The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-02-14
THE NICARAGUA CANAL
BELGIUM AND FRANCE WITHOUT
GROUNDS FOR PROTEST.
Former Has No Treaty with Nicara-
qua and, Therefore, Cannot OBJ
ject to American Control.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13.-Referring to
q statement In the London standard that
Belgium and France would unite in a pro-
test against American control of the
Nicaragua canal, based on their treaties
with Nicaragua. Mr.. Correa, the minister
from Nicaragua. said to-day: The state
ment is manifestly in error so far as it
refers 70 Belgium, as I cannot recall that
Nicaragua has ever made a treaty with
Belgium in reference to the canal. The
only treaties which have been made con-
corning the canal are those with Costa
Rica, Spain. France, Great Britain and
rhe United States in the order named. But
these treaties do not refer to any share
in constructing the canal or any control
over it. but simply to its use as a water
way or highway of for the YES
sells of those nations AS there is no propo-
sition to restrict this usage on equal terms
TO the of all nations there hardly
seems to be any ground for suggesting a
protest"
Mt. Correa said that the treaty between
France and Nicaragua was negotiated in
Washington IN 1859 between the French
and Nicaraguan ministers stationed here.
and it's article referring to the canal is as
follows:
Article q. The republic of Nicaragua
by the present treaty grants to France and
II French subjects, as we'll as to French
property, the right of transit between the
Atlantis and Pacific oceans through the
territory of this republic by all natural
or artificial routes or. means OF
cation On land or sea which exist to-day
or may hereafter exist or be constructed
under authority of the republic of Mica
ragua, to be enjoyed or used in the same
- - Ar @fA
Iarties and their subjects and citizens, re-
spectively. The republic of Nicaragua,
however, reserves its full anC entire right
OF sovereignty over the said routes. and in
general the republic of Nicaragua binds
itself to grant France and French sub
Jects the same rights and privileges in
every resi- ect as to the transi, and the
privileges or advantages whatsoever rela-
lively &c the passage or employment of
troors er relatively to any subject what
ever which are to-day OF may be here
after granted or given 10 be enjoyed by
the most favored nation"
Nicaragua made a treaty with Great
Britain in 1850 with an article similar to
the foregoing in the treaty with France.
The treaty which Nicaragua made with
Snain contains the following:
ARTICLE -. In cas-. the projected inter
oceanic communication by the territory Of
lIicaTagra should be accomplished. wholly
or In mart, Nnetner Dy means or canals,
by railways or by these or other means
combined, the Spanish flag and merchan-
disc. as well as the subjects Of her Catho-
lie Majesty. shall enjoy on the transit the
same advantages and exemptions as are
granted 10 the most favored nations"
These treaties are still In force, but Min
lister Corrca points out that they give no
basis for protest so far as any share in
constructing or controlling the canal is
concerned but are confined by their terms
TO the right or transit through the canal
whenever IL Is constructed
The only subject discussed at the Cabi-
net meeting to-day was that of the per-
sonnet Of the Philippine commission. 1t
was stated the President is in search of
a Southern man as a member of the COM
mission. but that up to this time he has
not decided TO whom the place will be
offered. While the President would like
to appoint Senator Lindsay. he thinks he
would be Of greater service in the Senate.
and IL seems altogether probable he will
select some one not at present in Congress-.
Mr.. Macrum, ex-consul to Pretoria. to-
day completed the settlement OF his ac-
counts with the State Department. He
must now make a final settlement with
the treasury, although this does not re-
quire his attendance I'm Washington.
The House committee on military affairs
to-day completed the army appropriation
bill. 1t carries Sill. 7o.ss4. against SO,OSO,-