullets'' Is the watch word of the state department, and it is generally believed that the prospects of food and medical attention will win over more men from the government ranks than any other plan that could be adopted
 Hospitals Installed.
 According to the latest reports, the medical corps of the various war vessels now at Bluefields has installed hospitals ashore, where scores are being cared for
  through the town is said to be pitiful, and although Estrada is doing every thing in his power to relieve the suffering his resources are meagre. With view to relieving the situation, Secretary Knox tonight consulted with the American Red efspda and hasnedidtely afteruazd dis patitrys the following message to Thomas H. 5pingt, United States consul at Blue- fieldst. y'
 The American National Red Cross will telegraph you tomorrow, the 24th s500o and they will send another $50O0 if needed Navy department has instructed Captain Shipley to land whatever surplus supplies can be furnished from our ships now at Bluefields and orders will be given the Prairie, now at Colon, to transport imme. diately to Bluefields from the stores in- tended for the marines or from the Pan- anna Canal commissary department such supplies as you may ask for, within the limit of s5oOo, to be cabed you tomorrow. You will cooperate with Shipley in the distribution of supplies, payment for all of which, both those landed from ships at Bluefelds and those sent from Colon, will be recouped from Red Cross fund"
 Terrible Conditions.
 The dispatch of this telegram followed close on the receipt of a report from Consul Moffat depicting the state of af- fairs in Bluefields His story of the suffering of the defeated Zelayan sol diers was brief but graphic. Incidental ly he reported that more than 900 men were killed on both sides in the recent battle at Rama. The dispatch follows: Two thousand starved emaciated prisoners have been brought here from Zelaya's surrendered armt. The sight of the sick and weary, tottering through the streets, is horrible; half are mere boys. The emergency hospital estab- lished by the Des Moines and Tacoma contains 90 wounded. the City hospital 50. Few of the surrendered army had shoes or blankets. Scores were almost naked and all are In pitiable cond- tion. Estrada is furnishing them with blankets. clothing, shoes and food as best he can. Flour, beans rice sugar, coffee and condensed milk are needed in- stantly to feed the starving Zelayan soldiers. Disease and death threaten un- less they are promptly given best of food and care.
 The great and sudden demand for proper clothing and food for the suf- ferers is a problem for the provisional government, whose resources are ex- hausted. Their own men, numbering 5000, are well fed and clothed, but they can- not ind means whereby to care for their increased burden.
 Supplies Arc Needed.
 II have discussed the seriousness of the situation fully with Captain Ship ley of the Des Moines and believe and suggest that a ship should be sent to Colon immediately to bring here suf- fcient quantities of the provisions enum- .erated to feed 2eD0 men for 20 days. Pres ent situation threatens starvation and disease. It is estimated now that over 900 men were killed on both sides"
 Orders were issued tonight to the Prairie to be in readiness 10 sail at once from Colon with supplies. Up to late hour no plans had been made for the landing of marines. although 1t is ex- pected tha small detachment may be utilized to guard the American hospitals. This will not be done, however, unless the American naval commanders on tho scene believe it necessary to preserve order in the vicinity of he hospitals and to safeguard the distribution of food and supplies when they come.
 Zeiaya Prepares To Flee.
 Managua December 23.-Ex-Presdent Zelaya will leave here tomorrow and probably will go aboard the Mexican gun boat General Guerrero immediately. The gunboat is now lying in the harbor of Corinto.
 Owing to the hostile demonstrations which have been going on here for the past few days against the old administra- zion, it is likely that Zelaya will pro- ceed to Cofnto, escorted by a strong guard. The former president has been Keeping close to his home and with the exception of his appearance at the in- suguration of Dr. Madriz has been lit- tie seen in public.
 MewN of fhe defeat of the ZoIavan