Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-04-21


The British Foreign once having ~
jectcd NicAraeua's suggestion that thu
whole trouble between that country and
Great Britain be submitted to arbitration
wild talk regarding the course this gov
eminent ought to pursue In the matter
has been revived. Before considering th's
point, however. let US see what the trou'
BILE IL about. anyhow.
The Mosquito reservation had since the
treaty Of 1850 enjoyed quasi independence.
During the recent hostilities between Nj
caragua and Honduras, however, Nicara-
guam troops occupied the reservation.
This act was resented by the natives.
and led TO an uprising. which eliminated
In what is known as the "Bluefelds In
cident." For . while there was reign
OF terror In the Mosquito capital. and
though the Nicaraguans succeeded In put
ting down the uprising. expelled Clarence.
the native chief. and assumed the govern
ment OF the country. both Great Britain
and the United States found II necessary
to land marines at Bluehelds to protect
their citizens who were residents OF the
place. But In the mean time the Nicara-
guam authorities conceived the idea,
whether Justly or unjustly is question,
that the trouble had been stirred UP by
Mr.. Hatch. the British vice-Consul. ana
few other Englishmen, and the alleged
offenders were arrested and sent out OF
the country The British Foreign Office
chose to regard this proceeding as an
insult to their government. and. on the
18th of February, sent an Nltimatum to
Nicaragua, demanding an indemnity Of
$4,000 for the outrage" committed upon
the person of vice-Consui Hatch. and the
appointment OF a commission to deter
mine the injuries sustained by other
British subjects. That ultimatum expired
on Monday last. but. as shown above. the
Nicaraguans. in order to forestall its en-
which was rejected.
Such Is a brief statement Of the history
of the complication and the present situa-
ton. As to what this government ought
to do. we fail to see that II is called upon
to do anything except send a naval force
W tuC btCHC III OIINt " dAioiu AuiCik~
can citizens there such protection as may
be necessary in case the Ncaraguans
should show fight and the country be
precipitated into a state of disorder.
Great Britain has distinctly and frankly
denied that she has any desire for ter
ritorial acquisition in Nicaragua, and .in
the absence Of proof that she designs
to play US false the continual Haunting Of
the Monroe doctrine in her face puts US
In very ridiculous attitude. 1t is true
that in respect Of certain prospective
interests OF the United States,
Nicaragua occupies a different position
from any OF the other Central Ameri-
IAN States. Some day there will be
through her territory a great commercial
highway from the Gulf Of Mexico to the
Pacific Ocean. The United States cannot
md will not allow Great Britain or any
'ther European Power TO control that
highway. This should be kept promi-
lently to the front as settled policy
4 our people. Further. however. than Nj
aragua's quarrels. have bearing upon
no safety OF our citizens living within |
er borders. they are no concern of ours. |
Should Great Britain resort to summary |
measures to enforce her demands she |
,ould have a number Of precedents ito |
ustain her, some of which have been |
FINISHED by this government Moreover.
may be said that so far Great Britain
as been much more considerate in deal
ig with the Nicaraguans than was this
overnment. through Captain Holins. in
49, That naval officer afterwards Com
lodore Hollins, of the Confederate navy.
'ithout any parleying worth speaking OF.
Greytown. and literally car
ed out his threat to knock 1t into a
)ck ed hat"