Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-12-03
Secretary Knox, in Ultimatum to
Nicaraguan Government, Gives
Fullest Play to Monroe Doctrine.
Central America Must Behave.
DIPLOMATS SAY NOTE
is AN EPoCHAL ONE
1t Is One of the Most Scathing
Documents Ever Issued From
State Department Insurgents
Delighted, Others Gloomy.

WASHINGTON. Dec. 7.-The most
aggressive step yet taken by the
United states booking toward the pro-
lection OF American lives and Ameri-
can interests in Nicaragua. was exc
euted today when the protected cruiser
Albany and the gunboat Yorktown were
ordered to proceed at full speed from
Naxdalena Bay TO Corinto. on the
Pacific coast OF Nicaragua. The gun
boat Vicksburg already is riding the
waters in the harbOr at CorintO and
the gunboat Princeton is on her way
from BremertOn navy yard. Washing
ton. for the same port
In addition. the transport Buffalo, ac-
cording TO what is said to be plans OF
the officials. Will sail from Panama TO
Corinto with probably as many as 1.IOO
marines aboard soon after the Prairie.
which is under orders 10 leave Phila-
delphia this afternoon with about 200
marines. arrives at Colon.
The concentration OF the four warships.
together with the Buffalo. with all her
marines at Corfnto. is taken 10 Indicate
the determination OF the officials here
20 meet any call on them for the pro-
lection OF American citizens. On the Al
hauy are about 80 blue jackets and on
ne vicksburg. Yorktown and Princeton
about 80 each. These, together with the
marines would make an army equal 10
any organization reported as serving I'M
der Zelaya. At the same time the United
States vim have a formidable force with
IN striking distance OF the Atlantic Coast
in ease Of danger to American lives or
property IN that section OF the Nicaragua
Al Port Limon. Costa Rica. are anchored
the cruisers Des Afofnes and Tacoma.
each with 80 men aboard. and the gun
boat Marietta with 80 men.
PHILADELPHIA. Dec. when the Of
ffcers. bIuejackets end marines who are
about to sail south on the transport
Prairie read today the interesting letter
Of Secretary OF State Knox, most of them
declared that they probably would eat
their Christmas dinner in or about Mica
ragua.
While the marines are ostensibly sched-
uIed 10 leave for the Panama canal zone
20 relieve marines now on duty there. the
men az the yard here feel sure that the
latest turn in the Nicaragua situation dis
pels any doubt about the ultimate destina-
tion OF the Prairie All are In high spir-
its and eager to get away.
Besides taking south the 400 marines.
the Prairie viii carry two field pieces.
sio.coo rounds OF ammunition and tents
aLd other equipment for the 100 men.
NO OFFENSIVE MOVE.
IL is not believed to be the intention OF
the authorities to land marines on Mic
araguan soil or to make any other war
like demonstration against that country
for the present. at least. unless some hos
tile act on the part OF the Zelsyan gov
eminent directed against Americans or
American interests should make that
step necessary
The government IS in a position TO seize
COrinto or TO take other offensive action
should the situation seem to warrant and
should such step be found necessary
q win be prompt and decisive. Informa-
ton received at the state department
during the last few days indicates that
the Zelayan army. as well as the ZeIayan
government is disintegrating The revo-
lutionists under Estrada are receiving
constant accessions and arms and am
nunition are being landed in quantities
even beyond their needs.
Thus the United States. il is said. can
well AFFORD 10 await developments. espe-
ciaiy as IL would not lose any OF its pres
tige or sacrifice any advantage i'm the
matter OF indemnity for the killing Of
Cannon and Groce.
Newspaper men who visited the Mica
raguan legation last night were permitted
nc doubt that Secretary Knox's ultima
tum nao FALLEN upon the complacency OF
Senior Rodriguez. the charge d'affaires
when Il dismissed with profound effect
Senior Rordiguez in person met the visit
urs at the door and his prOtestations OF
amazement at the action OF the state de-
partment were delivered in a torrent Of
s mingled English and Spanish.
There were no developments at the
state department this morning regarding
NICsragJian affairs. Although Secretary
KNOX in his note last night. intimated
that he would be wiling to see Mr.. Rod
rls1ez the Nicaragaan charge unofficial
" the permission has not yet been taken
advantage OF and Mr.. Rodriguez inten-
lions are not known
Having broken OF diplomatic relations
with Nicaragua IT is understood to be the
governments present purpose 10 main
taIn a position OF watchfulness and pre-
paredness-
zelaya Is 0utlawed
by Knox's Ultimatum
WASHINGTON. Dec. There is re-
foicing today in the ranks OF the Mic
srzE0uan insurrectionary party and cor
responding gloom amoUg those who
have been friends OF President Zelaya.
The cause Is the ultimatum handed