Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-04-05
DR.. SACASA THANKS
AMERICA FOR AID
Nicaraguan Minister Tells
Radio Audience Managua
Will Be Rebuilt.

Apprecia ion for the aid extended Il
the residents of Managua by the United
States since last weeks disastrous earth
quake was voiced last night by DR.. Juan
B. Sacasa the Nicaraguan Minister, In
talk over a coaSt-to-coast hook-up OF
the Columbia Broadcasting System
His address was heard locally over Sta
ton WMAL.
"At a moment like this, when my
heart is so moved by the tragedy that
has stricken my country" the minister
said. and when as yet the full extent
of that tragedy cannot be realized, It is
difficult for me to do more than in spirit
grasp the friendly hands held out In
sympathy to my people and try to con-
vey as best l can the gratitude I feel
for the numberleSs expressions OF con-
dolence that are pouring in from all
over the world and for the immediate
and efficient help that every one, and
particularly you of the American Ma
ton. have given to my unhappy coun-
try"
Acknowledges Quick Relief.
Dr. Sacasa said first news Of the
disaster was received in Washington by
tire Associated Press and that within
two hours President Hoover had instl-
tuted relief measures.
The Minister asserted his countrymen
"will find in the accumulation of trials
that have overwhelmed them only a
challenge to higher achievements and
new incentives to courage and forth
tude" He added he was convinced a
new and greater city would be built on
the ashes of ManaSua.
II know also" he said. that we can
continue to count on the cooperation
of the United States and other coun-
tries of the world in confronting the
terrific problems of rehabilitation that
lie before us.
DIR. Sacasa said he had received a
radio message from President Moncada
of Nicaragua asking him to express the
Chief Executives personal appreciation
for all that had been done Tor the
nation.
Gives Account of Quake.
DR.. sacasa gave a graphic account OF
the quake.
Now picture to yourselves" he said,
"this busy and industrious town, lying
in the morning sunshine beside smil-
ing lake, the streets filled with people
going to and from the market and on
their daily affairs, and then picture
these same sunny streets and comfort
able houses transformed within few
moments into crumbling ruins, burylng
"As If the merciless forces Of nature
were not vet content, on the heels OF
the first terrific shock OF the earth
quake houses burst into flames and the
market, filled but few minutes before
with hordes of bargaining men ana
women. whose bodies now lay pinned
beneath mounds of tile and plaster,
blazed up, and the fire, whipped by
fresh breeze, spread in all directions.
Telegraph, telephone and electric
wires were down, railroad tracks torn
up end the only means of commune
cation with the outside world has been
by radio and airplane. At the f1rst
shock the water mains broke and flood
ed the city, making the use of water
in fighting the flames impossible, and
the distracted citizens saw the fire
sweep over their homes and had only
their bare hands to combat the pitiless
onslaught. Alone. above all the ruins,
towers today only the gaunt steel frame
work Of the half finished cathedral, a
memorial to the past dead city and a
symbol of hope for its rebuilding"