817.00/6031: Telegram
The Minister in Nicaragua (Eberhardt) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 11, 1928—9:15 p.m.]
American Electoral Mission information report number 1. Returns compiled by Professor Harold W. Dodds, Princeton (member American Electoral Mission), show approximately 145,000 Nicaraguans registered for Presidential election November 4th, or about 35,000 more than in election 1924. Complete figures probably available end current week.
Large increase this year considered due measures taken by marines, Nicaraguan National Guard, protect citizens from intimidation by their political opponents. Guard detachments were stationed key positions in towns and on patrol duty on roads leading to booths throughout registration period September 23rd to October 7th.
No cases intimidation, other disturbances reported at any of 352 precincts in Republic. Restrictions on sale liquor on registration days, as enforced by National Guard, were of greatest importance in averting riots, brawls, which have marred previous registrations. Complete peace [and] order, as result pacification and amnesty measures, prevailed throughout Nicaragua with exception small area in Jinotega Province where 11 peaceable Nicaraguans were murdered by two small bandit groups under circumstances great brutality. Though rumor has attributed these killings to political differences American Electoral Mission has received no direct evidence to confirm this. Jinotega is backward district in which there have been long-standing feuds between different families. Recent raids were at isolated points [Page 508] at some distance from nearest registration precincts; neither occurred on registration days.
Public sentiment appears bitter against groups responsible for outrages. Though majority victims were Liberals, President Diaz (who is also leader Conservative Party) has issued decree calling on all Nicaraguans regardless party to cooperate with marines, National Guard, in stamping out banditry. He has also authorized organization additional bodies Nicaraguan vigilantes for same purpose. Vigilantes have been operating in adjoining province Nueva Segovia and have been of assistance there in preserving order.
Although further bandit activities expected in Jinotega and vicinity before election day they are believed unlikely affect voting that province or others.
Comparatively few complaints made by either party during registration. Most challenges were on ground applicants for registration under legal age. In such cases birth certificates were required. There were also various attempts at double registration by members both parties which were checked by Nicaraguan watchers at booths.
Conduct 352 marine enlisted men who served as chairmen at precincts has been highly commended by members both political parties. These men underwent 3 months’ training at schools established each province before they were assigned to their precincts. Curriculum included intensive course in Spanish and in electoral regulations. Of 352 chairmen thus trained it has been necessary replace only 6. Each chairman was assisted in duties at precinct by 2 Nicaraguans selected by two political parties. Relations between American chairmen and Nicaraguan colleagues have been excellent in practically all cases and Nicaraguans have cooperated cordially, efficiently, with Americans.
In many precincts work of chairmen attended with great hardship. Some had to travel muleback for miles in rough and mountainous country and were also burdened with ballots, ballot boxes, other electoral supplies. In eastern half Nicaragua transportation almost entirely boat during present rainy season. Native canoes, dugouts utilized in that portion country for many personnel. One electoral party which was proceeding up river on raft lost all supplies at one of rapids and men had to swim ashore.
Some precincts entirely cut off by unfordable streams. Their only communication with Managua has been by means of signals to airplanes which dropped them supplies, mail. Contact by planes was maintained with all precincts. Civilian observers from Electoral Mission watched progress registration throughout period.
Health, morale, enlisted men on election duty has been excellent and judging from native and foreign comment and testimony Nicaraguan [Page 509] press their work seems to have been carried out thus far in thoroughly impartial satisfactory manner.
Owing to high illiteracy rate (reliably estimated at from 70 to 80 percent population) one feature Electoral Mission’s work has been to counteract false rumors which had gained credence among certain of more ignorant inhabitants in interior. In one district report that Americans ate children was widespread and an election supervisor had to spend some time in convincing people they had been misinformed. Decision to use harmless solution to mark hands voters on election day insisted upon by both parties as measure to prevent repeating has also given rise among Indian population to rumor that mission intends to poison anybody who votes. Steps have been taken to reassure voters on this point.
Both parties appear confident winning election and thus far have conducted strenuous but orderly campaign.