The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-29
Offers of Assistance From
Neighboring Republics Are
Not Accepted.
NICARAGUA MAY YET COMPLY.
Minister Guzman Has No Informal
ton Beyond the Fact That the
Port Is Closed.

Costa Rica throw additional light on the
attitude of the administration in regard to
the Nicaraguan incident. 1t is evident
that both the United States and the Cen
trail American Republics were anxious to
secure a peaceful settlement of the diff
Guilty by the payment of the indemnity
demanded by Great Britain for the expul-
sion of Pro-Consul Hatch.
President Yglesias of the Republic of
Costa Rica, if the cable advices are correct,
offered to contribute a portion of the
money, while the State Department here,
through Ambassador Bay ard at London,
arranged for an extension of two weeks in
which the money could be raised if Mic
aragua would agree to settle on this basis.
1t is not known exactly what representa-
tons were made to the State Department
here by Nicaragua or NicaIagua's repre-
sentative to induce Secretary Gresham to
cable Mr.. Bayard these instructions, but
as the popular feeling in Nicaragua was
all against yielding it is believed that the
Government of Nicaragua concluded, out
of Difference to it and possibly as a means
of its own preservation, to stand out in the
hope of ultimately inducing, if possible,
active intervention of the United States.
1t is said that the State Department has
all along advised Nicaragua that the ex-
pulsion of Consul Hatch was an offense
that no self-respecting country could over
look and prompt reparation was due
Great Britain. When Hampton and Wilt
bank, citizens of the United States, were
expelled from Bluefelds last July for
alleged completely in the conspiracy to
defy Nicaraguan authority on the Mos
quito coast, in which it was said Consul
Hatch was involved, the sentiment in this
country was strong and the State Depart
ment took such vigorous steps that Lamp
ton and Wiltbank were not only permitted
to return but they were restored to all
their rights and property and public ball
was given in their honor.
At that time it was believed that Near
aqua would show the same willingness to
furnish redress to England that she did to
the United States. But by continued de-
lay matters were allowed to reach the
acute stage, and Great Britain, in accord
ance with the terms of her ultimatum,
seized Corinto to inforce the payment of
the indemnity claimed to be due her.
Much interest is manifested in diplomatic
circles in the situation. Secretary Gresham
drove 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 Secretary
declined to give out anything. The fact
that the United States has been officially
advised of the occupation of Corinto bv
the British is, however, definitely ascer-
tanned. From recent indications all the
correspondence in the case will be held by
the State Department until the incident is
closed
The situation in Nicaragua with the
British occupying Corinto and the port de-
clared closed by the Niearaguan Govern
ment, presents many possible complica-
tons. From the best information obtain
able, it seems almost certain that the ad-
ministration 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 the
indemnity. The United States has main
tanned in the past that the European
powers could in their international deal
ings with South and Central American
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 ter
ritory. Such was the substance of the
notice served by Secretary Seward on
France and Great Britain with regard to
Mexico in 1852.
If the company of Corinto fails in its
object and Great Britain should declare
war on Nicaragua, it is said that the adj
ministration would still decline to inter-
fere, so long as the war was carried on.
not for the ACKNOWLEDGEMENT of Great
Britain or the acquisition of territory but
for the sole purpose of collecting indem-
nifty. To go beyond that, however, the ad-
ministration, it is said, would consider a
violation of the Monroe doctrine, also an
express violation of the Clayton-Bulwer
treaty, and would not be tolerated.
1t is pointed out that the United States
to interpose to prevent England from
carrying out the present method of col
lecting the debt would be equivalent to
declaring virtual protectorate over Mica
ragua and would commit this Government
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 just claims
OF other countries and taking refuge behind
the skirts of the United States.
In other words all diplomatic CORE
spondence relative to these States would
practically be carried on through Wash
ington. Besides it would greatly embar-
rass 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 Nicaragua, it
is believed, 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 confidently be-
lieved that rather than suffer seizure or
bonn bardment Nicaragua will comply and
pay the indemnity.
There is some difference of opinion here
as to whether the declaration of Nicaragua |
that Corinto was closed port will be
recognized 1t is plainly within the power |
of any country to close port in time of
peace, and Senator Morgan yesterday ex-
pressed the opinion that in this way
Nicaragua would prevent England from
colIec ting the revenue, but this country |