Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-03-31
QUAKE WIPES OUT
CITY OF MANAGUA
Communications With Capital
of Nicaragua Cut-U. S.
Sends Relief.
Continued From First pagel

Continued From First Page)
having completed its air maneuvers in
the Caribbean Sea. was divided between
Guantanamo, Cuba and Haiti.
The Army has an engineering detach-
ment in Nicaragua, engaged in survey
ing q proposed canal across that coun-
try. This consists of one battalion
which is equipped with a field WIRE
less outfit. The War Department early
this afternoon had been unable to COM
municate with 1t.
Brown Stationed Near.
Army officials said if necessary Mai.
Gen. Preston Brown, commanding the
Panama Canal Department, would be
authorized to take any measures he
might see At to assist in the stricken
area.
A large group of airplanes is avail
able at France Field, Canal Zone, to
fly medical or other supplies to the
area.
The airline distance from the field to
Managua is about $50 miles.
The Engineers battalion has a base
Of supplies at Corinto, near Managua,
on the Pacific Coast.
The Engineers contingent includes
sections of the 18th Engineers from
Panama, a headquarters and service
platoon and one company Of the 2oth
Engineers and a company of the 1st
Engineers. The battalion is under the
command of Col. Daniel I. Sultan.
Shock Registered Here.
ssismographs at Georgetown Uni
versity Observatory disclosed an earth
quake, undoubtedly that which caused
thd disaster at Managua, started at
1i:S7:55 Am. Maximum intensity was
recorded at 11:19 am. The shocks still
were continuing at 1l:45 am.
The Associated Press at Mexico City
was advised ttSiay that the Pan-AneT-
lean Anyways have suspended all other
on getting into communications with
Managua to learn the extent Of the
earthquake disaster.
Dispatch Naval Vessels.
The Navy Department today ordered
four naval vessels, including one Of the
big aircraft carriers, to start at once for
Nicaraguan waters ID extend aid to
Managua. a.
Arthur L. willard, commander of the
scouting fleet, to SEND either the Lex
ington or the Saratoga, now at Guam
tanarno, Cuba, to Puerto Cabezas, on
the Atlantic coast of Nicaragua.
Airplanes from the carrier could f1y
from there to the earthquake zone.
The hospital ship Relief, now accom-
panying the Battle Fleet north from
Panama en- route to San Pedro, Calf,
was ordered to turn back to Corinto,
the seaport of ManaguG. It was unofh-
cially estimated that the Relief was
two and a half to three days steaming
from Corinto.
Rear Admiral Arthur st. Clair Smith,
commanding the special service squad
ron in Central American waters, was
ordered to dispatch one ship imme-
diately to Corinto, where It would serve
to establish radio communication be-
tween the stricken area and the out
side. Admiral Smith was instructed to
begin loading q second vessel at once
with food and relief supplies prepara-
tory to her dispatch to Corinto.
From the naval flying base at Coco
Cold, Canal Zone. the Navy Depart
meIit ordered one large 6ikorsky am
phib1an plane to fly to Managua.
Second Largest City.
Managua Is the capital Of Nicaragua
and has q population Of about $4,000.
It is located on Lake Managua, 81 miles
from the port Of Corinto and SO miles
from Granada. It Is an important
commercial center and the second
largest city In the republic.
The houses are mostly one story,
rooted with red tiles and enjoying inner
gardens Of patios. Among the principal
buildings are the cathedral, the ma
tional palace, ancient structures Of red
sandstone, and the presidential palace, 8
recent handsome addition.
United States Marines have occupied
10 81 - 1Na
edge of the city, almost continuously
since 1912, but were recently ordered
withdrawn.
Capital Since 1855.
The city is located on the Pacific
Railway. It's importance dates from
1855 when it was chosen as the capital
Of the province as the result Of con-
tinuous rivalry between the older
cities Of Leon and Granada.
It Is an important distributing point
for points on or near the east shore
of Lake Managua and Matagalpa. A
number Of important wholesale firms
have Qfices there as well as retail
houses, both native and foreign. There
are many American residents Of the
city.
1880 Marines There.
approximately 1900 marines are sta
toned in Nicaragua. On March z, Rear
Admiral Arthur ST. c. Smith. COM
mander Of the United States forces in
Central America, was ordered by the
Navy Department TO begin gradual
withdrawal of his forces
The plan was to move 500 marines
out by June / and the remainder by
January /. 1888, after the Inauguration
OF the new NicaTaguan government
Part Of the detachment was Quartered
In rebel areas in the interior and part
in Managua and other central points.
The revolutionary activities of Au-
gustino SANDING led to the dispatching
Of United States forces TO his native
land. The troops were Withdrawn for
a short time. but were sent back in 1927
when disorders against the government
again broke out.
EnIIH nnEna annaaaHEH