Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-11
ESTRADA ASKS FOR HELP
FROM AMERICAN MARINES
Said to Desire Intervention to Save
1nsurgent Cause.
TROOPS ORDERED TO PANAMA
Dixie's Men to Board Cruiser Bus.
falo There for Unknown Des-
tination on Pacific Coast
Side-Des Moines at
Bluefields.

When the 100 marines aboard the
Dixie arrive at Colon, where they are
expected this afternoon. they will ind
awaiting them orders TO proceed Inn
medfately to Panama and 20 aboard the
cruiser Buffalo Pt once. This seems to
indicate th:t some movement OF c0nse-
quence ON the Pacific coast Of Nicara-
gua is in contemplation.
Orders have not been issued as vet for
the departure OF the Buffalo, but II In
believed that the date OF her smiling
will be decided upon by the state De-
partment and naval officials before the
close OF the day.
BLJEF1ELDS. Nicaragua December
H.-Ihis CITY, the headquarters of the
provisional government, has been thrown
into alarm by sudden realization Of the
strength of the government army. against
which Gen. Estrada, the leader of the in
surgents. had been supposed to be maxi
ing irresistible headway Estrada an
parently has been hoodwinked by Ze-
laya, and no one would be surprised if
the iatter's troops should appear before
the city at any hour. Estrada is hoping
for timely aid from the United States.
-rA.staf correspondent of the Associated
Press VINO recently arrived here has can
vassed the situation and finds II less
hopeful for the insurgents than had been
believed Gen: Estrada is greatly dig
turbed and has appealed to United States
Consul Moffat for marines from the
cruiser Des Moines 10 protect Americans.
1t is known, however that what he really
wishes is Intervention by the United
States to save the insurgent cause.
Marching on Bluefields.
While Gen. Vasquez, at the head OF a
handful of loyal troops, was parleyipr
with Estradas ENJOYS before Rama. IL
is said the main army of Zelaya was
marching on Bluefelds.
disquieting report comes from Grey
town. which is said to contain a govern
ment force sufficient to rout the besies-
ing troops under Gen. Chamorro when
ever the word is given.
1t is possible that the PROFESSIONALS are
unduly alarmed. just as they appear to
have been overconndent. but the stua-
tion is set forth as ii is viewed from the
lnSurgent standpoint.
There has been a sudden and un2leas-
ant realization of government strength
and insurgent weakness. President Ze-
laya has outwitted Gen. Estrada, and the
latters chief hope is in American inter-
vention. 1t turns out that the conference
sought by Gen. VasqueZ of the govern
ment troops near Rama, and which the
insurgents had interpreted as a sign of
yielding on the part of ZelayaS troops,
was a blind intended to secure a delay of
the expected battle until the loyal army
had secured a decided advantage of posi-
ton. 1t is also learned that while Zelaya
had kept a scattered force before Rama.
his real army of 1900 men was hurrying
by forced marches toward Bluefields.
The report that a descent upon tins city
from Rama was possible only by river is
now known to be untrue
Estrada Asks for Help.
Gen Estrada endeavored TO cover his
alarm by informing the correspondents at
the front that all was tranquil, with the
prospect that Gen. Vasquez and Maj. Eva
would surrender. TIN minutes after he
gent leader had his chief diplomatic aid
on the telephone and was telling him
what he believed to be the true situation
To his aid Gen. Estrada declared that the
Americans should send more marines
ashore. as Nasquez apparently had out
itGnked him. Estrada Also expressed the
opinion that request should be made OF
the United States government for protec-
ticn to the $50 Americans in Bluefields
DiaZ rushed to United States Consul
Mcffatt with the new intelligence, and
the consul assured him that Commander
Shipleys marines from the United States
cruiser Des MoiIes, with their six rapid
fire guns. would be able to control the
situation here in the event that the loyal
army suddenly surprised the city.
1t was recalled today that Mai. Eva
one of the government envoys at yester-
days conference, was the man who sur
veyed the telegraph line across the coun-
try and that none knows better the hid
den places through the forests, swamps
and hills.
Work for Our Marines.
If President Taft is determined that
Zelaya shall be deposed it is believed
here that the United States forces will
End active participation in the struggle
necessary.
The Americans here have been assured
that the marines from the Des Moines
sufficient to cope with any situation. even
with the 5000 well armed government SOL
diers: but the PROFESSIONALS who are un-
familiar with the military discipline wish
more American marines here.
Apparently Gen. Estrada has reached
the stage where he feels that the situa-
ton is critical unless the Americans are
prepared to assume an active ana su-
preme control. At present Commander
ShipIey awaits further orders from Ad-
attacking fortified Rama has been aban-
doned.
The truce which covered the conference
of the government ENJOYS. and which
was said to have been arranged to FUR
ther conceal the march of Zelayas men
through the hills toward Bluefields: is at
an end At the conference Zelaya's rep
reseptafiyeS used every pretext to delay