The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1897-01-02
ZHLAYIS PROMPT ACT
Has Probably Averted War Be-
tween Nicaragua and Colombia.
THE CORN ISLAND CONTROVERSY.

Colombia Was Preparing TO Take Possess
zion Of Territory Claimed by Nicaragua.
OF Course Great Britain Had Put in a
Claim for the Island.
MANAUGA, Nicaragua, Jan. p With
little beating of drums or blowing of
trumpets warlike move upon the part
OF the republic of Colombia is now be-
lieved to have been checkmated by the re-
public of Nicaragua, although further
news from the objective point, Corn ISL
and, is anxiously expected here
About a month ago the government of
Nicaragua was informed unoflloially that
Colombia had planned to make a landing
on Corn Island, valuable strategic spot
situated about thirty-six miles off Mos
quito coast, and belonging to Nicaragua
whose flag was to be hauled down and the
ensign Of Colombia substituted for it. 1t
was alleged that Nicaragua was overtaX-
ing Corn Island and that the inhabitants,
numbering few hundred had appealed
to Colombia for redress. It was further
stated that the project of San Andrea, Co
lombia, had assembled q military force
andiwas only awaiting for the arrival of
Colombia gunboat in order to embark the
troops, proceed to Corn Island, seize it and
| fortify it against the possibility of recap
ture
That the plan was discussed there is no
reason to doubt, but President Helaya, of
/ Nicaragua, took prompt steps to meet
| the move upon the part Of the neighboring
republic. Very quietly detachments of
Nicaraguan troops were assembled here
and at Granada, and when all was ready
they were sent in small parties across
| Lake Nicaragua and down the San Juan
river to Greytown and Bluefelds BY this
| time the soldiers Of Nicaragua are be-
/ lieved to be in possession of Big and Little
| Corn Island, for there are two of them,
and the work Of erecting a strong fort
should be progressing. The troops took
with them the best guns available and n
supply of ammunition and other supplies.
Storehouses and barracks are also to be
constructed at Corn Island.
OF course, if the Colombian expedition
started earlier than they expected, ana
reached Corn Island before the Nicaraguan
troops fighting may have occurred before
this, and if so the matter may lead to a
general upheaval in Central America, for
Colombia was warned, automatically and
through the press early last month, that
her seizure of Corn Island might lead to
q warlike combination of the republics of
| Salvador and Honduras in support of
Nicaragua, against her Colombia was
also advised, if she still maintained such
rights over Corn Island, to submit them
to the arbitration of disinterested repub-
lie. To these threats and suggestions, ap-
parently, no attention was paid. 1t is
hoped here that the Nicaraguan force
reached there in advance of the Colombian
detachment.
Some years ago, at the time work was
beginning on the maritime canal of Mica
ragua it was reported that Great Britain
was contemplating laying hands on Corn
Island, which, situated a short distance
from the Atlantic entrance of the canal,
would have been quickly converted into
another of the chain of British forts on
the American coast, and would have en-
abled Great Britain practically to COM
mand the eastern entrance of the water
way which is in time to join the Atlantic
to the Pacific. Thereupon Nicaragua, act
ing upon suggestions, possibly from the
United States, took official possession of
both Big and Little Corn islands, hoisting
the Nicaraguan flag over them with much
ceremony and giving diplomatic notice of
the same.
The British claim to Corn Island is un-
derstood to be based on her former pre-
tensions, since given up, to a protectorate
over the Mosquito territory, and because
Colombia which originally owned Corn
Island, ceded the islands to King George,
then the governing chieftain, under Brit
ish auspices, of the Mosquito reservation.
Colombia, however, insists that Corn
Island was ceded to King George only
on the condition that it was to be returned
ent owner Of what was the Mosquito res
ervation, now a part of the republic of
Nicnraruq, disputes this point, especially
as the time for ruiSlng it officially has
LONG since passed. and holds that Corn
/ nd was part of the Mosquito territory,
and as such is now portion of Nicaragua
territory.
1t will thus be seen that the dispute is a
pretty one as it stands, and that much
may depend upon which country's troops
first land on Corn Island and place it in a
state of defense The Nicaraguan govern
ment has strong hopes that the blue and
white flag of Nicaragua is now floating
over Corn Island, otherwise this news
would not have been allowed to leak out.
Corn Island, up to the preseht, has been
little more than the headquarters of very
numerous bands of smugglers, and it has
hitherto been found difficult if not i'm.
possible, to keep a garrison there. The
soldiers, having nothing to do but lazily
mount guard now and again. while bask-
ing in warm sunshine in delightful
climate, soon became too friendly with
the smugglers and eventually desert in
the smuggler's boats to the east coast OF
Nicaragua and ever after escape from
military duty. Now, however, steps are tc
be taken to prevent this dwindling away
of the Nicaraguan garrison.
Terrible Mining Disaster in Mexico.
CITY OF MEXICO, Jan "A terrible dis
nstar hns nccIlrred In tha Snntn Gnrtrrs i