Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-05-13

present wonderful development and prog
ress must not be hindered by long-drawn-
out conflict The blow if struck will be
hard and quick.
This is the story of the trouble with
Guatemala: Political refugees from that
country sought an asylum in Mexico. The
moment they started revolutionary move
ment against Guatemala we interfered and
forbade 1t. Mexico is opposed to revolutions
of any kind, whether domestic or aimed at
a neighboring nation. The instigators of
this movement were not only stopped but
held under governmental surveillance from
doing hurt TO Guatemala.
Assassination the Climax.
Then two brutal assissns were sent
from Guatemala. They Wiley murdered,
in the very shadow of this palace. a dis
tinguished Guatemalan, a former presi-
dent of that country. whom Mexico was
holding almost as a prisoner for the well
fare of Guatemala. The investigation of
the murder implicated officers high in the
Guatemalan army as instigators of the
crime.
That the Guatemalan government and
army might clear itself of this vile impli-
cation. We requested that the accused Off
ceGs be detained until 4 requsition be eff
fected and they would come to this city
and deny the charge. If they were limo
cent il would put Guatemala in the right
HSnt before the WOTIO. II they could not
explain and were guilty they should be
punished.
Mexico did this in a spirit Of absolute
friendiness and a desire to help sister
nation. The request was twice refused on
the ground that the offense charged was
political and not criminal and not covered
by the treaty. which does not demand that
either nation should give up n citizen for
trial. but at the same time does not for
bid it.
Rather than settle the matter with
bloodshed Mexico has withdrawn her min
lister to the Central American nations from
Guatemala and transferred him to Saliva
dor. not with the idea of severing diplo
matte relations with that country, but to
get him out of the way OF receiving any
insult from that government which would
compel Mexico to administer a deserved
punishment by force of arms. There the
matter rests for the time
A Problem for Solution.
ut is only a temporary condition, how
ever. The problem of the Central Ameri-
can republics is a great one that for the
benefit of their salvation must be settled
sooner or later 1t is none of my business
and I am not ambitious TO settle it. Never
theless, | have an idea. l believe the best
solution would be an amalgamation of all
the Central American countries into one
strong government under a man with
enough strength of character and honest
common sense to hold in check the revolu-
tionary spirit that has done so much to re-
tard the progress and development of these
countries.
Mexico is willing at any time to CO.
operate with the United States in pro-
tectorate over them in any measures that
will be beneficial ! do not know the feel
ing Of your government in this matter, but
! assure you l stand ready to work with
II.
Il want it distinctly understood, how
ever that there must be no thought or act
Of territorial acquisition IN this compact
Mexico wants no addition. 1t Is big enough
now We have quite enough to do to de-
velop the territory we have without &C
curing further responsibilities. Any report
to the contrary is absolutely unfounded.