New-York tribune., 1909-12-12

washington. Dec. 11.-Disquieting news
Department to-day to the effect that
there is danger OF an attack by Presa-
dent Zelaya's forces being made on Blue
fields. where there are one hundred and
fifty Americans. resulted IN orders being
sent by wireless 10 the protected cruiser
Tacoma. with ten guns on board and n
full complement OF bluejackets. 20 pro-
ceed under full steam to Bluehelds. there's
10 Join the Des Moines and await clr~
tier orders.
The news that Zelaya probably would
making detour. would strike Bluefelds,
the headquarters OF the revolutionary
army and provisional government. vas
received in official circles here with sons
apprehension. and almost Immediately a
conference was held in the Office OF tbs
Secretary OF the Navy. at which were
present Secretary Meyer. Assistant Sec
rotary Winthrop. Admiral wainwright
and Assistant Secretary OF State Wilson.
A prompt decision was reached 20 hurry
additional lighting material 70 the danger
point in Bluehelds.
The Prairie. which has been hoated and
is now ar Philadelphia. has been ordered
to take on board seven hundred marines
under the command OF Colonel Riddl-.
and steam as soon as possible TO Colon
The importance and significance OF these
orders are ninimized at the State De-
partmeut, where it is said the Tacoma.
has been instructed 20 look out for
American interests at Bluehelds.
While the destination OF the Prairie -
given as Colon. the fact that she is
equipped with wireless apparatus would
make it very easy for her destination ~
be changed at any moment during her
trip south.
Thus far there has been no intirnartcr
that a landing OF marines or blueiackets
is in immediate contemplation. but IL -
certain that they are being placed in =
position 70 meet any contingency. II is
a fair assumption, however, that should
American lives be put in jeopardy or
American business interests interter-d
with prompt and decisive action would
be taken.
Navy officials to-day. while admitting
that the marines which are expected ~
land from the Dixie az Colon today
would be hurried across the isthnus and
put on board the Buffalo. stated that
that vessel had received no orders tn
sail to Corinto. but IL is pointed OUT thar
the taking aboard OF seven hundred ma
rines almost certainly means an immedi-
ate sailing. as otherwise the marines
would have been kept on shore until
needed, 8
Questioned to-day as to the truth oe
the sever 1 statements made by Presi-
dent Zelaya in an interview published
this morning. IL was stated that the In
terview was full of errors. and two con-
spicuous examples were pointed out.
One was that Zelaya disclaimed that
the execution of Cannon and Groce was
by his order. of which the State Depart
ment has absolute proof 10 the contrary.
Another alleged false statement mads
by him was that Zelaya had sent q.
communication to the United States
government expressing his willingness
10 allow the. United States to name 4.
commission TO investigate all OF the mat
tiers in connection with the recent dis
JUrbances TO which this governmenr
took exception. and that he would abIds
by the results OF their Investigations.
No such communication, IL was stated
had been received