The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-12-06
zELAYA'S CAREER
ONE or CONQUEST
Nicaraguan President Has
Ruled With An Iron Hand
HIS POWER IS AT AN END
After Years of Dictatorial Control of
Nicaragua Zelaya Has Gone Too
Far and the United States
Will Aid to Deposc Him.

Washington. December 5.-(Special.)--
in which the Zelayan government OF
Nicaragua is now Involved have brought
forcibly to the attention of this and
other governments the arrogant ruler OF
that turbulent Central American republic
Jose Santos Zelaya-who for nearly a
score of years has been one of the most
troublesome figures in international af-
fairs.
That the latest 1ifficulty in which he
has become involved, through the execu-
ton of Groce and Cannon, citizens of the
United States, will result in his final elm
nation from the field Of politics, is now
generally believed by diplomats here in
Washington
The long list of insults to which va
rious nations have been subjected by
this troublesome executive. and which
eliminated in the killing of Leonard Groce
and Leroy Cannon. American residents
of Nicaragua, will undoubtedly be avenged
by Uncle Sam. While a substantial in
demnity undoubtedly will be demanded
for their deaths. the Intervention of this
nation is expected to result in the sue
cess Of the present revolutionary move
ment, under Gen. Juan Estrada. This
would mean Zeaya's deposition as pres
ident and undoubtedly his exile from Mic
aragua.
For nearly score of years this auto
Graf has ruled Nicaragua with an iron
srt, tptip will
moral suasion proved ineffective, and SOW
ing the seed of discord among the other
Central American states, which would
ultimately be harvested to his advan-
tage.
Toll For Industries.
All industries, whether native or for
elgn, have been compelled to pay toll to
this avaricious ruler. who supports his
various military movements with the pro-
ceeds. The most profitable of these, such
as sugar, tobacco and coffee, are con-
trolled by himself or his representatives.
and the vast returns have made him i'm
mensely wealthy.
One source of revenue however he
has been unable to gets namely, control
of the vast mineral wealth on the eastern
coast. Yankee ingenuity has developed
this section and despite the heart-break-
ing tariff and various other zelayan
schemes, the Americans have managed
to retain their hold
Zelaya has blamed the Americans for
the many revolutions stirred I'D against
him, and when the recent and most Sc
rious uprising broke out in the Bluefelds
district 1t did not serve to increase his
affection. This has been the basis for
the report that the execution of Groce
and Cannon was purely matter of per-
sonal revenge on the part of the Mica
raguan executive.
Zelaya Is man with purpose, and
for many years, even before his advent
to the presidency has had in mind the
union of the Central American states
with himself at their head
Born of wealthy parents. very little
Is known of his early life except that
he was of ''unmixed' blood The date
of his birth is fixed between 1886 and
1850
According to the best information OBJ
tainable his early days were spent in the
dirty little city of Mapagua. the capital
companions he passed his time In gam
bling and cock fighting.
ZeIaya Enters Army.
AS military service is compulsory, young
Zeaya entered the army at an early age.
This marked the beginning of his career.
The energetic qualities of his character,
which had long lain dormant now as
serted themselves.
The enormous power of the army in the
affairs Of the state formed blazed path
for his stormy career. He quickly recog-
nized the vast undeveloped mineral and
lean states, and the deterrent effect the
revolutionary character Of the Inhabitants
had on the country's future. His pro-
phetic eye easily discerned the vast reve-
nues that would ensue when the FIVE
states were formed into one harmonious
nation.
But he was also keen enough to appre-
ciate his deficiencies He knew he must
possess thorough knowledge of state
and military affairs in order to realize
this dream of an empire.
So with this end in view he left his
native country and spent ten years in
travelling in Europe and the United States
where he studied the various forms of
government and military training.
Fully equipped for his new enterprise,
he returned to Nicaragua, where his su-
perior knowledge of military tactics won
him place at the head of the army
Then he waited for his opportunity. This
-. l.. l..
pressed a revolutionary movement, he
made himself president. The dramatic
details of this event furnish a good illus
tration of Zelaya's character
President Sarcasca, who was then IN
Office, and the members of his cabinet
were seated in the council room Of the
capitol at Managua, to welcome the vic
torious general.
zelaya's Coup.
When Zelaya. surrounded by his Off
GERS, strobe majestically into the room.
the president began his little speech OF
thanks, praising the conqueror for his
great victory But the expression in
the piercing gray eyes of the stalwart
soldier caused the words to die in his
throat.
Then, drawing revolver from his belt,
Zelaya advanced to the table. while all
present, with the exception of his escort
turned pale.
1.-THE revolution is dead"' he said. Long
live the revolution. | am now the revo-
luton. Do you think | won the victory
for you? MOI
my army holds the town and the
country. The soldiers are devoted to me.
1t is useless for you to protest or re-
sst.
To-day you must all leave the city
A. -..tr
depart to the United States or Europe by
the first steamer II YOU refuse Won will