The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-19
FATHERS AND SONS ARE
 THROWN INTO PRISON
Demonstration Against Zelaya Has Be- come Very Pronounced and Amer lean Consul Is Striving to
 Help Needy.

IudAdS fNiCdidBudr Nth CoIlhlot lC- cember 1s.-omSe of the most prominent women in Nicaragua have sent a peti- tion to Henry Caldera, the acting consul of the United states Their names are signed to the petition which sets forth the tortures to which Zelaya's prisoners have been subjected, and pitifully re- quests the intervention of the American government.
 "Numberless prisoners,~ says the peti- ton, have been tortured in their cells; their families have been killed in their ef forts to end crime, extortion and tyranny, and to prevent the assassination of Groce and Cannon
 'Wesimplore you to bring the malefactor to justice. that his many crimes may re- ceive thepun ishment they deserve, and that he be not permitted to escape"
 For weeks the associates and adherents of Zelaya have been conducting a reign of terror. Their chief victims have been the best people of the country. Property has been confiscated. fathers and sons imprisoned. wives and daughters forced 10 submit to unspeakable outrages, dragged off to jail, or cruelty injured. So appalling were the conditions that 6 large number of women met and finally de- cided to submit their plea to the represen- tatfve of the government, whose war ships are close at hand. They seek not only their own protection, but the safety of those who in the last few days have had courage enough to rise in public places and denounce Zelaya and his ad- ministration.
 Strong Agitation.
 The agitation became so strong against the holding of hundreds, perhaps thou In rrfa hat IA nffir irtc yr ,oI it advisat.A to take steps to release at least some of those against whom crimes had only been alleged. Most of the poiti- cal prisoners, thersfore were released today, but there arc 1till many others be- hind the walls. s sns99s s7set <s.
 It was after the American warsbips reached Corinto that the demonstration against Zelaya became pronounced, for those who have been crying for the revo- 1ution were fully convinced that blue jackets and marines from the ships would be landed Now they are terrified lest no men me sent ashore. In such an event they fear reprisals by the Zelayan forces which are still strong in Managua
 Many revolutionary suspects have been thrown into prison and put to torture and there are also a number now in chains who refused to do the bidding of the government. Among these is Anibal Chavez. narmy officer, who was in
 
 and Cannon were brought out for ex- ecution. He refused to give the firing or der. exclaiming as he threw down his sword: T am soldier, not murderer"
 Menaces of Death. Consul Caldera Is daily in receipt Of menaces of death, but beyond exercising watchful care. he has taken no precau- tions to guard against attack. and goes about attending to the duties of his post.
 Word has reached here that Dr. Jose Madriz, zelaya's candidate for president, has arrived at San Juan Del Sur on his way to Corinto. He is hastening to Man. agua to inform himself personally of the situation. At Corinto. 1t Is believed, Madriz will confer with several of his strongest supporters who are proceeding there from various departments. Follow ing close upon the resignation of Pres- dent Zelaya, an entire change has taken place in the administration of the de- partments of Granada, Managua Leon, Jinotega and Matagalpa The old officials were summarily dismissed and others named to fill their places. The majority fthese are from Leon. the stronghold of the liberals, and are favorable to the candidacy of Madriz.
 No Surprise In Washington.
 Washington. December 1s.-In Central American diplomatic circles here no sur prise was expressed tonight at the re- ported action or Senor Zelaya and his adherents in imprisoning and torturing the political prisoners.
 It had been predicted that Zelaya would wreak saturinal vengeance up- on those who had opposed him and upon those who fell in his power and that this vengeance would be withheld until the time came when he foresaw his downfall.
 "zelaya Is vindicative and his cruelty is byword in our part of the world.'' said . Central American diplomat to- night. That he will exact in blood and tears all that he believes is due him, no one who knows him will doubt for a moment Such stories of his prosecutions as have been received here unofficfally lead us to believe that ne has inaugur- ated . reign of terror that would put Nero to blush-" up to late hour Dr. Castrtlio, the representative in Washington of the rev. olutionary government, had received no advices from Nicaragua and no authen- tic dispatches had been received by the other dimplomats," said one of the Gen. tral American charges.
 No official expressed the slightest doubt that Zelaya had begun to exast his revenge.
 The Noop ship Buffalo is expected to reach Corinto tomorrow afternoon and the 100 United States marines on board will be then available h case alarm ing reports are received.
 It was stated at the navy depart ment tonight that the marines would re- main aboard until other quotas are dis patched from here. No delay will be experienced in transmitting troops from the Buffalo nor in sending instructions to the Buffalo for the disposition of men aboard her, it is declared. as the ves- sel is equipped with wireless telegraph apparatus. as are the Albany, Yorktown and vicksburg, the other three war ves- sells now riding in the harbor of Cor into.
 In case the marines are landed at Coriuto with view to their advance oa Menagua, the Yorktown 1t was said 
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