Los Angeles herald., 1909-12-10
ASSOCIATED pressl

MANAGUA, Nicaragua, Dec. 9.-It
Is authoritatlvely stated here that Ze-
Iaya will surrender the presidency
within three weeks.
The intentions Of the United States
are giving the Nicaraguan govern
ment much anxiety, and the adminls-
tration is puzzled and uncertain as to
what will be the American govern
ment's next move.
No preparations are discernible here
and at Corinto all is quiet. The cap
tain of the United States gunboat
Vicksburg at Corinto has received no
instructions from Washington.
With a battle at Rama between the
forces of General Estrada and OF
President Zelaya, under command OF
General Oseja, imminent, Estrada >
position at Rama is now considered
impregnable.
Meanwhile Estrada has sent detach-
ments into the mountains west or
Rama, which have repeatedly met the
government troops in small sklr-
mishes.
Always the insurgents retreated to-
ward Rama, laying waste the country
as they retired and leaving OseJa
nothing with which to feed his men.
1t was not Estrada's policy to con
test the roads to Rama, but to brlng
on a general engagement at that
point.
Fight or starVe
with Managua $50 miles away and
the country between a waste, he cal
culated that Oseja would be compelled
to risk an attack or starve.
His plans seem to havo worked we'll
Oseia's forces, half starved, footsore
and sick from tramps over the noun
talns, are converging in front OF
Rama. Estrada, confident and as
sured. awaits the attack behind his
fortifications.
At Blue Fields 1000 reinforcements
await his call, the trip by the Rama
river requiring only seven hours.
Whether Oseja has been strength
ened by men from Managua is not
known. Spies have been reporting 70 70
the opposing army that Zelaya Is
afraid to risk more men, fearing that
thev will desert to Estrada. lie mas
soldiers and equipment in abundance
at Managua, but ii Is said that ne
does not trust his generals.
Since the beginning of the uprising
of October IL both sides have mad their
eyes on Rama. 1t is OF the greatest
Strategic and commercial importance.
To reach Blue Fields, the capital OF
the insurgent east coast or GreytoWn'
Zelaya must capture Rama. In no
other way can he remain in control Of
the Atlantic side of the country. Be
tween Rama and Blue Fields there Is
only one highway-the Rama river.
This stream, navigable by ocean
going ships, is flanked on either sioe
by great swamps, through WHICH
marching is impossible.
The attitude of the United states
government, friendly to ESTRADA, mas
done much to fill generals of Ielayh
with a fear that Zelaya's downfall Is
assured.
Proposes Conference
Advices received from Rama state
that General Vasquez, in command OF
a division of Zelaya's forces, yesler
day proposed a conference to Geherai
Estrada, leader of the reYolutlonlsts'
The latter sent General Bornes Dla1
to confer with General Nasquez, put
the result of the meeting has not been
ascertained. ,,.,.,.. q,
II is believed General Vasquez Is
seeking an advantageous surrender on
his own initiative. rho
Irnited states cruiser Des Moines ar
riuad here this morning. Because OF
,,,,fo vorah hle weather the wireless sta
tion of Blue Fields has been out OF
commission for three days.
General Vasquez commahueu ttie ti
government forces at the ldst pat.i 49,
near Rama, and 1t was reporteu ,loS nc
he had been ordered court ma l-.l1I,., tlaIsu
because of the defeat OF the govern
ment troops.