The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1909-12-21
Selection Of New Ruler for Nicaragua
Does Not Settle the War, But
Starts it Up All
Afresh.
BIG BATTLE FOR TODAY
Estrada With His Full Force is March.
ing Toward Rama and Will
Wipe Out His
Enemy.

MANAGUA, Dec. 21.-Dr. Jose Mad
riz, formally assumed the presidency
of Nicaragua today, following his elec-
ton by congress yesterday.
BLUEFIELDS, Dec. 21.-Reports
received here today from Rama say
Estrada's army is advancing toward |
General Vasquez, just outside of
Rama. A battle is expected to begin
at once. This is the first decisive
move against Madriz' election.
Reports from Rama say that gen.
eral engagement will start before
noon. The whole army OF Estrada at
Rama is said to be engaged in an ad-
vance. 1t is well equipped and has the
advantage in numbers over Vasquez.
Estrada is being assisted by Generals
Diaz Matudy, Pacho and Chamorro.
The lite gun boat Blanca equipped
with Hotchkiss and several other
rapid fire guns has sailed up the Mico
river. Dispatches received here
quote Estrada as saying the present
engagement can have but one out
come-the complete overthrow of the
enemy.
Before the movement a proclama-
| ton was issued by Estrada, declaring
| the election of Madriz as illegal and
that the war would be pushed to vic
tory or annihilation."
j People at Bluefelds are greatly ex-
cited over the movement. 1t Is be-
lieved here that a decided victory to-
day will do much toward winning
over friends to the Estrada cause and
will be the critical point in the over
throw of Madriz which is confidential
! ly expected here.
MANAGUA, Dec 21-Madriz was
unanimously elected president of Nj
caragua by congress.
The session was exciting, but there
seemed perfect unanimity on the
election of Madriz. The announce
ment of the result brought vociferous
cheering and cries of "vivia Madriz!"
Down with monopolies!" Down
with tyranny. Long live the con-
i stitution!"
DR.. Madrz will assume the presi-
dency today. He was escorted to the
4 balcony of his hote', where he briefly
addressed a great crowd, urging har-
l,lony and cooperation. He pledged
that he would uphold the rights &C
citizens and establish policy of equal
opportunities for all.
q Congress first accepted Madriz
resignation as judge of the Central
American court. The committee that
considered Zelaya's resignation
recommended the acceptance and for
mutation of an address of thanks for
Zelaya's services to Nicaragua. Fol
lowing the adoption of this report, the
nomination of Madriz was made with
the greatest enthusiasm. On call for
standing vote every man rose. In
fiuential delegates had been pouring
in from Leon, the liberals stronghold,
Chinandaga and Granda, with the
avowed purpose of winning Madriz'
candidacy.
While Zelaya has known that Mad
riz is not favored by the United
States, he still urged Madriz as his
successor.
Zelaya and Madriz know that Es-
trada, leader of the revolutionists,
who are .eady to fight the government
forces at Rama, strongly opposes the
new president and is ambitious him
: self to be president Hope is cherish
ed, however that Madriz will bring
/ oh e,,,, III, or, ipo h1o onnIifjnr,
among the people that he will be con.
| tinued in office.
Zelaya Still Active.
BLUEFIELDS, Dec. 21.-If Estrada s
f forces are victors at Rama today they
: will be brought with all possible haste
} to Bluefields and then sent to San
Juan Del Noir, Greytown, where they
will engage the forces now holding
that city. The force there is small
and it is believed it will be easy for
the Estrada army to capture the city
: From Greytown by river and lake
i the army will set out for Managua
l where it is believed the most desper
a ate battle of the revolution will fol
e low. Zelaya, resigned president, is
: not out of the game. He sent tele
r gram to his minister at San Jose
e Costa Rica declaring he would head
/ the army if Madriz is not accepted by
e the country and endeayor personally
e to crush the Estrada movement
S Zelaya is reported to have surround
(Hnpfipuod IN ma Ca