Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-08-22

which render the downfall OF the MadriZ
faction inevitable
Even with Managua i'm the hands of the
revoutionists, however, there is still the
possibility Of a continuation of the con-
| fict. The hatred of years between
Granada and Leon is not likely to DIS
| appear now that the conservative city
emerges from its condition of vassai.
There Is danger that Granada. long tne
oppressed. may invert the roles and try
TO wreak late but merited vengeance OH
Leon.
The I.eonese however, represent the
fighting element in Nicara qua Tnroush-
out the long conflict just ending theirs
has been the leading role. Whereas tne
other provinces contributed troops TO tne
government through forced conflict, Leon
only contributed volunteers. and tnese'
as enga cement after engagement occur
red, were the dependence OF the gov
ernment armies.
Unless special guarantees are given
therefor. Leon may refuse to lay ooWn
her arms, in which case another long
period Of warfare may ensue.
Protection for Americans.
/ Prompt steps have been taken for the
protection OF the lives and property OF
Americans in western Nicaragua. particu-
iarly in Managua and Granada. There
are many evidences of hostility toward
the American residents, and latest reports
show that open threats of violence have
been made. The L. 8. ships Vfcksburg
and Yorktown are at Corinto and Will
land armed forces IL necessary to assist
the demoralized authorities in the preven-
ton of looting and lawiessness
1t is difficult to sift the truth out OF
the mass Of contradictory messages from
various points in Nicaragua, apparently
colored to suit the purpose of the senders.
The latest official statement OF the situa-
ton Is based on dispatch from United
States Consul Olivares dated, Managua,
August 10.
State Department Memorandum.
According to memorandum issued by
the State Department. Consul Olivares
confirms the report that the army OF the
Estrada faction defeated the troops OF
the Madriz faction August IS. and ef-
fected crossing of the Tipitapa river.
The consul also states that Ii was re-
ported that the Estrada forces south of
Granada had inflicted a severe defeat
upon strong column of Madriz troops
in that neighborhood and that ii seemed
to be the unanimous opinion at Managua
that the power of Madriz was steadily
weakening, and that his overthrow might
momentarily be expected. There was
much apprehension at Managua, owing
to the apprehension of attack since
the contending armies were only twenty
miles away.
From another telegram Gen. Toledo.
who commanded the Madriz forces OH the
Tipitapa river. had reached Managua, and
his troops were seized with panic and
fed when attacked by the Estrada
forces. some Of the routed troops going
10 Granada and others having already
arrived at Managua. The consul men
tions a current report that houses In
Granada had been sacked by the Madriz
troops and that the city was then being
assaulted by the Estrada forces.
Ready to Make Way.
Mr.. Olivares further reports that DR..
Madriz has stated it to be his purpose to
turn over to Jose Dolores Estrada,
brother CT Gen. Juan Estrada, the au-
thority actually in his hands. and that
Jose Dolores Estrada has declared that
he will In turn make way for the leaders
of the Estrada revolution. The family
Of DR.. Madriz had left Managua for Co
rinto. and DIR. Madriz was expected to
follow the next day, with the object OF
leaving the country, Gen. Irias and his
family and Gen. Toledo were also pre-
pairing to leave Nicaragua on the 10th.
Managua is stated to be in a turmoil of
excitement. The consul reports that some
followers OF Madriz are manifesting open
hostility to the United States. roaming
the streets and crying, Death to the
I
are under heavy police guard and the
general situation IL reported. to be very
threatening.
a telegram dated August 20. from
Mr.. Johnson. consul at Corinto. says
that the family of DIR. Madriz arrived
at Corinto the 10Th; that Gen. Toledo
and the family of Gen. Irias arrived the
10th: that ii Is reported that Gen. To-
ledo will take the first opportunity to
leave the country. and that DIR. Madriz.
Ixia DA nth hnr nd ot
Corinto the night OF the Goth. the re-
port being that they would leave on
the gunboat Angela or the north bound
Pacific mail steamer Monday. the 22d."
Eleven Months Of Fighting.
The war In Nicaragua began eleven
months age. when Juan Estrada, gov
ernor Of the Atlantic coast, took posses
sion OF Bluehelds. the principal Atlantic
coast city. The movement was we'll timed.
Estrada's forces were well organized and
had the complete support Of Americans
engaged in business in the eastern part
of the republic.
Zelaya sent an army across the republic
In an attempt to subdue the rebels. Be-
fore there was any heavy fighting. how
ever, Zeiaya had been practically de-
posed through Secretary Knox's note de-
fining Washington's attitude toward Ze-
laya.
Late in December a fierce battle was
fought i'm Rama. eighty miles from Blue
fields, in which the government troops
were severely beaten. At least 100 men
were killed and as many more wounded.
The next conclusive fight occurred in the
governments end of the republic. The
insurgents were we'll organized but they
ran out of ammunition and were routed.
In this battle At least 100 men were
killed
Then Madrix sent his troops to Blue
fields. backed by a gunboat American
marines prevented an actual attack on
Biuehelds and through the ingenuity Of
Yankee engineers and gunners Madriz's
troops were defeated and driven back.
American mining and plantation interests
besides mercantile firms have suffered
severely as result of the war.