New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-04-18
HANDS OFF NICARAGUA.
NOTICE GIVEN TO ENGLAND.
THREE POINTS THE ADMINISTRATION
WILL INSIST ON.
TERRITORY MUST NOT BE SEIZED NOR MILITARY
OR NAVAL FORCES LANDED-NEITHER WILL
NICARAGUA BE PERMITTED TO CEDE
ANY PART OF HER DOMAIN
TO cpr.r ppITAIN trr
TO GREAT BRITAIN


ANY PART OF HER DOMAIN
TO GREAT BRITAIN. lea
[BY TELEGRAPH THE 1RIBUNE.l
Washington April 1.-THE attitude OF the Ade
ministratcn with respect to the pending contro-
yersy between Great Britain and Nicaragua 80
far as II has developed, is one TO commend itself
to close observers Of affairs in Central America
The position assumed by the President and Sec
retary Gresham is in striking contrast with some
Of their other moves on the diplomatic cfess-
board For once their policy seems to have some
backbone. In word it has become logical.
Three distinct points. 1t Is understood the Au-
ministration will insist on
First--Whatever ma, be the outcome OF fhe
nending controversy England will not be per-
mitted to seize any Nicaraguan territory
second-In no event shall there be a cession OF
territory to England by Nicaragua.
Thrd-Under no circumstances will England be
permitted to land a naval or military fore for
purposes of occupation. either temporarily or
permanently.
So much OF the Administrations NciraSuan
nrogramme has been fixed, and England has
been informed Of the conclusion
II Is known to well-nformed persons that. row.
ever frequent or earnest may be her protesta-
tIons to the contrary. England has In mind the
gaining of a foothold in Central America
shortly after her ultimatum to Nicaragua was
made public Lord Kimberley made known
through Ambassador Rayard that Great Britain
had no intention OF sezing any part OF the Re-
public. but England has in the past repeatedly
dIcavowed similar intentions in other par's OF
the world. and has subsequently taken and held
the very territory which she maintained she
did not covet
ENGLAND NOT ALWAYS SINCERE.
If Administration officials were 10 tell the rea-
sons which have influenced them in deciding that
England is to be prevented from seizing any
part OF Nicaragua it would probably be said ;hat
this is a precaution taken in furtherance OF the
tablIshed policy Of the country 10 prohibit for
eign colonization on the western hemisphere.
The explanation is we'll enough for the purpose,
but II is much more likely that the Presiden. and
Secretary Gresham have finally awakened to
the realization that England is not at all times
sincere in her expressions in internad )nal mat
ters. Whatever may be the reasons which nave
controlled the President and Secretary Gresham,
the important fact remains that they have ie-
termined that Great Britain shall not sec1-e a
foothod in Nicaragua
With respect to the decision that the British
Government is not acquire territory by csssion.
the determination is equally firm. The iossi-
b.ity that Nicaragua might be induced TO on rr
certain territory. Corn Island. for example, TO
England az indemnify has been taken into ac-
ccrnt Such action by Nicaragua Is not 10 Dc
permitted any more than the forcible seizure OK
territory BY Great Britain would be. 1t is not
believed that Nicaragua now contemplates In
Identifying England by a cession Of territory.
but emergencies might bring 1t about. The Adj
ministration is prepared vigorously to prot st
against such q 1t seems To be assumed
that England will suggest 10 Nicaragua that the
easiest way for her TO eet out OF the present
difficulty il to give up Corn Island, but any
such scheme which may be entertained by LORD
Kimberley is destined 10 meet with such oppo-
sion on the part OF this country as 10 become
imperative even In the event Of Nicaragia's de-
Gliding that IL is 10 her advantage tc give up the
little island.
Relative to the landing OF a naval or military
force at Greytown or Corinto. the President and
Secretary Gresham determined that England
shall take 10 such step. Their attitude on this
point is said to be one of great frmness. Nor will
Great Britain be permitted to resort to subterfuge
under cover OF which force might be landed at
either OF those ports.
TWO POINTS STILL IN DOUBT.
There are two practical points in the controversy
about which the President and Secretary Of State
are said to be in doubt, and it is with respect TO
these that some disappointment is expressed with
a programme which otherwise seems so satiSfac-
tory. The first doubt is as TO whether or not the
right to lombard Greytown or Corinto should be
conceded 10 England. The impression seems 10
prevail that there is no immediate probability
that Great Britain would resort 20 this means Of
bringing Nicaragua to terms. but there Is a possi-
bility of such course being pursued, and IL has
therefore been under consideration The Presi-
dent appears to be Of the opinion that this coun-
Try could not consistently protest against British
ships firing on the eastern ana western terminl OK
the interoceanic canal. He fears, IL is said that
the occasion in 1853, when. after series OF spoia-
tions Of citizens Of this country by inhabitants Of
Greytowr and after gross indignites 10 dipo-
matte agent OF the United States, the American
warship Cyane bombarded San Juan. pear Grey
town and afterWard sent on shore corps or ma
rines would be raised precedent for this man.
ner of bringing a Central American Republic 10
terms II seems to be thought that II this coun-
try should now declare that England shall not
lombard Ncaraguan towns. the reaction would be
10 the disadvantage OF the United states Wouid
foreign countries look with favor upon American
inconsistency? Would not the country lose pres
tige? Does the Monroe Doctrine authorize pro-
test under ghe circumstances? These are some OF
the questions which the Administration is consid-
ering 1t is also discussing the question as 10
whether not, under the abstract principles OF IN
ternatiOnal law the right exists 10 prohibit or pro-
test against the enforcement OF demands or one
country on another If the employment OF torce Is
merely means Of securing indemnity, as III tne
case Of Nicaragua and not with a view 10 the ac-
QUESTION Of territory As has been said. It is not
intended that England may land d force to follow
up advantages gained by bombardmenl.
The second point Of doubt with the President
and Secretary Gresham relates 10 EnSianos
right 10 Seize the cuStom-nouseS OF NlcdTasua-
1t is true that under some circumstances inter-
national law and custom sanction such pro-
cedure. For that reason. chiefly. hesitation Is
shown in taking the stand that in the event OF
Nicaraguas course proving unsatisfactory 10
England Her Majestys Government SNAIL not
take charge of the Republics revenues collected
at Grevtown and Corinto. IN relation to this II
is learned that the President has determined that
even II Great Britain Is permitted to have ner
subjects administer the affairs OF the Repuo-
lies custom-houses there shall be no military
or naval force employed in the work. 1t is not
certain that the course will be sanctioned under
any circumstances as the matter is still under
consideration. II II Is. the officials ana en-
ployes must be civilians.
Assistant Secretary Adee. OF the State De
partrent said this afternoon In response to an
inquiry that he could not recall an instance in
which the customs revenues Of country had