Los Angeles herald., 1909-12-22
IAssnciated Pressl

WASHINGTON, Dec. 21-Zelaya
troops were routed by the Nicaraguan
revolutionists today in a fierce battle
at Rama. lasting several hours, ac-
cording to advices received here this
afternoon. Gen. Estrada, in command
of the revolutionary army. is reported
to have been successful all along the
line. The battle will be renewed to-
morrow; advices declare, and Estrada S
army will try to compel the uncondi-
tional surrender of the government
forces.
There is some doubt as to the extent
of Estrada's success. From revolu-
tionary sources the word is sent that
victory over the Zelayan troops is
complete"
The state department has received
word from Thomas II. Moffatt, United
States consul at Bluehelds, that Es-
trada had partially routed and de-
feated the forces Of Zelaya."
1t is agreed, however, the moral eff
feet of such initial success on the part
of the revolutionists can hardly be ex-
aggerated
The first announcement Of the sue
cess Of the Estrada army came in a
cablegram to DR.. Castrlllo representa-
tive here of the provisional govern
ment. from Diaz, secretary of state for
the provisional government
Cables of Victory
The cablegram said: Complete vic
tory is ours. Zelaya's troops are in
retreat
Later tonight the state department
gave out the following message from
Consul Moffatt, which had been sent
by wireless from Colon
Estrada forces at Tatumbia and
Recreo, near Rama, commanded by
General Mena at the former place and
Generals Chamorro, Mattuti and For
nos Diaz at the latter place, partially
routed and defeated the forces of Ze-
laya, after desperate fighting for sew
eral hours. The Zelayan forces were
commanded by General Gonzales. A
great many were killed. the number
being unknown. one hundred were
wounded and $50 prisoners were taken
by the reVolutionists. The Zelayan
troops at Recreo have occupied what
has been considered a strong position
Estrada is confident of defeating the
enemy when he renews the attack to-
morrow and of forcing their sur
render"
The clash between the two armies
was not unexpected here. For days the
armies have been lying practically idle
in their trenches around Rama, with
skirmishes only. Estrada played a
waiting game, in the hope the Zelayan
commanders would take the initiative
and attempt. the capture of his strong
position, and he expected a large num-
ber of accessions from the Zelayan
army.
When Zelaya abdcated and practi-
cally dictated the election of DR.. Mad
riz as his successor, Estrada. accord
ing to his diplomatic friend here, de-
termined to strike. Accordingly he
moved his army forward yesterday. DR..
Castrillo and his friends look forward
confidently to hearing tomorrow of the
beginning of the march of the tri-
umphant army on the capital.
No official of the state department
would discuss the reported victory. 1t
is known, however, the news was not
unwelcome. Had the Zelayan army
won this government would have been
in a somewhat embarrassing position.
In Central American diplomatic cir
cles the word brought joy. The dip
lomats join in the prediction that this
victory is the beginning of the end"
of Zelayasm and that the next step
will be TO force the retirement of
President Madriz, as a mere tool Of
Zelaya.