The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1909-12-25
SUMTER. s. c., SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25 1909
lELAYA FORCES PUT TO .ROuT.
YNSURGENT ARMY WINS A SIG
NAL VICTORY.
News Received In Washington OF the
Defeat of the Regular Army of
Nicaragua by Gen. Estrada's
Forces, and the Battle, 1t is Said
Means the Beginning of the End.

NNA~A oSuss ~ 0Chs xc0ouo
Forces, and the Battle, 1t is Said
Means the Beginning of the End.
Washington, Dec, 21.--Zelaya's
troops were routed by the Nicara-
guam revolutionists today in a fierce
battle at Rama, lasting several hours
according 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 is to
be renewed tomorrow, the advices de-
clare, and the Estrada army will
bend all efforts to compel the uncon-
ditional surrender OF the govern
ment forces.
There is some doubt as to tn ex-
act extent Of Estrada's success From
revolutionary sources the word Is
sent that the victory over the Zela-
yam troops is complete" The State
department has received word from
Thomas H. Moffatt. United States
Consul at Bluefelds, that Estrada had
partially routed and defeated the
forces Of Zelaya." It is agreed. how
ever, that the moral effect of such
initial success on the part Of the rev.
olutionists can hardly be exaggerated.
The first announcement Of success of
the Estrada arms came in a cable
gram to DR.. Castrillo, the represen-
tative here of the Provisional govern
ment. 1t was signed "Diaz" Diaz is
secretary OF the State of the Pro-
visional government The cablegram
said: Complete victory is ours. Ze-
laya's troops are in retreat" Later
the State department gave out the
following message from Consul Mof-
fatt from Colon:
Estrada forces at Tatumbla and
Recreo. near Rama, commanded by
Gen. Mena at the former place and
Gems. Chamorro. Mattuti and Fernos
Diaz, at the latter place. partially
routed and defeated the forces of Ze-
laya after desperate fighting for sew
raj hours. The Zelayan forces were
commanded by Gen. Gonzales. A
great many ware ssssiss a.numbsr
being unknown; 100 werel wounded
and $50 prisoners were taken by the
revolutionists. The Zelayan troops at
Recreo have occupied what has been
considered strong position. Estra-
da is confident Of defeating the ene-
my when he renews the attack to-
morrow and Of securing their surren-
der"
The clash between the two armies
was not unexpected here. For DAYS
on end they have been lying practi-
cally idle in their trenches around
Rama, skirmishes only marring the
peace that brooded over that Sec
ton. Estrada played a waiting game
IN the hope that the Zelayan COM
manders would take the initiative
and attempt the capture of his posi-
ton, which was reported to be very
strong. Furthermore, with the wan
ing Of President Zelayas star he ex-
pected large number of accessions
from the Zelayan army.
When zelaya abdicated and prac-
ucally dictated the election OF DR..
Madriz as his successor, Estrada, ac-
cording to his diplomatic friends
mere, determined to strike. Accord
ingly he moved his army forward
early today and took the field active
iy against his enemy. DR.. Castrillo
and his friends look forward conf
IDENTIFY to the receipt tomorrow Of
word of complete victory and the
beginning of the march of the victori-
Gus army on the capital
None Of the officials of the State
department tonight would discuss
the reported victory Of Estrada. It
Is known, however. that the news was
welcome. Had the Zelayan army
won over Estrada, this government
would have been in somewhat en-
barrassing position. having espoused
openly the cause Of the Provisional
government
In Central American diplomatic
circles the word brought ioy and
there was celebration tonight. The
diplomats join in the prediction that
this first victory is the "beginning of
the end OF Zelayaism and the next
step will be to force the retirement Of
Prsldent Madriz, on the ground that