Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-12-28
Don't Think Zelaya Will
ESCAPE Needed Punishment

WASHINGTON, Dec. 27.-The docking
of the General Guerrero, the Mexican
gunboat, at Salina Cruz, with former
President Zelaya and party on board, is
not regarded as a change in the former
presidents plans. AS understood here, 1t
was the purpose at the time he left Man
aqua to proceed to the City of Mexico and
there is no doubt that it will be his des-
tination. How long he will remain in
Mexico, however, is not known here.
The departure of Zelaya from Nicara-
qua is not regarded I'm official circles here
as at all conclusive that he will escape
punishment for his crimes in that coun-
try. The United States government has
never taken any steps whatever for the
apprehension of Zelaya or to prevent his
leaving the country. 1t preferred to pro-
coed with elaboration, knowing that
should his presence in Nicaragua be re-
CURED at any time to answer for his mis-
deeds, his person could be secured with
little or no difficulty.
Secretary Knox in his letter to the Mica
raguan charge in this city, Mr.. Rodriguez,
made it clear that in connection with
any demand this government might make
upon Nicaragua in the way of reparation
for the shooting of the Americans, Can
non and Groce, there might be included,
in addition to a money indemnity, a de-
mand that the person or persons found
guilty of the murder of the two Ameri-
cans should be tried and punished for
their crime. The question of extradition
in case o4tthis kind was settled many
years ago and there are several cases
cited where criminals have been surren-
dered by the nations where they have
been given asylum, even when there
were no eXtradition treaties.
One of the most notable of these was
that of the Spanish army officer, Argue
Lee, who in 1854 captured a ship load of
slaves which was being sent to the
United States. For this act he was re-
warded by the Spanish government, but
it developed later that he had sold a num-
Der of the slaves and, fearing arrest and
punishment for his act, had fled to New
York.
The Spanish government asked the
United States to surrender him for trial
which, under President Lincoln's orders.
was done as a matter of comfy between
nations.
President Lincoln in a communication
to congress on the subject laid down the
principles that a nation was never bound
to furnish asylum to dangerous crimi-
nails, or to those who were offenders
against the human race.
Should, therefore, the United States de-
mand of Nicaragua the punishment or
Zelaya, there seems to be little doubt that
anx nation where he may have taken re-
fuge will, on the showing the United
States will be able to make, surrender
him for trial and punishment.
Prairie Leaves Colon
COLON, Dec. 1.-THE United States
cruiser Prairie sailed from this port at
noon yesterday for Bluefelds, Nicaragua.
The Prairie arrived at Colon from Phil
adelphia December "a with 700 marines.
After the marines were landed the cruiser
was ordered by the United States govern
ment to take on board 5000 worth of sta
pie supplies and proceed with all possible
haste to Bluefields to relieve from star
walton the soldiers of ex-President Eel
aya's army captured by General Estrada
troops at Rama and to furnish much
needed aid to soldiers of both the Nicara-
guam government forces, and the insur
gents wounded in the battle near Rama.