The Washington herald., 1907-08-14

/ The political situation in Central Amer
/ lea grows daily OF interest TO the rest OF
the world. and particularly TO the United
/ States. II is certain that the relations be-
tween the FIVE republics OF that zone will
be the subject OF animated discussion in
/ diplomatic circles in Washington during
the coming winter. Already there have
I been several conferences at the State De-
partment with reference to the project OF
forming a union OF these republics under
one federated government. It is well un-
/ derstood that the governments Of both
the United States and OF Mexico favor
this project OF federation. Il has not been
so clear as TO the specific form into which
that movement will evolve. or as to the
attitude Of the greater northern republics
toward the scheme Of federation as it
may be finally presented.
/ Policies of Cabrera and ZeIaya.
For example. it may be stated in gen
eral terms that the greatest of these re-
publlcs in area and in population. Guate-
mala, which also has most intimate COM
mercial relations with the United States.
as well as with Mexico, favors a plan of
Central American federation, to be
brought about through pacific methods
and by the medium OF an international
congress or conference. On the other
hand, the government OF Nicaragua,
which through its ascendency over Hon
duras has assumed an attitude that crit
les describe as arrogant. seeks TO bring
about federation through the force OF
arms, implying the predominance Of its
President, Gen. Zelaya.
II has been the policy OF the govern
ment of Nicaragua, IL IS said. 10 spread
abroad the impression that the admin
istration Of President Diaz OF Mexico is
hostile TO Guatemala. These efforts have
gone so far as 10 produce protestatiOns
from the Mexican Ambassador IA Wash
ington, as we'll as from President Diaz
[ himself. Quite in harmony with these
diplomatic denials there has been, Of late.
a remarkable growth Of journalistic eff
forts in Guatemala 20 make affirmative
representations as 10 the true attitude
OF that country and Of its President. Es-
trada Cabrera. toward the movement for
peaceful union. Almost, Of necessity,
these efforts in the press Of Guatemala
20 vindicate the humane and progress
ing attitude OF that country have In
volved more or less aggressive criticism
OF President Zelaya, Of Nicaragua. The
matter Of these criticisms is Characters
tically Spanish They are not vituperative,
but. instead. are indirect and subtle They
resemble rather the skillful strategy OF
an accomplished swordsman engaged in
duel than the assault OF a bandit
armed with a bludgeon.
Charged with InhumRnity.
An interesting example is found in an
article published IN la LocomOtora,
weekly periodical published in Guatemala
City. This article purports TO be n psy-
Geological essay upon the delicate dis
tinction between egoism and egotism. IN
reality. this scientific brochure is skill
fully devised effort 10 prove that Zelaya
Is a cruel and inhuman degenerate whose
whole life Is centered in his selfish de-
sires and inordinate ambition. The phi
losophy OF this essay eliminates IN the
paragraph that links Zelaya with the
names OF the most ferocious figures IN
the worlds history.
All Of this is most interesting 10 Ameri-
can readers, since it is indication that in
Guatemala, at least. the more Northern
methods of carrying on political warfare
through literature, instead of by revolu-
ton, has followed In the wake Of the
increasing investment OF American capt.
tai
Thus the Guatemalan journal quoted
says. The true revolutionist is a re-
former. having a clear and serene mind.
He throws down with violence. II neces-
sary the ruins which might become an
obstacle TO useful construction. while the
egotist throws himself furiously against
everything that has been built whether
IL be useful or worthless, and does noth-
ing for restoration after devastation His
delight is 70 behold, where once were
walls and roof. heap Of debris over
grown with weeds"