The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1894-03-28

Two differences may possibly be drawn
from the visit to this country OF Mr.. Il. d.
SEAT, the United States Consul Mt Blue
fields. One Is that affairs on the Mosquito
Coast are Just now quiet enough to Justify
his absence; the other that he has infor-
nation deemed sufficiently important for
him to give 1t personally in Washington.
II seems to be admitted that the British
have withdrawn from Bluefields; and II
the Nicaraguans are now in power again
there. that would imply the failure OF
the hopes Of the local ruler. whom at first
the English we're supposed to be inclined TO
help. However. the assurances given to
Mr.. BAYARD by the British Foreign Office.
that no attempt had been made or would be
made by Great Britain to establish pro-
tectorate in the Mosquito Territory,
must be accepted as decisive on
that point But the real question
has now become. not whether Capt.
HOWE made any compact with the
Mosquito King. but whether he made one
with LAcAYo. the Nicaraguan Commits
sloner. The first report was that LAoAYo
and all the Nicaraguan troops had left Blue
fields; but Mr.. SEATS information is. on the
contrary. that Nlcaraguan occupation was
to follow the withdrawal OF the British, in
which case that occupation may by this
time have been accomplished.
The British explanation OF the landing
OF marines from the Cleopatra Is that IL
was done for the protection OF the foreign
residents and at their request. Mr.. SEATS
account, too, shows that, after the Kear-
sarge was wrecked. the Cleopatra pro-
ceeded to Bluefields, and Capt. HOWE, on
finding that trouble existed through the
presence OF the Nicaraguan troops. held
interviews with LAcAYo and put force OF
men first on the bluffs and then in the town
itself. The American residents. according
to Mr.. SEAT did not ask for the British
marines. but unquestionably were glad to
have them there. as they removed the ap-
prehension of serious riot.
curious rumor Is rife that the arrange
ment made between Capt. HOWE and Com
missioner LACAYo was that tho latter
should be allowed to have his own way
ut Blueheds and that the British
should receive Corn Island from Nicara-
qua. The Corn Islands, for there are
two OF them. lie south OF Blueflelds,
about sixty miles from Greytown. the
Atlantic end Of the canal. The best infor-
nation is that neither OF the islands has a
harbor. but that there Is sheltered deep-sea
anchorage adjacent. which might make the
larger Of them Of value as a station; and its
possibilities have been under consideration
by our own Government.
Yet 1t is almost incredible that Nicaragua |
has given the islands up to the British. In |
consideration OF non-intervention at Blue |
fields. In 30 doing. she would give up |
for nothing. Great Britain has |
no political rights on the Mosquito Coast.
and the landing OF troops to protect the
property OF foreign residents gave her no
claim to continued occupation which Mica
ragua needed to buy Off.
The doubtful condition OF affairs at Blue
fields makes it all the more desirable that
an American war vessel should visit thai
port. Consul BRAIDA Of Greytown doubt
less has charge Of American interests there
during Mr.. SEATS absence. but the pres.
ence OF Admiral BENHAM and the San
will be welcome.