The sun., 1910-02-12
CAPTURED MADRIz STEAMER.
The MAnagua Later Deserted ny Rebe' .
-Blueiclds Claims.
Special Cable Dsspaieh 20 THE Sun.

Special Cable Dssp1teh 20 THE ScN.
MANAoUA. Feb. u.--Notwithstanding
the Official report that Government troops
had prevented the capture Of q Govern
ment steamer on Lake Managua and dis
persed the conspirators who we're attempt
ing TO seize il. II is now known that the
revolutionists actually had possessicn n
of the steamer the Managua.
She was found abandoned to-day
near the town OF San Ramon at the north
ern end Of Lake Managua. The body of
her commander. Capt. TerGaa. was found
on board. He was probably killed in the
fighting that preceded the capture OF the
Managua.
It is learned that when the Managua
was taken away by the rebels she was
pursued by a motor boat. armed with q
quickfiring gun. This craft was unable
to get within range OF the captured ves-
sci, and although she fired a number OF
shots. the steamer bears no trace Of hav-
ing been hit by any Of them,
BLUEFIELDs. Nicaragua. Feb. 10. by
wireless to Colon.--The latest couriers to
arrive from the scene of the fight between
the Madriz troops and those OF the pro-
visional Government at Garita and Santa
Clara confirm the report that Gen. Mena.
the Estradan commander. won victory
at the former place.
The couriers, who were eyewitnesses
Of the fighting. say the provisional COM
mander routed n superior force at Garita
and followed them to Santa Clara. At
this point the Madriz troops were re-
enforced and made another stand. Gen.
Mena made an attack on a force three
times as strong as his own and was aom-
PEELED to retire to Moogan. where he
now holds a strong position and is keep
ing the Government troops in check.
The losses in the fighting at the two
points named were heavy on both sides.
Gen. Mena reports that he had twenty
six men killed and sixty wounded. Gen.
Blandon. one of the Estradan commanders.
was among the killed. Gabe Conrad.
the American gunner who has been doing
great service with the revolutionists.
was wounded in the abdomen and is now
in hospital at Bluefelds. He had a
miraculous escape from instant death.
The result Of the engagement does not
change the general situation. Gen.
ChamOrro. the next in command to Gen.
Estrada in the provisional Government.
Is pushing forward toward Managua
with force o. over 5000 men.
Washington. Feb. 1.-THE insurgent
army in Nicaragua is within fifty miles
OF ManaguR. the capital. which is held by
the Madriz faction. The State Depart
ment was advised to-day that Generals
Chamorro and Masis. the insurgent
leaders. have captured Matagalpa. A
party OF revolutionists have also taken
possession OF a small steamer on Lake
Managua.
Martial law. the despatch added. has
been declared in Managua. Matagalpa,
the captured town. Is about fifty miles
from Managua. About a hundred Ameri-
cans living there appealed to the American
Consul at Managua. Jose de Olivares.
for assistance several days ago. They
were apprehensive for their safety be-
cause OF tho proximity OF the two con-
tending armies.
The capture OF Matagalpa, however,
it is believed here, will remove their fears.
The insurgent Government will be held
accountable for their safety, it was said.
1t is expected here that the ifasurgent
army will begin shortly to march upon
Managua, where the seat Of the Madriz
Government is located.