The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1895-04-29
A Peaceful Settlement Is Being
Arranged For
ENGLAND IS IN NO HURRY
Probability That Grace of Two Weeks
Will Be Allowed
Corinto is Under the British Flag Today But
the Republic VIII Be Given an Oppor-
tunity to Settle the natter

WASHINGTON, April 2s--The dis
patches received by the Associated Press
today from London and Costa Rica throw
additional light on the attitude of the
administration in regard to the Nicaragua
incident. 1t is evident that both the
United States and the Central American
republics were anxious to secure a peace
full settlement of the difficulty by the pay
ment of the indemnity demanded by
Great Britain for the expulsion OF pro-
Consul Hatch. President Yglesias of the
republic of Costa Rica. if the cable ad-
vices are correct, offered to contribute a
portion OF the money, while the state de-
partment here, through Ambassador Bay
ard at London, arranged for an extension
of two weeks in which the money could
be raised if Nicaragua agreed to settle on
this basis. 1t is not known exactly what
representations were made TO the state
department here by Nicaragua or Mica
ragua's representative to induce Secretary
Gresham to cable Mr.. Bayard these in
structons, but as the popular feeling in
Nicaragua was all against yielding, it is
believed that the government of Mica
ragua concluded out of Difference to it,
and possibly as a means of its own pres
ervation. to stand out in the hope OF
ultimately inducing, il possible, active
intervention of the United States. 1t is
said the state department has all along
advised Nicaragua that the expulsion Of
Consul Hatch was an offense that no self
respecting country could overlook and
prompt reparation was due Great Britain.
When hampton and Witbank, citizens of
the United States. were expelled from
Bl luefieds last July for alleged completely
in the conspiracy to defy Nicaragua au
thorities on the Mosquito coast, in which
it was said Consul Hatch was involved.
the sentiment in this country was strong
and the state departm eut took such steps
that hampton and Wtbank were not only
permitted to return, but they were re-
stor ed to all their rights and property and
public ball was gwen in their honor.
At that time it was believed that Mica
ragua would show the same willingness
to furnish redress to England that she did
to the United States. But by continued
delay matters were allowed to reach the
acute stage and Great Britain, in accord
ance with the terms of her ultimatum,
seized Corinto to enforce payment Of the
indemnity claimed to be due her. Much
interest is manifested in diplomatic cir
cles in the situation. Secretary Gresham
rode to Woodley this afternoon and had a
long consultation with the president. 1t
was thought that some statement would
be made, but upon his return the secre-
tafy declined to give out anything. The
fact that the United States has been Off
ciaily advised of the occupation of Corin-
to by the British is however, definitely
ascertaned. From recent Indications all
the correspondence in the case will be
held by the state departm ent until the
incident is closed.
The situation in Nicaragua, with the
British occupying Corinto and the port
declared closed by the Nicaraugan govern
ment, presents many poss ible com plica-
tions. From the best information obtain
able it seems almost certain that the ad-
minis tration will not attempt any inter
ference with the dispute between Nicara-
qua and Great Britain as long as the mat
ter confines itself to the collection of in
demnity. The United States has main
tanned in the past that the European
powers could, in their International deal
ings with South and Central America
countries. conduct their disputes in their
own way as long as they did not seek to
overthrow existing governments, set up
monarchies or protectorates or acquire
territory. Such was the substance of the
notice served by Secretary Seward on
France and Great Britain with regard to
Mexico in 1862.
If the occupancy OF Corinto fails in its
object and Great Britain should declare
war on Nicaragua, it is said the admins
tration will still decline to Interfere SO
long as the war is carried on. not for the
aggrandizement of Great Britain o. the
acquisition of territory, but for the sole
purpose of collecting the indemnity. To
go beyond that however. the adm inistra-
ton would consider violation of the
Monroe doctrine. also an express viola
ton of the Clayton Bulwer trearty, and
would not be tolerate d. 1t is pointed out
that the United States to interpose to
prevent England from carrying out the
present method of collecting the debt
would be equivalent to declaring virtual
protectorate over Nicaragua and would
commit this governmen to policy with
regard to the Central and South American
countries that would keep her involved
in endless broils with European powers.
1t would give these states the privilege
of resisting the just claims of other coun
tries and taking refuge behind the skirts
of the United States. In other words, all
diplomatic correspondence relative to
those states would practically be carried
on through Washington Besides, it
would greatly mDarrass this government
in the enforcement OF its own claims
against these countries. But it is not
believed in official circles that Nicaragua
will carry her resistance much further.
Public sentiment in \ icaragua, it is be-
lieved. has compelled President Zelaya to
make a show of resistance and to issue
his appeal to the world through the Asso-
ciated Press. But it is conf IDENTIFY be-
leved that, rather than suffer seizure
or bombardment. she will comply and
pay the indemnity. There is some differ
ence OF opinion here as to whether the
declaration of Nicaragua that Corinto
was a closed port will be recogniz ed.
1t is plainly in the power Of any country