The Paducah evening sun. [volume] (Paducah, Ky.) 1906-1929, 1909-12-02
Continued from Page one.)

| Continued from Page One.)
ports by Secretary OF State Knox,
thereby severing the diplomatic rela-
/ tions of the two countries Knox In
formed Rodriguez by note that the
I United States would hold personally
responsible the men responsible for
| the torture and execution OF Groce
and Cannon, recently killed in Mica
ragua. Knox also informed Rodriguez
that Nicaragua would be held to the
observance of the principles of the
Washington conference of South
American republics. in the interest OF
general peace and harmony.
The letter which is definitely de-
clared 20 represent the views OF
President Taft, is as plain-spoken as
anything emanating from the state
department in many years. Its ex-
traordnary feature Is its evidence Of
the intention TO hold Zelaya person.
ally responsible for the alleged tor
ture and execution of Cannon and
GrOce. exhibiting the unique situation
OF one government holding the chief
executive OF another practically as
common malefactor. Zelaya Is
branded as a violator Of the interna-
tional conventions. disturber of ma
tional and International peace. and
IA tyrant whose administration has
d been a blot upon the name of good
/ government.
Knox virtually announces recogni-
tion OF the reyolutlonists, and adds
that all parties will be held account
able for the actions affecting the in
terests Of Americans and the peace
of Central America.
This brings the crisis as near
status OF war as could be by execu-
tive action without a definite declar-
alton by congress. which will convene
Monday.
The Knox letter makes It plain in
all but so many words that his action
represents the wish of all the Central
American states excepting Honduras.
which Is regarded here as dominated
by Zelaya. Mexico all along has
shown sympathy with the United
States.
The status OF the consular repre-
sentative of the United States IN
Nicaragua was not definitely explain
ed, but II is expected that they will
be given passports tomorrow.
KNOWS Letter.
Department Of State. Washington,
ID. c.. Dec. I. Sir: Since the Wash
ington conventions of 1907 Il Is no
torious that President Zelaya has al
most continuously kept Central Amer
lea in tension OF turmoil. that he has
repeatedly flagrantly violated the
conventions and by a baleful influ-
ence upon Honduras, whose neutral
lity the conventions were to assure,
has sought TO discredit those sacred
international obligations to the great
detriment OF Costa Rica, Salvador
and Guatemala, whose governments
meanwhile. It appears have been
able to patiently strive for the loyal
support OF engagements so solemnly
undertaken at Washington under the
lauspices of the United States and
Mexico.
II ~ equally a matter of common
knowledge that under the regime OF
Zelaya. republican institutions ceased
to exist in Nicaragua, except in
name; that public opinion and the
press have been throttled: that pris-
on has been the reward of any ten
dency to real patriotism. My consid-
GRAFTON for you impels me to abstain
from unnecessary discussion OF the
painful details of a regime which
unfortunately has been a blot upon
the history of Nicaragua and dis
Icouragement to the group of repub-
lies whose aspirations need only the
opportunity of a free and honest
government.
In view of the interests OF the
United States and its relation to the
Washington conventions. an appeal
against this situation has long since
been made TO this government by
majority of the Central American re-
| publlcs. There is now added an APP
peal. through the revolution, of a
great body of the Nicaraguan people.
Two Americans who, this government
Is now convinced, were officers con-
nected with the revolutionary forces
and therefore to be dealt with accord
ing to the enlightened practices Of
the civilized nations. have been kill
ed by the direct order of Zelaya
Their execution is said to have been
preceded by barbarous cruelties. The