, 1894-09-08
NICARAGUA AND THE MOSQUITO
COAST.
IN. Y. Tribune

Washington. Ang. 26-Defnite informa-
ton concerning the Nicaraguau policy Ut the
Administration was obtained from an official
source to-day by II representative Of The
Tribune. For some time there has been much
speculation on the sabjeot, and recent advices
from Bluefelds, and the present mission to
London of General Modesto Barrios, the Nj
caraguan Special Commissioner, have aroused
fresh interest here. Briefly expressed. the
recognition Of the complete sovereignty of
Nicaragua in the Mosquito Reservation iE
the policy which has been agreed upon.
Neither Chief Clarence. nor his successors,
in any event, is regarded as having any
authority or rights separate from or
independent of National control, Nicara-
qua is considered the only treaty power i'll
the strip, and the sole source of government
there. With her all relations concerning
American interests in the reservation are To
be had, and Clarence and his advisers are to
be treated as purely local authorities, subor-
dinate to and under the constant restriction Of
Nicaragua in all matters.
For acts of omission or commission with
respect to Americans and their interests IN
the strip, Nicaragua is to be held responsible.
Contracts and concessions now i'll force with
Americans in the reservation are to bo upheld
and the National Government is expected to
respect the same and to take such steps rs
NAV be necessary to their maintenance. 10
the greatest extent consistent with inter
national courtesy Nicaragua is to be urged
to sanction by law or proclamation the free
dom of religion which now obtains IN the
reservation. An effort will also be made to
induce Nicaragua to give a guarantee
that no excessive or unusual taxes will be
levied.
Relative to the grants and concessions now
hold by Americans In the reservation, Nj
caragua has been informed that this country
regards them as binding on the National
Government. They are considered in each
instance as a contract, so to speak, voldable,
but not void, under the new arrangement.
They are to be kept in force, except when, hy
mutual agreement, they become no longer
operative. Whenever for any reason, q con-
cession is withdrawn by Nicaragua without
the consent of the party holding the grant, q
suitable indemnity il to be provided. On
this point the Administration is said to be
firm, and should cases arise where ~injuttice
is done to Americans on the reservation,
vigorous demands are to be made upon Nj
caragua to right the wrong. More or less
trouble is expected to arise in the attempt to
keep existing concessions in force, but IN
time, after this country has shown some do
cision in the matter, it Is thought by the
Administration that Nicaragua will apprecl-
ate the fact that the grants are mutually ad-
vantageous to herself and those holding
them. AS a return for the recognition accord
ed her sovereignty in the strip it is expected
that she will exhibit more or less gener-
Osity in all cases that may come up for special
action.
Respecting religious freedom, representa-
tons are to be made to Nicaragua that the
utmost federation is expected. No steps are
TO be taken which could be construed as u
demand or a threat, but an attempt will be
made to show Nicaragua that IiberalIty Will
be conducive to her own good and the con-
tenlment of foreigners residing in her teri
tory. AS in the case of the concessions
in force the poiAt hat freedom in religious
observances is pant of TIE existing agree
ment with Americans OH the reservation Is to
be urged.
The Administration is counting on Eng
lands assent to the new programme. 1t has