New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-08-03
US. WATCHES NICARAGUA.
Sends Warship to BIuefieIds as
Precautionary Measure.
POOR CROPS A BIG FACTOR
News That General Mena Is
President Diaz's Prisoner
Confirmed in Panama.
From The Tribune Bureau


Washington. Aug. 2.-As a precaution-
day directed that the Navy Department
send the cruiser Tacoma to Bluefelds. on
the east coast of Nicaragua. to protect
American interests in the event that the
revolution instigated by General Mena.
the former Minister of War and Navy.
may assume dangerous proportions.
Thus far the officials Of the State De-
partment have been inclined 10 look upon
the uprising In Managua with little alarm,
believing President Diaz will show him.
self master of the situation. The order
directing naval protection is regarded as
an indication that te department is not
inclined to take any chances and wishes
to be prepared for any crisis that may
arise. The Tacoma is now In Guantana-
mo Bay, about a two-day cruise from.
Bluefields, but will sail at once. orders
having been issued to that effect this af-
ternoon.
Messages to the State Department to-
day from Port Limon, Costa Rica. state
that the followers Of former President
Zelaya are preparing 10 join the revolu-
ticnists now organizing IN the Central
American republic. and that many Zelaya
supporters are now hurrying TO Near
aqua. This fact caused additional con-
Germ TO the officials of the state Depart
ment and was probably a factor in the
determination to send a warship TO the
east coast.
Captain Warren J. Terhune OF the gun
boat Annapolis. who sent the first news
OF the Nicaraguan revolution to Wash
ington. arrived at Corinto. on the west
coast today and IL making detailed in
vestigation of conditions. A further re-
port is expected. From Corinto the An
rapolis VIII return to san Juan Del Sur.
Poor crops and paralysis of business.
which administration officials here as
cribe to the failure OF the American Sen
ate TO approve the pending treaty TO re-
habilitate the finances OF Nicaragua, are
declared 10 be powerful factors IN
strengthening the revolt against Presi-
dent Diaz
Panama. Aug. manuel E Velasquez,
TIE Nicaraguan Minister here. is unable
TO communicate with his government
owing to the wires connecting with Ma
nagua being cut. Senior Velasquez in tire
course OF conversation to-day said ne
feared great and unnecessary bloOdsheJ
would result unless the sentiment OF pa
triotism sh Jud predominant In Near
aqua. He expressed the hope that the
good and friendly advice OF the United
States might stop the bloodshed and re-
store peace and concord to the Near
aguans.
Confirmation has been received here Of
the news from Nicaragua that President
Adolfo Diaz had dismissed and lnpris-
oned General Luis Mena from his Office
as Minister OF War and that General
Menas son. the military commander OF
Granada, with his brothers and partisans
is in control Of Granada. Nandaime and
Masaya, at which points General Mena
has stored big quantities OF munitions OF
war.
Is liz also confirmed that the friends of
General Mena control tho lake steamers
and, in unison with the Liberals who
supported ex-Presldent Zelaya, attacked
Managua. which was defended by Emili-
ano Chamorro commander In chic, OF
the government forces.
Sehor VelasqueZ says there is danger
Of famine in Nicaragua because OF the
scarcity OF -four. corn and beans. due t.
the long drouth.