Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-05-30

DEFENSE seem, however, 10 nave been IN
effectual. 1t is said that the government
forces sustained heavy losses in the vari-
Gus attacks.
Work of American Gunners.
Estrada's principal strength appears to
have come from the great work accom-
plished by the American gunners, led by
Capt Conrad of New Orleans, who had
previously distinguished himself in the
service OF Estrada. These American vol
unteers are depended on to prevent the
further advance of Madriz's army. There
Is fear. however. that the activity OF these
Americans in the revolutionary cause may
possibly result in another incident like
that in which Cannon and Groce were in
vO1ved. Those men were captured and
executed by order of President Zelaya
The United States government has de-
cided to demand indemnity for their
death as soon as the government OF
Nicareg qua is regularly established.
About $50 bluejackets from the gum
boats Paducah and Dubuque were re-
Gently landed in BiVetields for the pro-
lection of American lives and property.
They are provided with field guns and
rapid firers and have taken up strong
position on the street near the United
States consulate. In case of necessity
all the Americans in the city and any
foreigners in danger will be gathered
there.
Owing to the strength of the combat
ants, the authorities at Washington did
not regard that small force as sufficient
for the purpose. Orders were given to
send the entire marine battalion on duty
on the Panama Canal Zone to the scene
at once. There are about 500 marines
in the detachment. The Dubuque was
sent posthaste to Cristobal. near Colon,
and took on board all the marines she
could carry about 200 in all. She set
sail for Bluefelds yesterday. and is ex
pected to arrive there this afternoon and
place the marines where they will do the
most good in case of an emergency.
Prairie on the Way.
There being no nearer vessel available.
the cruiser Prairie at Philadelphia was
ordered to proceed at once to Bluefields
with ammunition, tents and general sup
plies for the United States forces there.
She started early yesterday morning and
will make the run in about five days
She will stop Ell route at Cristobal and
II necessary, take on the 300 marines
there awaiting transportation to the
scene of trouble These achievements
are expected to assist i'll enforcing Com
mander Gilmer's orders against any fight
ing in Bluefields proper and in maintain
ing order generally. Capt. WitherspoOn
is in command of the Prairie. She car
ries full crew OF Dluejackets, but no
marines She left in such hurry that
there was no time to mobilize the naval
soldiers.
At the Navy Department it is said that
the Prairie was sent to Bluefelds for
any service she might be called on to
perform. She is a large vessel with ex-
tensive passenger accommodations, and
| would be extremely useful a place Of
asylum for the foreign element, includ-
| ing Americans, in Bluefields. in case of
necessity, IT has been intimated that in
case the AIadr;z forces capture Bluefelds
1 II might be necessary to give Estrada
and his principal officers asylum on an
| American warship. In case of their cap
| ture the chances are they would be given
| short shift.
! Arias Wants to Attack.
| According to press dispatches Gen.
Arias Of the Madriz forces still hopes
| to receive permission from Comma nder
Gilmer OF the United States gunboat
| Paducah to attack BIuefields. This prob
| ably will be denied. In this event q
general assault will be ordered. The
500 Madriz soldiers at the bluffs can
reach the Blueneids wharves in half an
hour. Madriz's land troops are within
rife shot of Estrada's bitches on the
| outskirts of the city.
Gen. AriaS made q second demand for
| the surrender of Bluefelds Saturday
night. following the capture of the
custom house. Estrada refused He
called his American gunners in confer
| ence. They told him they could hold
| the positions. 1t is believed that Arias
| will order a general attack.
| The great danger to foreigners in Blue
fields is that the victorious faction, which
| ever it may be. may lose control of its
| men and there may be a concerted effor,
to loot and pillage the town. This the
American marines and jackies have been
ordered to prevent.
Reports Not Made Public.
Consul Moffat and Commander Cline,
are keeping the State and Navy depart.
ments constantly advised of develop
ments in the Bluedelds situation, but i,
is not deemed advisable to make their re.
ports public at this time. SimiIa. reti
cence is observed with regard to the
character of the instructions sent to tbs
naval commander for his course of action
I'm case the Estrada forces retreat into
the city and the Madriz forces attempI
to follow them 1t is admitted that I,
Madriz's efforts directed TO driyine
the Estrada soldiers out of Bluefields he
can scarcely accomplish that result II
the United States forces allow the Es
tradists to remain within its boundaries