The Washington herald., 1912-09-22

he would proceed. He sent messages to
Managua for re-enforcements. A large
part of the marine forces there had al
ready been sent to Leon, which is in the
opposite direction from Granada. These
mad been ordered there TO protect Ameri-
| cans and British whose lives and prop
| erty had been threatened By the time
| the message to the marines at Leon had
arrived the rebels had been driven out
| of Leon and started to Join the rebel
forces at Lake Nicaragua, seventy miles
away.
The marines at Leon went on the
double-quick to Managua and were dis
patched Immediately by train TO re-en-
force Admiral Southerland.
Admiral Southeriand then had an in
terview with commissioners who were
sent out by Gen. Zeledon. but nothing
came of the conference. and Gen. Zeledon
still refused TO allow the train to pass.
The admiral then threatened to bonn
bard the town. and this brought the
rebels to terms. The train entered Ma
saya early Thursday night, and It was
at that time that three marines in Man
aqua were shot. Rebels. who were intoxi-
Gated. tried to sheet Maj. Butler, but
their bullets went wild and hit the ma
rines, who were in the first car of the
train. This brought fire from the Ameri-
cans in the rear Of the train. and the af-
fair was soon over. The rebel officers dis
claimed responsibility for the shooting.
Tried to Avoid BIoodshcd.
The admiral waited for REINFORCE
ments. naval officers believe. not because
he had any doubts of his ability to force
a passage through the revolutionists in a
battle, but for the purpose of avoiding
bloodshed. The policy of the American
throughout the Nicaraguan
situation has been to do all possible to
prevent the necessity of fighting. Con-
since Zeledon and Mena in
siEted that they would oppose the first
American forces. It is believed Admiral
waited for re-enforcements
in order that the rebel leaders might see
for themselves what a superior force they |
were offering defiance to. 1t is believed |
here that the rebels were simply trying to |
BLUM OF the American advance, and that |
upon the arrival of the combined Ameri- |
can detachments they ceased to think Of |
battle.
The American officers have not only |
.ried to avert the shedding of blood |
rent the slaughter of any Nicaraguans. |
rhe policy governing Admiral Southerland |
S on a higher plane than simply that of
brushing aside the Nicaraguans. II II |
lad been desired to infiict punishment
IN the revolutionists. there have been a
'ource of opportunities offered to the
American forces previous to the present
tuation. While II is realized that Sc
vere punishment in a battle with the
Americans might prove a good lesson
o the revolutionists Of Central Ameri-
a, only the the most urgent necessity,
is stated, will lead the American COM
nanders to resort to shooting at the
evolutionists.
Rebels Use Gunboats.
Minister Weitzel. in a message dated
Thursday, reported that the revolution
SITS are again using steamers belonging
o an American corporation for the pur-
'ose Of bombarding towns on Lake
Nicaragua. The town Of San Jorge has
'een bombarded by the rebels operat-
ng these improvised gunboats. ZeIedon
as sent a force to attack Rivas, which
as also been bombarded by the rebels
rom the north. This town recently
Tas captured by the government troops
nd the federal commander there has
eported that he has succeeded In re-
ulsing this latest attack upon the town.
lie asserted that he defeated the rebels
1 the battle. during which both sides
'st heavily.