Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-04-27
The Nicaraauan Question.

Unless delay has been granted or $40,
600 has been paid British Il oops are now
occupying Corinto, on the Pacific coast OF
Nicaragua, and at the lannon's mouth
England is demanding indemnity for the
arrest and detention of Minister Hatch last
year during the trouble upon the Mosquito
reservation. If delay has been conceded
| ii is difficult to see wherein this will
change the situation unless it may soften
Nicaragua attitude. Whatever this little
weaklng Of a government might do
would be Eof little consequence unless in
some way it should entangle the United
States Furthermore this administration
seems determined to keep out Of the diff
Guilty whatever may happen, whether to
our advantage or disadvantage, our credit
or discredit.
Corlnto is practically the only port
through which Nicaragua has commerce
with foreign countries. Last year one
half Of Corinto's trade was with San
TdHClSCD UC bOutii OL iiSi
exports last year was 5000 900. With
Corinto in her possession England can
collect the indemnity from the customs
duties, as there is no port through which
trade would be DETECTED. There is nothing
to disturb her possession for it is very evil
dc mt that the administration will not in
terfere unless England assumes to take
some portion of Nicaragua territory, even
if it does then. And in this connection
it is interesting to note that whenever
English troops occupy the soil Of desirable
territory it is almost impossible for them
to retire. Surrendering occupancy isn't
in line with British policy.
The question naturally arises what is
England purpose behind the contention:
1t is well known that John Bull has ever
prided himself on protecting England S
humblest citizens in every country other
than that over which the Queens domin-
ion extends. 1t is also well known that
he has ever made it a practice to bully the
weak and resort to diplomacy with the
matter to arbitration was in one light a
bit of good diplomacy But it was mani
fcstly fair proposition. There is good
reason to believe that Minister Hatch may
have had hand in arousing the opposition
of Chief Clarence of the Mosquito reserva-
ton to the troops of Nicaragua. The
chief was merely England's tool and is
now a pensioncr upon that government.
IL is not clear that the Nicara guam govern
ment was unjust if not diplomatic in
arrestiug Minister Hatch. 1t was an I'M
wise act unless imperatiycly demanded
but certainly is one that England in time
of war would not have hesitated to do and
is one that England, especially in view of
tn weakness of the Nicaraguan govern
ment, might with propriety submit to
arbitration. England's readiness to seize
the port of Corinto would indicate that
she has Interior motives. This claim col
lected there are others to follow. AL
though damages for the injuries which
may have been inflicted upon other Brit
| a commission it is a foregone conclusion
that England will be in Il situation to
have damages found and in possession of
Corinto will be in II situation to collect
those damages. 1t may well be questioned
If England once in possession will hurry
about the collection OF the damages. We
cannot avoid the belief that what Eng
land desires in Nicaragua is not so much
the amount of the damages as it is pos
session. The question of maintaining her
honor does not enter the controversy for
the offer made by Nicaragua afforded
ample opportunity to have satisfied that.
The whole matter is one upon which the
United States may well look with concern
and so far this administration has given
evidences of its Inherent weakness
wherever a vigorous foreign policy is
needed. One thing is certain England
should not be allowed possession of any
Nicaraguan territory under pretcxt of de-
lay. Another feature of the affair is that
the Clayton Bulwer treaty has been in
principle if not technically violated again
by England and the present adminstra-
| ton should have no hesitancy in disre-
garding it.
Ex-senator Edmunds on Silver.