817.00/6061: Telegram
The Minister in Nicaragua (Eberhardt) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4 p.m.]
American electoral information report number 3. Complete order, heavy early vote throughout Nicaragua, reported noon today by American electoral supervisors, marine aviation unit, and by Nicaraguan Government officials. Polls opened 7 this morning with [Page 514] crowds from 100 to 300 waiting precincts Managua [and?] elsewhere. Telegrams to Diaz from all department Governors state voting free, impartial; great enthusiasm shown all parts country.
Although polls close 5 today they be kept open longer if voters still waiting in line at closing hour. Indications are, however, voting be completed most precincts early this afternoon. In Managua up to 10 o’clock this morning average rate more than 1 vote a minute.
Final air reconnaissance made yesterday by 12 planes which flew over every one of 432 voting places Nicaragua. Major L. M. Bourne, Chief Aviation, personally inspected northern area. He reports large crowds voters dressed gala attire moving over trails to precincts. In many towns 200 to 300 voters arrived yesterday afternoon, spent night there in order vote early today. 12 planes repeating flight today and will cover same territory tomorrow to insure that American precinct chairmen reach department capitals without interference. Chairmen will carry ballots from precincts to department capitals for recount. Though no trouble anticipated, men will be accompanied by guards and planes contact with them in isolated districts.
Heavy vote indicated Jinotega, Esteli, Segovia is considered proof banditry been practically ended by marine pacification program which has given peaceable citizens complete confidence in measures taken by marines prevent intimidation of voters.
Chemical stain used to mark finger each voter in order prevent repeating appears to be working with fair success.57 Several voters have been able wash it off with other chemicals but sufficient amount remains under finger nail to identify man who has already voted. Stain adopted National Election Board after consultation with Chemical Warfare Service, Washington, as best available for purpose. Its use demonstrates [it] can be removed from smooth surface but it is sufficiently effective block repeating in all but few cases. Mission is confident that owing to this, other precautions, no widespread repeating possible.
President Diaz set example all voters this morning by dipping fingers in solution before he cast ballot. General Moncada, Adolfo Benard, Liberal, Conservative candidates, and all high officials Nicaraguan Government did likewise before voting. Their example commented on by many humbler people Managua as new era in elections showing all citizens on par for first time.
In statement to local newspapers McCoy said Mission deeply grateful to Diaz for his fine cooperation in making election free, [Page 515] impartial. “President Diaz has acted not as party leader, [but] as President Nicaraguan people,” McCoy said, “and has done everything in his power insure fairness without regard to interests either party.”
Fullest local publicity for election returns as received by telegraph has been ordered by Mission. At same time warning been given through press and by letters to leading members both parties that no official announcement result can be made until all votes canvassed by department boards. Owing to travel difficulties many departments, this canvass cannot be completed for several days after election or until all precinct chairmen reach department capitals.
Only case disorder reported thus far is death of a steer which ran amuck in Dario and was shot by marine. Steer’s owner held barbecue of remains for members his party.
- In telegram No. 383, Nov. 10, 10 a.m., the Minister in Nicaragua informed the Department that the “stain used was mercurochrome 5 percent.” (File No. 817.00/6079.)↩