Evening star., 1948-02-12
Costa Rica Nips
Beaten Parties
Revolt Attempt
Defeated Candidates S
Bockers Thworted in
Plot to Install Him
BY the Associated Press

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, Feb. IL.
Troops and police nipped to-
day a plot to overthrow Costa
Rica's government and install
former President Rafael Cal
deron Guardia.
The attempted coup began with
violence last night over Sundays
presidential elections. A policeman
was killed and several persons were
wounded in shooting which con-
tinued into the early morning.
Gangs raced through the streets
They wore the blue, yellow and red
armbands of the Republican, Ma
cional and the red armbands of the
Vanguardia Popular (Communist)
Party, both supporters of Mr.. Cald-
erOn.
Calderon Comedies Defeat.
Mr.. Calderon trails by 10000 votes
in Sundays election and has con-
ceded the victory of publisher Otilio
Ulate Blanco of the Union Nacional
Party. Final returns will not be
announced before February Is
However, Mr.. Calderon has charged
fraud. Mr.. Ulate said yesterday
he learned the Communists and
some army men planned coup,
but outgoing President Teodoro
Picado Michalski said he was con-
fdent such a move could be repelled
A government source said the
coup was plotted by the Commun-
lists, and that the Republican, Ma
cional was not involved. He said
the first step was vain attempt
to seize barracks. He added il
probably failed because the plotters
struck too soon.
Defense Minister Rene Picado
brother of the retiring president
agreed yesterday to support Mr.
Ulate.
Business Area Patrolled.
Shots rang out frequently in the
capital this morning. Half tracks
loaded with soldiers raced through
the streets with sirens screaming
Mobile troops patrolled the business
district. The presidential guard said
machinegun fire broke out within
the Bella Vista police and army
barracks and that then the firing
became general throughout the
business district. People ducked
into doorways or dropped to the
sidewalks.
A short time after the shooting
started, the opposition party's radio
station broadcast an appeal fol
help, saying Calderonistas were be-
sieging thu station. Later the threat
apparently was removed.
Informed quarters said it was en-
tirely possible another attempt at q
coup will be made. President Plea
do said the government was pre-
pared to repulse any new attempt.
5000 Persons Assembled.
A crowd of about 5000 assembled
here last night in apparent show o1
strength by the Republican, Mac
ional Party. 1t appeared peaceable
although some members carried
clubs. Later shooting broke out and
from then on the demonstration
became a riot.
A policeman was shot to death
and civilians were wounded as the
firing continued. Nobody seemed
sure who started the shooting
Some members of the Republi.
cano Nacional Party ran through
the streets shouting "Victory!"
Police leaned from windows of a
government building, their rifles
ready. Machinegun fire cracked
near the headquarters of the Com
munist Party.
Ulatistas Are Blamed.
One officer of the presidential
guard accused the Ulatistas of be-
ginning the shooting.
Ambulances sped through the
streets taking wounded to the gen.
eral hospital. Half-track units
moved into the streets and infantry
troops began patrolling.