The semi-weekly messenger., 1900-11-20
BRIGHTER PROSPECTS FOR ITS EARLY
CONSTRUCTION
FORMER OBSTACLES REMOVED
No Private Concessions or Border Mis-
Direct lConsfderation or
Treaties With Nicaragua for Its Con-
structiou-That Government Enthu-
Take the Matter Up.

Washington, November 15.-The min
lister from Nicaragua. Senor Don Luis
Corea, arrived in Washington this
morning after an absence of four
months in Nicaragua, during which
time he conferred with President Ze-
laya and members Of the cabinet con-
cerning Nicaraguan canal affairs and
other subjects of interest to the two
countries. He says that by a happy
combination of circumstances the way
is now clear of private concessions and
border MISUNDERSTANDING so that di-
rect, governmental consideration of
the waterway may be taken up. Senor
Corea also brings word that he has just
signed at Mexico City. acting as min
lister for Nicaragua, the first treaty
between Mexico and Nicaragua for
amity, commerce and navigation.
When seen at the Nicaraguan lega-
tion today and asked as to Nicarguan
canal affairs Mr.. Corea said:
81 spent some time In conference with
the president and members of the
cabinet at Managua and 1 am happy
to say that President Zelaya and his
associates, and in fact. the whole coun-
try, are enthusiastic on the future of
the great waterway They are await
ing with interest the developments al
Washington and are hopeful and conf
dent that congress will pass the bill
authorizing the opening of negotiations
with the countries interested in the
canal and the actual beginning of the
important work of construction.
Tn ha II
sary instructions to facilitate in every
desirable way the cooperation between
the governments.
1T can be said generally that Mica
ragua stands ready to do her full share
in carrying forward this great project
Our president, Mr.. Zelaya, is a very
progressive man and is enthusiastic in
promoting all measures contributing to
the benefit of the country and of gen.
eral commerce, and he is surrounded
by strong and influential advisors, all
inspired by the same progressive spirit.
All of them see in the canal work the
great development of Central America
and a beneficial contribution to the
worlds progress, and they will dc
everything in their power and within
the dignity of the republic to see that
the work is realized"
When asked as to the nature of his
instructions, Mr.. Corea said it was in
expedient to discuss them in detail, but
it could be said they were sufficient tC
meet conditions as they might arise in
Connection with progress of canal affairs
in this country, and to cooperate in
such new treaty relations as might be-
come desirable.
When inquiry was made as to the
long pending misunderstanding be-
tween Nicaragua and Cocta Rica in
connection with the canal, Mr.. Corea
said that by fortunate arrangement
this had been entirely removed.
Concerning the rie-Cragin cana
concession, Mr.. Corea said the Nicara
guam government had officially de-
clared that this concession was nulli
fed in accordance with the provision:
of the contract. The old concession, ht
said, had ceased to attract attention
$50 that" he said. in conclusion, 90
am happy to say Nicaragua is free tt
negotiate with any one ready to nego
tiate concerning the canal and espe
cially the government of the United
States