Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-05-03
GOING TO AID OF MADRlZ
Vessel Will Break Blockade and At
tack Estrada Fleet.
SAILING UNDER BRITISH FLAG
Ship Carries $15O,OOO Worth of
Cannon, Rifles and Ammunition
and Has Large Crew.


result of the cruise of the steamer Venus
from New Orleans to Greytown, Nicara-
qua. The vessel was detained at New
Orleans for several weeks at the instance
of the Estrada revolutionists, on the
charge that she was to carry aid to the
government party in Nicaragua. The At
torney General decided that carrying
arms and ammunition to Nicaragua was
not a violation of the laws of neutrality
and the vessel was allowed to sail.
1t is admitted that the mission of the
Venus is an important one in the affairs
of Nicaragua. She goes to break the
blockade of the Atlantic coast, establish
ed by Estrada, to attack the Estrada
fleet and to furnish guns and ammunition
to the army of 1900 of President Madriz
at GreytOwn. That army is then to march
to Bluefelds. headquarters of the rem
nants of the Estrada army, capture the
town If possible, and wipe out the last
vestige of the revolution.
The Venus has $15O,OOO worth Of cam
non, rifles and ammunition on board. She
sails under the British flag and has a
large crew, composed of British and
Americans. Her commander entertains
no doubt Of her ability to break the Es-
trada blockade on the east coast and en-
ter Greytown. The blockade is by three
small vessels, including the Anatepe, the
only vessel Of the Nicaraguan navy. On
the success Of this expedition depends
the fate of Estrada and his followers for
town Estrada has only the smallest
chance to hold Bluefields against the
Madriz forces.
Estrada Appeals to United States.
That Estrada realizes the seriousness
of his position is evidenced by his ap-
peals to Secretary Knox to use the
United States warships near Bluefelds
to prevent the Madriz army from bonn
harding or attacking that town on the
ground that such action would result in
great loss of life and property. 1t is
intmated that II Estrada is really ami
prevent further trouble by retiring from
the scene and gracefully accepting the
situation without attempting to involve
the United States in a foreign political
squabble.
Secretary Knox is known to desire a
prompt settlement of the troubles In Mic
araeua, in order that he may be in a
position to demand inti>mnity for. the ex-
ecution of the two Americans, Cannon
and Groce, who were charged with COM
plicity in the movement to overthrow
the Zelaya administration. The claim
administration without recognition OF tn 1t
administration. Other governments, IN
cluding Mexico, already have recognized
the MadriZ government, but the United
States government refuses to do So on
the ground that Madriz does not hold the
office Of president by popular election IN
accordance with the constitution. 1t is
expected that an election will be held as
soon as the revolutionary party Is sub
dued and order has been completely re-
L. nlv 41tr p1u ~
importance now in possession of the Es-
tPstda insurgents.
Naval Engagement Likely.
There is a prospect of a naval engage
ment at Greytown when the Venus ar
rives off that port. At any rate, Senior
Castrillo the representative in this city
Of the Estrada party. said today that
the revolutionary feet, which is MAIN
tanning the blockade, will seize the We
nus, or at any rate attempt to prevent
her entering the port. None of the YES
sells is armOred or heavily armed, but
all carry a number Of small guns. and. it
is possible, may be able to damage or
sink each other. The Venus was Spe-
cially armed and equipped for the purpose
Of breaking the blockade and may be
able to do SO if the blockading fleet is
not properly maneuvered. The United
which are being injured by the blockade,
and has sent a warship to the scene of
the expected contest to see that those
interests are respected.
Court of Justice Act.
A dispatch has been received at the
State Department from United States
Consul Moffatt at Bluefields stating that
the Central American court of justice at
Cartago. Costa Rica, had unanimously
passed a resolution. which had been sent
to DIR. Madriz at Managua and Gen. Es-
trada at Bluedelds. strongly urging that
an armktice for eight days be declared.
with a view to an agreement through the
mediation of the Carriage court looking to
The establishment of peace in Nicaragua.
The resolution made an earnest appeal
70 the two commanders. urging, for love
Of country and the restoration of peace.
that a further effort be made to reach an
amicable understanding through which
further loss of life would be prevented.
In reply to the dispatch received from
Consul Moffatt. Secretary Knox. by tel
ephone from Pittsburg. directed that
the following telegram be sent to DR..
Alberto Ucles. president of the Central
American court of justice. Cartago:
Being advised that the Central
American court of justice. acting in the
spirit of the high purpose for which it
was instituted, has. by unanimous reso-
luton. made to DIR. Madriz and Gen.
Estrada Identical representations, urg-
ng armistice and direct agreement
with the friendly mediation of the
court, even before receiving the text
thereof, 1 hasten to congratulate the
honorable judges upon this high-mind-
I'd idea, which, I hope, may contribute
10 the establishment in Nicaragua of
those conditions of good government.
progress and prosperity which the
United States, like the republics Of
Central America, SO greatly desires to
,ee."
Gen. Frias Goes to Greytown.
A dispatch received at the State Depart
nent from United States Consul Olivares.
It Managua. says that Gen. Irias.
whom Madriz recently appointed commis-
uioner In charge Of affairs on the east or
Atlantic coast Of Nicaragua. has left
for Greytown. presumably for
he purpose of conducting military opera
ions against the Estrada forces at Blue
aelds, In conjunction with tho steamer
Venus now EN- route to the scene. In dip
omatic circles the belief Is expressed that
Madrix has so great an advantage over
Estrada at this time that he 10 hardly
likely to compromise.