Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-02

The first step of the United States to-
ward backing up the declaration made
cy Secretary of State Knox last night,
when he handed the Nlcaraguan charge
In this city his passports, was taken to-
day when the Secretary of the Navy sent
urgent orders to the commanders Of the
cruiser Albany and the gunhoat York
town, the two American warships which
are now at Maadaiena Bay. Lower Cali
1ornia. to proceed forthwith to Corinto,
the Pacific coast port of Nicaragua
nearest to the capital of that country.
Hurry orders were also sent to the
Prairie, at Philadelphia, with 700 marines
on hoard, to sail at once for Panama, and
she will start this afternoon.
Having promptly informed in a lengthy
cablegram the Nicaraguan government
that the American Secretary of State had
last night presented him with his pass
port. Senior Felipe Rodriguez. charge
d'dffaires of Nicaragua in Washington,
TODAY is awaiting instructions from Presi-
dent Zelaya to what course he is to
follow, now that diplomatic relations be-
tween the United States and Nicaragua
have been severed
What further representation, if any he
may make to the United States through
tiit Cld(t department UT WHeTG ne VIII 20
VIII depend entirely upon the orders
which he expected will soon be forth
coming from President Zelaya.
Mr.. Rodriguez would make no state
Inent today and had received no further
information. he said, regarding the prog
1ess of affairs in Nicaragua.
War if Necessary.
Having broken off diplomatic relations
with N.cara qua, 1t is understood to be
tnc governments present purpose to
maintain u position of watchfulness and
prepa redness for any eventuality, and 1t
Is not believed that it is the intention
of. the authorities TO make any warlike
demonstration against Nicaragua, for the
present at eaSt, unless some overt act
on the part of the Zelayan government
directed against Americans or American
interests should make that step neces-
sary.
Mess Zelaya quietly accepts the situ-
alton. war between the United States and
the Zeldyan government is inevitable 1t
Is now officially admitted that this gov
crnment has determined on the overthrow
of Zelays as d menace to the peace of
central America, and the installation OF
Estrada as president OF Nicaragua
A letter nearly approaching an actual
declaration OF hostlities was sent last
night by Secretary Knox to Felipe Rod
riguez. charge d affalres of the Nicara-
of the complete severance OF diplomatic
relations with the Nicaraguan govern
rnent and assured him of safe conduct in
case he desired to leave the United
States.
Secretary Knox informed the charge
that the United States would hold to a
strict personal account the officials re-
sponsible for the torture and execution OF
cannon and Groce, the two Americans
attached to Estrada's army The direct
intimation on this point is taken to mean
that the United States will endeavor to
'avenge the outrage on the person of
Zelaya himself OF the official mainly re-
sponsible.
Zelaya is regarded at the State Depart
ment as violator of solemn interna-
tional conventions and d disturber of the
national and International peace.
Secretary Knox announces the recogni-
ton OF the Nicaraguan revolutionists de-
clares it TO be the conviction of the
United States that the revolution repre-
sents the sentiments OF a majority of the
NIcaragudn people, and that there is
evidently no responsible government with
which the Cn,,ed States can deal.
lie. therefore. announces that all parties
will be held accountable for their actions
as affecting the interests OF Americans
and the peace of Central America He
further informs Senor Rodriguez that
while he has lost his diplomatic quality.
mel OF communication with the faction
which he Is regarded as representing.
Safety of Our Consuls.
Secretary Knoxs letter brings the sit
uation to as near state OF war as It can
be brought without actual hostilities or q
definite declaration by Congress Just
what effect the action will have on the
status of the United States consular off,
GERS in that portion of Nicaragua still In
control OF Zelaya. including Managua. the
lie rafx ritol intn
Consul Caldera. who is United States
charge daffaires at Managua has re-
moved from the consulate to the legation
building as a measure of safety. He is
known to be personally Objectionable to
President Zelaya. because of his reports
on recent Developments, and says he al.
CONTINUED on Fourteenth Page.)