The sun., 1895-04-28

becomes an interesting question as to what will
be done here should tho new occupants Of
Corinto push their way into the interior.
1t is said by one versed in international law
that the abandonment OF the port of Corinto
and any other act tending to mako II more
difficult or impossible for Great Britain to
collect her smart money" would be n
casus belli, and Great Britain would be justified
In punishng the Nicaraguans for It, No inter-
ference In this probable programme would bo
suggested by tho United States, further than
to reiterate the doctrine laid down by
Cass and later by Seward. These two states
men took the position that the United States
would not interfere to prevent even war
In these countries, but that she would
maintain the fixed policy of preventing any
subversion Of the Government of the country
thus sought to be punished. or the nppropria-
tion of any of It's territory Such war
could only be waged for the purpose Of punish
ment and not for the acquisition of territory.
This 1t is believed, will be the policy Of this
Administration.
just what will be considered n reasonable
time for the occupancy by the British
of Nicarneuan territory is n matter for
the diplomacy Of the future to de-
termine. but II this Government be-
came satisfied that undue delay was
apparent. note of inquiry would be addressed
to the British Government concerning 1t. Tho
impression prevails that Nicaragua may still pay
the money and the incident" DO closed.
The question now arises what will Great Brit
| ain do2 Since 1t Is contendei that the payment
OF the smart money" complies only with q
part Of the ultimatum, 1t is obvious that her
forces may remain in possession Of Corinto until
some decision has been reached regarding the
claims OF the other British subjecta. II Mica
ragua declines as 1t is positively asserted that
eha axyill IN tno r,la N a,ttt
zen OF the United States be member thereof.
the British. under present conditions, must con-
tinue In occupation of Corinto. This gives them
a foothold on Nicaraguan territory which they
may retain for years. unless q compromise of
| some nature be reached.
Tho town of Corinto is so situated as to be al
most entirely surrounded by water. 1t Ia con-
| nected with the mainland by bridge 600 yards
| in length. The Corinto soldiery and people re-
moved to the mainland across this bridge. The
| town has q population of about 1000 souls.
| Many Of the Inhabitants are foreigners, princi-
| pally Americans, Germans. Italians and British.
| engaged in trade. 1t Is the principal port Of
| entry for Nicaragua.
| The Nicaraguan Minister. DR.. Guzman, re-
| ceived two cabegrams from Managua to-day in
addition to the one which arrived at midnight
| on Friday. Both dispatches stated uneQuivo-
| cally that the British forces were in possession
OF Corinto. No additional details were given be =
| yond tho statement that the British flag was
| flying over the town and that tho Nioaraguan
| flag had been hauled down.
| DR.. Guzman believes that the Nicaraguans
| themselves lowered their own colors, so as to
| give tho British the absolute control of the
place. DR.. Guzman says there can be no mis-
take about the British occupation of Corinto.
His kilograms are signed by the Nicaragunn
Minister OF Foreign Affairs. They are dated at
Managua, tho capital. which is about eighty
miles distant and easily reached by telegraph
and train from Corinto.
The Nicaraguan Minister was an early and
anxious visitor at the State Department this
| morning. but failed then to see Secretary Gres.
ham. who had driven out to Woodley to consult
| the President. and who was mot there by Secre-
tary Carlisle and other Cabinet ofioers Shortly
after 12 o'clock Secretary Gresham returned to
the city and had an interview with DR.. Guzman
| at the State Department
| LONDON. April 27.-It Is said that tho United
States Government at the instance of Nicara-
| qua, has suggested that the indemnity be paid
in London instead of Corinto. and has also ask cd
that the time be somewhat extended. England,
however. has deemed it necessary TO enforce the
terms of the ultimatum upon the ground that
| Nicaragua's attitude does not entitle her to any
| CONCESSIONS