The Washington herald., 1909-04-09

Interesting developments In the rela-
tions between the United States and
Nicaragua are likely 10 occur soon. The
State Departments patience with the
methods Of President Zelaya has again
been almost exhausted. The department
would like 10 take vigorous measures with
the Nicaraguan executive, but the extent
to which this government can wisely 90
seems TO be IN dorbt.
The department has found that the
Nicaraguans treated Mr.. Gregory, Ameri-
can charge daffaires in Mauagua. IN an
outrageous manner. aid there also is
proof that the government al Managua
tampered with Mr.. Gregory's cipher dis
patches. This offense is unpardonable.
and cannot be overlooked by this gov
ernment Mr.. Gregory Is here now. and
has told Secretary Of state Knox about
what happened 20 him when he repre-
sented the United States in the Near
aguan capital
FCll details OF his treatment have been
withheld, but enough Is known 20 war
rant the statement that Mr.. Gregory s
recall came none too soon 10 please him
Before Mr.. Gregory's experience the
Nicaraguan government made things 50
uncomfortable for Mr.. Coolidge. the min
lister. that this gentleman asked 70 be
withdrawn.
ZeIaya Disturbing Element.
Oficials have reached the conclusion
that It is no longer necessary or advisable
( 10 put Up with this attitude on the part
Of President Zelaya. who has. within
the last year. succeeded IN making him
self the most unpopular Of all Central
American executives. The State Depart
nent regards him as the sole disturbing
element in Central America Presidents
( OF the other nations IN that part Of tke
hemisphere also are hrebrands and dis
! turbers Of the peace az times. but re-
Gently they have been quiet. making little
or no trouble and observing their treaty
obligations. Their enmity for Zelaya and
! their desire TO see him overreach himself
may have something 10 Go with their
/ good behavior. However t.uat may be.
/ the State Department IS wos ded only by
! Zelaya.
! Former Secretary OF State Root be-
1 lieved in placating the Latin-Amerlcans
and keeping them quiet and peaceable
a. almost any cost Mr.. Knox's method
| in handling the Emery claim shows the
/ change Of front The first demand FOR
arbitration was made by the State De
partment IN 1906. Zelaya acceded 10 the
demand but afterward began 10 Quibbie
ana kept IL up TO the end OF the ROOse-
velt administration. Then Mr.. Knox
/ took charge Of the matter. He had been
/ In the state Department only a few days
less than q fortnight-when he sent g
vigorous note TO Nicaragua. amounting
70 an ultimatum, demanding the imme-
date settlement OF the Emery case. And
he got an agreement from Nicaragua.
! Mr.. Knox also recalled Mr.. Gregory from
Managua. and. apparently. he proposes &c
deal with Zelaya with a strong arm and
as few words as possible
Nicaragua Intent on War.
/ Nicaragua seems intent upon making
war on Salvador. The United States has
indicated clearly that such thing must
not be, and half dozen American war
ships are lowering around Nicaragus
waiting for developments.
/ While the state Department hopes
there VIII be no serious trouble n
/ Central America, actual hostillties would
| give the United States a just opportunity
I 20 take drastic action.