The New York herald., 1873-12-30
CENTRAL AMERICA.
Solitical Complications Tending to an Inter-
State and Executive Muddle.
The Project Of Peace Conference Violated and
War Situation Initiated-Diplomatic In
volutions, with Actual Causes Terribly
Complicated : Presidential Pipe Lay
ing-Battle and Loss Of Life.
PANAMA, Dec. 21, 1878.

PANAMA, Dec. 21, 1878.
The muddle in Central American politics con-
tinues II even the confusion previously existing is
not getting worse conlounded.
Mr.. Williamson, the United States Minister to
Central America, and Mr.. Corbett, the British
Charge d'Anaires, recently left Guatemala and
paid visit to Costa Rica, where they arranged
with Senior Guardia the President or the latter Re-
public, for peace conference to take place in
February, at which representatives OF the five Re-
publics would be present, and measures should be
adopted looking TO settlement OF all boundary
and other questions likely TO cause disturbance
between the different States. Hardly, however,
has the ink dried in which this peaceable intention
was proclaimed, when the sound OF strife is again
heard, and the conflict has been OF such character
that, taken in connection with previous prepara-
tions It is more than probable the long expected
general outbreak will occur.
REVIEW OF THE EXISTING SITUATION.
To attempt to keep track OF the doublings and
turnings OF Central American politics and polit-
clans is extremely dfncult. Still, win attempt to
describe what has now happened. The defeat OF
the steamship General Sherman flibustering expe-
diti0n by Honduras, with the assistance of troops
from San Salvador and Guatemala, had apparently
killed all interior opposition 30 the government Of
the aforementioned State; but 1t appears that
there existed some latent public feeling against
the administration OF President Arias, as well
want OF entire conf dence on the part OF his two
allies that he was treating them fairly and above
board. Gradually these two sentiments have caused
ac0mbination on the part oil numerous HondurenoS
with the allied governments, and Sehor Ponciano
Leiva has declared himself President, and with
the assistance OF Guatemallan and SalVadorian
troops, he is now
FIGHTING HIS WAY INTO THE PRESIDENCY.
On the 18th President Gonzalez, of Salvador,
crossed with about 400 men, four Gatling guns and
several small Krupps, from the Salvadorian port OF
La Union over to the Hondurian island OF Amapaa,
situated about IL miles from the latter, and at
tackled the forces OF General Arias which were
there. They did not number over 200 men, but
they had built breastworks, and with the aid OF
cannon, were able to keep on the attacking party
for about two hours.
over go men were killed and wounded In the
fight, which was terminated by the capture OF 70
HOndurian prlsoners-the rest having dispersed
and the occupation of the place by the Sayadorians
Some sacking is said TO have occurred, MIR. Denis,
Colombian, being among the sufferers.
TIE MARCH TOWARDS NICARAGUA AND IT'S AIM.
coast the two Revolutionary leaders. Medina and
TfnOco who had started originally with the inten-
tion OF assisting revolution IN Nicaragua changed
their minds, and. marching to the city OF Tegu-
cigalpa, declared in favor of Senior Leiva as Pres
fdent Of Honduras They subsequently joined their
forces with an expeditionary force OF 1000 men
from Salvador, and at latest accounts were march
ing on the capital Comayagua. 1t Is more than
probable that ere now Leiva has been installed as
President. The result of the combined action OF
Guatemala and Salvador against the government
OF Honduras, without consultation with their ally,
Nicaragua, caused the government OF the latter,
on receiving information, to Immediately retire
the troops they had in Honduras to prevent the
spread, as 1t was supposed, OF the revolution
against Arfas. Minister was also despatched to
Salvador and Guatemala to attempt to arrange the
difnculty threatened by these complications 1t
may be that II Leiva becomes President of Hon.
duras, as he will merely be the instrument OF Guat
emala and Salvador, he will receive such armed
sistance from them as will enable him to hold his
position.
TURNABOUT IN THE PRESIDENTIAL CHAIR.
The promise OF General Guardia to abstain from
all acts tending to war may not be able to stand
the pressure brought to bear by a knowledge OF
what Is occurring In the other republics. He had
already announced his intention OF going to the
front, and with That object in view had resigned in
iavOr Of the Vice President, Senor Salvador Con-
Ealez. Five days after the latter gentleman took
once General Guard1a returned to the capital and
unceremoniousy turned his successor out OF Office
and took charge again. Senior Gonzalez was con-
sequently compelled, for the benefit OF his health,
to take a trip and is now in Panama. On resum-
ing 0ffice, President Guardia captured some three
or four leading men and sent them to an out Of
the way town named Colo Dulce. The prisoners
were carried by on board the now notorious
Montijo, which had gone to Punta Arenas to be sold
to the Costa Rican government.
WHAT MAY HAPPEN.
There is strong anti-war feeling in Costa Rica,
and If Guarda persists in attempting 10 carry out
any OF his belcose ideas he WILL in all probability,
be f0rciDly elected from the Presidency.