The San Francisco call., 1909-12-22
INSURGENTS WIN
IN BLOODY BATTLE
Estrada Attacks zelaya's Forces
at Rama and Defeats Them
by Hard Fighting
Rejoicing Among Central Amerl-
can Diplomats Follows Receipt
of News in Washington
Continued from Page L

Continued from Page 1
initiative and attempt the capture of
his position, which was reported to De
strong. Furthermore, with the waning
of President Zelaya's star ne expected
large number of aceessions from the
Zelayan army
When Zelaya abdicated and prac-
tically dictated the election of Doctor
Madriz as his successor Estrada, ac-
cording to his diplomatic friends here,
determined to strike. Accordingly he
moved his army forward yesterday and
took the field actively against the en-
envy. Doctor Castrillo and his friends
look forward confidently to the receipt
tomorrow of word of complete victory
and the beginning of the march of the
triumphant army on the capital.
General Rejoicing
No official of the state department.
would discuss. the reported victory. 1t
is known, however. that the news was
not unwelcome. Had the Zelaya army
won this government would have been
in somewhat embarrassing position
having espoused openly the cause or
the provisional government.
In Central American diplomatic cir
cles the word brought JOY and there
was a general celebration tonight. The
diplomats join In the prediction that
this first victory is the beginning Oh
the end of Zelayaism and that the next
step will be to force the retirement OF
President Madriz on the ground that ne
is tool of Zelaya and not the real
choice of the country.
Madriz Takes Office
MANAGUA,. Dec. 21.-Jose Madriz was
inaugurated today as president OF
Nicaragua. The ceremony was held at
the palace instead of at the parliament
building. Former President Zelaya was
kept waiting Is minutes by Doctor
Madriz, who entered the hall accom-
panied by Julian Irias, minister
general.
Zelaya, who wore the order of the
Legion of Honor, made a brief speech,
saying:
Il entreat the Nicaraguans to rally
to the support of President Madriz, who
has made vow for the early termina-
ton of the fratricidal war. | wish to
pay tribute to the ability and in
tegrity of my successor. l am conh-
dent that his administration will be
beneficial.
Promises Peace
No demonstration attended the cere-
mony, but the words of the president
were greeted with applause. In accept
ing the Office Jose Madriz said:
81 assume the presidency unmoved
by personal ambition, but by the spirit
of good son going to the rescue OF
his beloved mother, harassed and i'm
periled. / shall not be able to restore
peace and prosperity unaided, and
ask for the assistance of all true
patriots. Ny aim shall be to make
Nicaragua united family. and my only
program is peace with honor, justice
and liberty and the maintenance OF
friendly relations with foreign nations
and particularly with Central America.
The oath of Office was administered
by the president of congress, after
which salutes were fired by the ar
tillery, accompanied by the ringing OF
church bells. Later, groups of men
paraded the streets, crying. Death to
Zelaya,'' viva Estrada" There was no
interference by the police.
Releases Prisoners
Returning to his hotel, President
announcing political amnesty and the
release of the inmates of the peniten-
tiary. This was greeted with tremen-
dous cheering.
Minister Irias attempted to speak,
but was cried down and he desisted
after futile efforts had been made to
quell the hostile demonstration.
In the riots at Granada, Rudolph
Downing, an American citizen, who was
born at Granada, was arrested. The
American consul at once filed protest.
Favors New President
MEXICO CITY. Dec. 21.-The cleo
tion of DIR. Jose Madriz as president OF
Nicaragua is looked upon favorably by
Mexican officials. Ignacio Mariscal
minister of foreign relations, said:
While Mexico has no candidate for
president of Nicaragua, Doctor Madriz
was regarded as a good selection. Doc
tor Madriz has visited Mexico City and
we believe him to be man of prudence
and honesty.
In addition he is well educated and
enjoys the confidence of those who
know him, as is evidenced by the fact
that he is Judge of the Central Ameri-
can court Of Justice at Cartago.''
Appeal for Protection
MANAGUA, Dec 21.-The United
States consulate today received a plea
for protection for Americans at Gran
ada. The petition asked that the
United States marines be disembarked
at Corinto Immediately and sent to
Granada. Granada is one of President
Madriz' strongholds.