IN CENTRAL AMERICA.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 464, 11 May 1912, Page 7

IN CENTRAL AMERICA.

Zelaya, the extraordinary man who for sixteen years retained the presidency of Nicaragua, only to lose if Dccause he went too far in offending the Government of the United States has all the "temperament" of the Latin race. Brave and ambitious, he was never satisfied unless he performed his coups d'etat in the most dramatic fashion possible. This story the New York "Sun" tells o! him :

His spies once brought him information that a revolution was being planned by several of his army officers. They were to meet on a certain evening at the house of one oi che conspirators to arrange the final details.

While they were eagerly discussing the best way to seize the President, the door opened and in walked Ze laya himself. "Good evening, gentlemen !" hj( said pleasantly. "I heard you had a party here this evening, and I have dropped in to share the fun. Quit( a distinguished gathering ! You art discussing military matters, nc doubt !"

He went on chatting affably foi half an hour, while his enemies were torn with fear and suspense. Did he know of their plot ? Most of them thought he did, and wondered il it were not better to put a bullet into him at once. . But he was sc

cordial, so thoroughly at ease, that they hesitated.

Presently he rose, poured out some wine, and raised his glass. "A toast, gentlemen," he said. "Here's long life to the President ol Nicaragua and confusion to all traitors !"

As he spoke he hurled the glass against the window, where it smashed in pieces with a crash. The dooi flew open, and thirty or forty soldiers, who had bean waiting outsid* for the signal, rushed in. All the plotters were convicted, but the President dealt leniently with them. Some were imprisoned and som« exiled, but none were shot.