The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1912-08-27
U.S.. CALLS REBEL
LEADERS BLUFF
State Department Regards Nicara-
guam Revolution as q Crisis in
This Country's Policy.
QUICK ACT WILL HAVE EFFECT

With the arrival In Nicaragua of the
extensive re-enforcements now on the
way thither from the United States. It
Is intended by this government to take
such vigorous steps In that country as
will prove a salutary lesson not only to
the revolutionists of Nicaragua, but to
the neighboring republics OF Central
America as well.
The Nicaraguan revolt Is regarded
with such seriousness here that II is
believed 1t marks crisis in the policy
and prestige Of the United States in all
Central America
Nothing but the most drastic meas
ures. 1t is now considered, can prevent
the United States from a great loss of
influence in Latin America. Information
has reached here indicating that Gen.
Mena attempted to overthrow the gov
ernment largely because he was per-
suaded that the United States was bluff
fing. and did not mean business IN re-
gard TO its insistence upon the preserva-
tion of peace in Nicaragua and respect
for the pledges of the Dawson conven-
ton, requiring an open election Of the
successor OF President Diaz. The ar
rival of the cruisers California, Colorado,
Denver. and Cleveland with their ma
rines, and the other marines now on
their way from Philadelphia will be the
occasion, according to present plans, Tor
convincing proof that United States Min
lister weitzel has not been bluffing in
Nicaragua
To Rc-establish Communication.
The first step expected is the re-estab-
lishment OF communications in Nicara-
qua, both railway and telegraph The
rebels have now succeeded in holding up
all railroad communication between Ma
nagua. the capital, and Corinto, the prin-
cipal Pacific port of Nicaragua The tele-
graphic communications are 50 seriously
broken up that Minister Weitzel has been
for days at a time unable to communi-
cate with Washington. and some OF his
dispatches have never reached the State
Department One message was received
at the department yesterday dated July .,
which the rebels had succeeded In hold
ing up. This message, II It had been re-
ceived in due order, would have been the
first news of the impending revolt. as It
told OF Gen. Mena's attempt TO replace
the capital garrison with his own men
from his home town.
The steps contemplated by the State
Department are not nearly so drastic as
are being urged by Nicaraguans them
selves. Representations have been made
to the American Legation and also to
the State Department by Nicaraguans
urging that the United States intervene
in Nicaragua and not only put an end
to the revolt. but establish the govern
ment firmly and by methods similar to
those adopted in Panama last month at
the elections. at the request of that
government, and see that the Nicaragu-
ans have opportunity OF choosing q sue
cessor TO President Diaz.
Diplomats Relatives Endangered.
Joaquin Cuarda, secretary of the Mica
raguan Legation. called at the State De-
partment yesterday and reported that he
had just received a cable from his mother.
long delayed in transmission. stating that
his father and uncle had been thrown
into prison at Grenada by Gen. Mena
and were being starved in that confine-
ment. Though the State Department is
not likely to interfere on behalf of any
particular Nicaraguans, 1t is expected
that when the re-enforcements arrive on
the scene the rebels will be forced to
abandon practices contrary to the rules
Of war and the requirements of civiliza-
ton and humanity.
Consul Johnson. at Corinto, reported
yesterday that Gen. Dionisio Gutierres.
former vice president OF Honduras, and
six companions were arrested upon their
arrival at that port, where they had come
to Join the revolutionary forces.