The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1909-12-17

IS PLEASING
NEWS OF ABDIcATloN OF MICA
RAGUAN PRESIDENT REcEIv-
ED IN WASHINGTON.
OFFICIALS REJOicED-ESTRADA
FAVORED FOR PRESIDENT
IN WASHINGTON.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 16.-News OF
the resignation of President Zelaya of
Nicaragua was received with evident
satisfaction at the state department
and else where here tonight, but no
comment could be ELECTED from any
responsible officer of the administra-
ton.
1t can be said with confidence that
Zelayas resignation, welcome as it is,
has by no means removed him from
the attention of this government.
Secretary KnoX's recent letter of
dismissal to Senior Rodriguez Nicara-
guam charge d'affaires, plainly indicat-
ed the intention of the United States
to hold Zelaya and his circle of advis-
ers personally responsible for the kill
ing of Groce and Cannon and nobody
here tonight believes that Zelaya's re-
tirement materially mitigates his per-
sonal peril as a defendant before the
bar at which Mr.. Knox has arraigned
him substantially on the charge of
murder in the first degree.
1t is well understood that this gov
eminent will look with disfavor upon
the installation in Zelaya's place OF
any of the Zelaya following. 1t is not
too much to say that anybody that
would be acceptable to Zelaya and his
adherents will be viewed with sus-
picion at Washington.
From the beginning of the present
revolution in Nicaragua, sympathies
of state department officials have been
with Estrada, revolutionary leaders,
and, while no government official
would openly say such a thing, it is
understood here that all hope the out
come viii: find Astrada in the presi-
dency of Nicaragua.
No orders resulting from the resign
atipn have been issued by the navy
department to American vessels of
war in Nicaraguan waters.
1t Will remain for a conference be-
tween the president and Secretary
Knox, probably tomorrow, to deter
mine whether the new aspect of the
situation calls for any alteration of
the naval plans.
It developed tonight that the keys
of the Nicaraguan legation, which has
been closed since Secretary Knox's
ultimatum was delivered, have been
turned over with archives and furni
tUre of the legation, to Balbino Dava
los, charge d'affaires of the Mexican
embassy
This action is accepted among dip
lomats as proving the friendship of
Mexico for Zelaya, for, they argue,
such custody would not have been
conferred had not the Nicaraguan
government been assured of the entire
good will of Mexico.
Late tonight the minister from Sal
vador, Senior Mejia, gave out a cable
gram from President Figuerora
denying a statement originating in
Managua and published in several
newspapers this morning that he had
given his approval to the circular re-
Gently issued by President Zelaya to
Central American governments criti-
cising Secretary Knox and the policy
of the United States in respect to
Nicaragua.
General Juan J. Estrada, central fig
ure in the Washington forecast of the
new era in Nicaragua, has had a
stormy and busy career He is 3S
years old and has taken part in nearly
engaged since he was old enough to
her arms. He was a colonel in the
war of 1896 and two years later was
appointed governor of the province of
Cape Gracio ell Dio. In the war of
1899 he was seriously wounded and
was forced to visit New York for sur
gical treatment.
When he returned to his native
country he was made chief of customs
in Nicaragua. Two years later he was
appointed governor of Bluefields, a |
place he held until the war with Hon.
rudas in 1906. At the close of HOSTILE !
ties he was admitted to the cabinet as
of war.
AS described tonight by one of his |
friends here, General Estrada not only |
is popular with the people of tNicara- /
qua, but he is modest, generous, a |
clever statesman and dangerous foe. |
His experiences in both civil admins ,
tration and in the handling of men in |
war fit him admirably for the position !
Of head of the Nicaraguan republic" |