817.00/2674: Telegram
The Minister in Nicaragua ( Jefferson ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:50 p.m.]
33. Yesterday afternoon at 4 o’clock the registration closed. It is said that on account of physical impossibility, quite a large number failed to register. As regards the unregistered near the places of registry in Managua the registration officials announced them all entitled to registration and that they would receive registration tickets. It appears that Managua (Managuans?] were dissatisfied on account of the delay and came in a body to the Legation to make protest. However it appears that orders were given by police authorities subject to [in charge of?] precinct of Antonio to block the streets and prevent the unregistered leaving without their registration tickets. This action by the police created dissatisfaction and great excitement amongst the people. Many attempted to leave but were stopped by the police, a row followed, the police first fired in the air and later killed one man on horseback who was trying to get away. One policeman was killed and several citizens were injured. The shooting seemingly was all done by the police. This created excitement in the city and has caused high feeling.
Representatives of both factions came to me to present their respective sides of the question, am endeavoring to obtain facts. It would seem that the police acted indiscreetly in holding back the people.
The Government authorities have caused the arrest and imprisonment of four of the principal Liberals and twenty others. It is claimed by the Government officials that the Liberals had been instigating [Page 297] their people to bring about trouble during the registration days.
Have not any authentic reports regarding registration in other places.