The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1909-12-23
zFLAYAA TYRANT
SOME OF THE BEST PEOPLE OF
NICARAGUA IMPRISONED
BY DESPoT
IMPORTUNE UNCLE Sam
WOMEN OF MANAGUA ASK THE
AMERICAN CONSUL TO
LAND MARINES

Managua, Dec. 1S-Some Of the most
prominent women of Managua nave
signed a petition sent to Caldera, act
ing American consul, setting forth the
tortures to which Zelaya's prisoners
are subjected, and pitifully requesting
American Intervention.
"Numberless prisoners" said the pc
tition, have been tortured In their
cells and their families impoverish.
ed; liberty has been crushed and pat
riots killed in efforts to end crime.
extortion and tyranny and to prevent
assassination of Cannon and Groce.
1--WE implore you to bring this mall
efactor to justice, that his many
crimes may receive the punishment
they deserve and that he be not per-
mitted to escape"
REIGN OF Terror
For weeks the associates and adher-
ents of Zelaya have conducted a reign
Of terror. Their chief victims have
been the best people of the country.
Property has been confiscated. fathers
and ons imprisoned, wives and
daughters forced to submit to un-
speakable o%utrages, dragged to jail or
cruelty injured. So appalling were the
conditions that a large number OF wo-
men met and decided to submit a plea
to the representatives of the govern
ments whose warships are at hand. II
Is not only their own protection they
seek. but the safety of those who
recently had the courage to publicly
denounce Zelaya and his administra-
ton.
The agitation became so strong ag-
ainst holding hundreds, perhaps thou
sands in prison, that officials deemed
1t advisable to take steps to release
some Of them. Most of the political
prisoners, therefore, were released to-
day, but still many others are behind
the walls. '
UNWARY PEOPLE
1t was after the American warships
reached Corinto that the demonstra-
tons against Zelaya became pro-
nounced, those who were crying for
the revolution being convinced that
the forces of marines from the ships
would be landed. Now they are ter
rified lest none be sent ashore. In
such event they fear reprisals by the
Zeiayan forces, which are still very
strong.
Among the revolutionary susI ects
imprisoned and tortured there are a
number in chains who refused to do
the bidding of the government. Among
these Is Anibel Chavez, the officer who
commanded the firing squad when
Groce and Cannon were brought out
for execution. He refused to give the
firing order. exclaiming as he threw
down his sword: Il am a soldier, not
a murderer"
THREATENS CALDERA
Consul Caldera is daily in receipt
OF menaees OF death. but has taken no
precaution against attack.
Following the resignation OF Zelaya
the old administrators of the depart
ments Of Granada, Managua, Leon,
Jinotega and Matagalpa we're sum-
marily dismissed and others appoint
ed. A majority of these are from
Leon, a liberal stronghold, aud are
favorable to the candidacy of Madriz.
Washington, Dec. 1S-Central Am
erican diplomats are not surprised at
the reported action Of Zelaya in i'm
prisoning and torturing political pris-
oners. 1t has been predicted through
out that Zelaya on foreseeing his
downfall, would wreak engeanc on
those who had opposed him and fallen
beneath his power.
A Central American diplomat to-
night said:
THAT Zelaya will exact in blood
and tears all he believes due him
nobody who knows him doubts for a
moment. Stories of ~persecut.ons re
ceived unofficially lead us to believe
he has inaugurated a reign o. terror
that would make Nero blush.
The Buffalo is expected to reach
Corinto tomorrow afternoon, when the
seven hundred marines aboard will
be available in case of alarming re-
hts received. The navy depart.
ment states hat the marines will re-
main aboard until other dis atches
from here. The Buffalo is eqlipped
with wireless as are the Albany, York
town and Vicksburg, now at Corin'o.
IL the marines are landed at Cor
into and sent to Managua, the York
town will probably be stationed in the
Gull Oh fOSecd 10 act as a relav vile
less station between the warshirs al
CorintO and the stations to the north
Blueields, Dec. 1S-Est.ada's mes
sengers, carrying news of Zelaya's
resignation, reached Vasluez last
night. Vasquez at once agreed to a
conference.
The public and soldiers are showing
little excitement but are indul ing in
speculation as to the outcome o. the
meeting between the representatives
OF the two generals.
The Eagle is expected here tomor-
row. Her light draught will allow
OF her anchoring outside the lagoon
to guard the customs house.
Cleveland, Dec. IS = After eight
years of traction troubles the CITY