Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-10-25
The Nicaraguan Revolt.

If tile accusations brought against
President Zelaya of Nicaragua as the
chief Central American trouble maker
are justified. there will be no regrets mere
over the indications of insursent success
in the country over which he has ruled
for a considerable period. The dispatches
tell of victory by the Estrada FORCES
in the first important battle of the revo-
luton, in consequence of which the m
sursents are in possession of the entire
Atlantic coast lire. While it may be
impossible for Estrada TO take posses
sion quickly of Manasua. the establish
ment of his so-called provisional gov
eminent throughout considerable por-
ton of the Nicaraguan territory Will give
the United States cause to recognize him
as an actual belligerent force. which is
of material advantage in all such en-
terprses. The possession of the coast
line OH the Atlantic side is likely to be
followed by the capture of the Pacific
territory, where sentiment against Zelaya
has for some time been dominant. The
hemming in OF Zelaya between the oceans
would probably foreshadow his ultimate
downfall He could expect little if any
assistance from the neighboring states,
where his interferences have bred him
enemies as bitter as any now in open re-
volt against him in his own country.
Some time ago a conference was held
in this city attended by representatives
of the countries Immediately south of the
United States. the object of which was
the formulation of Central American
understanding which. short OF an inter-
national organization, should effect the
rescue of the five Central American re-
publics from the constant turmoil of rev.
olution and intrigue. A scheme was
planned binding the five states morally,
il not politically, into a unit. On
paper the proposition promised well.
Sentiments of progressive union were ex-
pressed at the meetings. Some eloquent
speeches were delivered in laudatiOn of
the possibilities of this region under an
intelligent pacific administration. Every
one present protested in public to believe
firmly in the plan to create a series of
institutions of education, of
improvements, of law and of diplomacy
certain, il honestly and intellgently ad-
to redeem the land from strife
and to place the people on plane OF
civilization.
At every stage of these proceedings
fear was privately expressed that the
President of Nicaragua, whose figure
doomed large on the horizon. was seeking
to effect the proposed combination
solely for his own ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
Pessimists saw in the contemplated
moral union merely an opportunity
for Zelaya to become the dictator Of Cen
trail America. He has never been con-
tent to manage affairs within his own
land, but has continually interfered in
the domestic politics of his neighbors. A
report is now on file at the State De-
partment which virtually accuses him
of undertaking to control the elections in
Costa Rica. In these circumstances 1t
was not difficult to interpret the proposed
union as a plan devised by Zelaya for his
own end. Nobody wondered when the
entire proceeding came to naught, as far
as practical results are concerned.
1t is understood that the State Depart
ment will not be distressed at the sue
cess Of Estrada. 1t is most sincerely to
be hoped that if there is a change OF
rulership in Nicaragua 1t will not be
merely a change of personality. but that
it will make for real progress in Cen
trail America through the institution
there of sound governmental principles,
which will serve as an inspiring example
to the countries north and south.