The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-11-22
Relations Between the United
States and Nicaragua
Are Now Apparently Strained to
the Breaking Point.
KNOX AFTER FACTS.
ReparatiOn Will Be Demanded
if His Inquiries :
Bring FOrthCircumstances That
He Expects to Find.

Washington, Nov. 22.-The next
move of the game being played with
President Zelaya of Nicaragua, will be
made by Secretary Knox and undoubt-
edly it will be an important and pos
sibly decisive one. Zelaya has kill
ed two Americans. it is believed in the
most summary and brutal manner and
1t is not expected that he will be per-
m1tted to settle at so much a head for
thsse or any other Americans he may
see tit to kill. 1t is therefore believed
that something more than compensa-
ton for Groce and Cannon will be in
volved in the next step by the state
department.
Secretary Meyer returned to the
navy department today from Boston
and Immediately took up the situation
with Assistant Secretary Winthrop ana
Rear AdmiralsP Potter, chief of the bu-
reau of navigation with a view of de-
term1nlng how the navy would be able
to comply with any request which the
state department might make upon IT.
In general the officials told the Sec
retary that the navy was ready for
any emergency which might arise
The state department is Awaiting
additional information as to the de-
tails of the killing and until that in
formation is cabled to the department.
here no important developments are
looked for.
nizing the blockade of the port of San
Juan Del Norte is in effect a recog-
n1tlon of insurgency, but this action
in all probability will be followed by
what is much more important, recog-
milton of belligerency.
Recognition of beiligerency is a
matter of the highest consequence to
the 1nsurgent forces. Once their bel
Iigerency is recognized, Zelaya will be
heio TO strict accountability for any
nrIS0nnrC hn ior1,f fo1-
ed States undoubtedly would see to il
that they were treated in every respect
as prisoners of war, according to civ
ilfzed standards.
Zelaya May Hear Something Drop.
Washington, Nov 22-Strained now
almost the breaking point it remains
for the next few days-perhaps one or
two will suffice-to show whether the
relations between the United States and
nicaragua are to be snapped off
short.
This government has not accepted as
facts beyond all contradiction, the ex-
platat1on of Nicaragua touching the
execution of Groce and Cannon in that
country. Sufficient credit is given the
statements that have been made to the
state department to prompt inquiries
into the reasons that moved President
Zelaya to order the two Americans put
to death. Secretary of State Knox is
authority for the statement that a de-
mand for reparation will be made upon
Nicaragua should these inquiries de-
Eelop that allegations touching the
Geath of the Americans are we'll ground
ed. rI
Late last night the secretary declar-
ed himself, and the proceedings in the
Nicaraguan affair today will doubtless
be along the line of prosecution of the
inquiries to ascertain the truth as to
Groce and Cannon.
Secretary Knox is acting with the
of fhn Mr.
Taft has had the developments in the
Nicaragu9n trouble presented fully and
he is prepared to take any needed steps
to bring about a more satisfactory sit
uatiOn than now exists.
American ships of war today are
speeding today to the shores of Mic
aragua The gunboat Elcksburg pro-
badly viii arrive at Corinto. on the
Pacific coast, today. and the cruiser
Des Moines may arrive at about the
same time at Port Limon.
The Marietta, too, is on her way to
the Atlantic coast. The transport Buff
falo coaling at Pichilinique bay. CAL,
is under orders for Panama There d
force of 500 marines will board the ves-
sci should orders to that effect be is
sued.
The, first American vyarship to arrive
in Nicaraguan waters was the gunboat
EicksbUrg. Her presence at Corinto.
on the Pacific side of Nicaragua. was
announced at the navy department late
yesterday.
The little gunboat is in command of
Commander Alexander s. Halstead- She
is equipped with six four inch guns
and eight guns of a smaller caiiber-
Cannon Will Wait.
Harrisburg. Pa, Nov. I'D. K.
Cannon, father of Leroy Cannon, who
was shot in Nicaragua. said today
that he had determined to await the
result of the governments investiga-
ton into the execution before taking
any steps for claim of damages for
the death of his son and the confisca-
ton of his property.
Rush Orders at Portsmouth
Portsmouth. N H.. Nov. 22.-NavaI
rush orders were received today in con-
nection with the Quitting of the guli-
boats Paducah and Dubuque. both Of
which have been preparing to return to
their stations in the Caribbean sea
Missouri Ordered to New York.
Newport, r. L. Nov. 22.-The battle
ship Missouri while engaged in torpedo
practice here today. received orders to
proceed at top speed for New York.
Preparations were made to sail with
in a. couple of hours.
nINNEp End pEApV