Admiral Controls In Nicaragua War.

New York Times 100 years ago today, August 30, 1912:
Southerland Arrives with Reinforcements and Reports Americans Are Now Safe.
TO COMMAND FROM CORINTO
No Further Force Needed to Garrison Towns, He Says — Rebels Are Reported Planning New Attack.
Special to The New York Times.
    WASHINGTON, Aug. 29.— With the arrival at Corinto of. Rear Admiral W. H. H. Southerland on the California with rein-forcements of marines and bluejackets, and his prompt assumption of full control of the situation, President Taft's decision not to send troops to the troubled country seems to have full justification.
    Two dispatches were received to-day from the Rear Admiral. The first, dated yesterday afternoon, announced his arrival, and gave a general view of the situation. He expressed the opinion that no further force was necessary to garrison the towns where Americans needed protection. He said he had sent Commander Terhune with 500 men to open the railroad line to Managua. Everything was quiet at Leon and intermediate towns to the coast. The railroad and telegraph line had been maliciously damaged at many points, so that much work was needed to put it in order. He expressed the view that by keeping the railroad and telegraph line between Managua and Grenada permanently open the lives and property of Americans in the country would be safe.
    The California was sent on yesterday to Panama to bring 780 marines, who will land at Colon to-morrow from the Prairie, and they will reach Corinto in a few days. The second dispatch sent back by Admiral Southerland said that he had transferred his flag to the Annapolis and would remain at Corinto, where he was in full communication with Commander Terhune, who was on the way to Managua, repairing the railroad and telegraph line. The cruiser Denver has been stationed at San Juan del Sur to keep order there and protect the telegraph and cable station.
    Meanwhile the Tenth Infantry, which was originally ordered to Nicaragua, will be held in readiness at Panama to sail at a moment's notice.
    Reopening by the marines of rail and telegraphic communication between Managua and Corinto was followed by the receipt of several cablegrams in the State and Navy Departments from that hotbed of trouble.
    A report from Commander Terhune dated Aug. 26 shows that decisive measures were necessary for the American forces to make headway against the rebel leaders.
    A committee from the Liberals of Chinandega entered Corinto on the 20th bearing a flag of truce, and in the name of Francisco Baca ordered the local authorities to surrender the town within six hours. The Consul at Corinto reports that the local commandant refused to treat with this committee, stating that he had already turned over the military control of Corinto to the American forces. The committee returned the following day to treat with American officials, and they were informed that no armed force would be allowed to enter Corinto.
    On a neck of land running out past the boy about two miles from Corinto Terhune found a bridge, which commanded the entrance to the city.
    He tore up part of the bridge and planted two six-pounders on a car at the end. Since then not a Liberal has been seen in the vicinity.
    The latest report that had reached Commander Terhune was that Mena had again threatened to bombard Managua. If that programme is carried out Admiral Sutherland will use his forces to protect the city against attack. The defense of Managua is regarded as indispensable to the protection of Americans and American property interests.
    Commander Terhune reports that he passed through Leon on Aug. 28 with 200 marines and bluejackets, and, although the mob had quieted down, he had to use threats to clear the railroad for the advance of his men. He understands that most of the important towns. outside of Corinto, Managua and San Juan del Sur, is in possession of the rebels.
    It is said the wires between Corinto and Managua will be in operation within forty-eight hours, but it will require eighteen days to repair the railroad.