Evening star., 1928-04-24
MARINES BLOCKED
BY SANDING COUP
Capture of Mines in InaCCesS-
ibIe Region Calls for Tortu-
GUS Advance by Canoe.

by the Associated Press.
MANAGUA. Nicaragua. April "a
American Marines faced a hazardous
and difficult task today in wrestling from
rebel Gen. Augustine Sandino two
American gold mines he was believed
to have seized with their stats. Fear
was expressed for the safety of the cap
tured men.
w. j. Champion, customs collector at
Puerto Cabezas, on the northeast coast,
reported two mines near the headquar-
ters of the Pts Pts River had been rob-
bed by rebels.
While neither Marine headquarters
nor the American legation received
further information, 1t was believed
that the La Lug y Los Angeles and
Bonanza we're the mines seized. This
belief was strengthened by word of the
capture from New York saying three
Americans, an Englishman and a Nor
wegian we're prisoners.
Seeking Supplies.
Recent advices here. after Sandlno
captured the town of Sangsang on the
Coco River. said he was working toward
the Pts Pts River region In order TO
obtain food. supplies, ammunition and
dynamite. Sandino Is familiar with the
region. having gone to Puerto CabeZas
10 assist DR.. Juan b. SacaSa In his revolt
last year.
With the rainy season beginning and
making troop movements difficult. II Is
almost impossible to reach the Pts Pts
section from the interior. There are
no roads and the trails have become
almost impossible. II viii be necessary
to send Marines up the Prinzapolka
River in small Indian canoes known
as pitpans, the only craft that can as
cend the dangerous rapids Of the stream.
Where the river becomes impossible.
they will have to make an overland
march Of two or three days to the min
ing region. which Is about $50 miles in
land from Prinzapolka. on the east
coast. This march viii be hazardous
trip through tropical jungle.
II Is believed that additional Marines
must be sent 10 the east coast either
from the United States or from the in
terror or Nicaragua, since 5andino has
moved TO a new and undeveloped coun-
try which Is almost inaccessible.
One Of Richest Mines.
The La Luz y Los Angeles mine has
been worked for more than 20 years and
is considered one OF the richest In Mica
ragua. President Diaz, who worked In
the ONCE of the mine about 20 years
ago, said II was one OF the best In the
eastern section.
Most Nicaraguan mines were closed
down during the last three years be-
cause Of the revolution and poor trans
portation. La Luz and the Bonzana
mine continued however
Sandino destroyed the San Albino
mine belonging 10 Charles Buffers Of
San Francisco last June after extracting
and seiZing what gold he could. All
mine material OF any value was either
carried away or destroyed Sandino Is
regarded as fair mechanic having
worked In mines In Honduras and
Mexico.
Should the rebel leader destroy these
two American mines as he did the one
last June, II will be a great economic
loss TO the country. since few Mica
fnguan mines are working at a profit
Those held prisoner by Sandino, as
Identified by ID. Watson Fletcher of
New York, one Of the owners of the
La Luz Mine. are, Harry r. Amphlett,
British superintendent. George II.
Marshall Of New York, assistant SUI
perintendent: L.. II. Mulberry OF Woods
vile. N, H.. Roy Bnrley. also an Amer
lean, and Peter Peterson. a Norwegian,
whose sister lives In Brooklyn,
Phones Kellogg.
Mr.. Fletcher said that as soon as he
learned Of the seizure lac talked 10 Sec
retary Kellogg by telephone from New
York and was assured that everything
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