Evening star., 1909-03-14
DENIAL OF HOST|L|T|ES
Presidents ZeIaya and Figue-
r0a Say Peace ReignS.
ANSWER PRESS DISPATCH
Nicaragua Said to Be Trying to En-
broil Costa Rica.
TALK AT STATE DEPARTMENT
Secretary Knox and Mexican Am
bassador in Conference-Presum
ably in Accord to Keep Peace.

A brief conference between the Secre-
tary of State and the Mexican ambassa-
dor was held yesterday afternoon In view
of the desire of Mexico and the United
Central America.
The Mexican ambassador had not re-
-ceived any definite instruction from his
government. 1t is not believed that any
difference of opinion will arise to inter
fere with unity of action SO far as is
necessary to carry out the peace agree
ment of 1907.
The Mexican ambassador has been in
commune with his government by
telegraph since Friday night When he
met Secretary Knox yesterday he had
not received instructions which would al
low him to conclude any agreement for
future action.
1t is believed. however. that full ac-
cord will be reached concerning what
should be done to prevent disorder or
any hostile invasion by Nicaraguan
troops Of the territory of Salvador or
Costa Rica. The war vessels of the
United States on both the Atlantic and
Pacific coasts are regarded as ample for
any emergency that may arise
There will be two such vessels III Fon
SEGA bay. On the gulf side there will he
one warshp at Bluefeids and one al
Greytown.
The State Department has received no
official confirmation of the reported bat
tie between NicaraguAn and SalVadOrean
gunboatS. No orders have yet been given
for the transportation of marines to either
Nicaragua or Salvador. AS there are 800
marines at Panama and 300 at Guam
tanamo a substantial detachment could be
landed at strategic points within a few
days.
This government is proceeding delib-
erately in dealing with the Central Amer
ican situation. At this time, il is official
ly stated, but one question is being dealt
with. That is the maintenance of the
peace agreement of 1907. entered into
by the five Central American states.
Mexico and the United States.
1t is as party to that agreement that
the United States is now acting. 1t Is
confining its efforts to a prevention of
hostilities.
Peace Reigns, Say Presidents.
NEW YORK, March 13.-The Presidents
Of both Nicaragua and Salvador deny
there has been any outbreak Of hostilities
between the two countries.
Messages of inquiry were addressed to-
day by the Associated Press to Gen
Zelaya, President of Nicaragua, and Gen
Figueroa, President of Salvador, con-
cernfng the reports of warlke activity
between the two republics. The following
replies have been received:
'MANAGUA, March 1.-THE reports Of
war between Nicaragua and Salvador are
without foundation. Peace reigns in Mic
aragua. ZELAYA.
san SALVADOR. March 13-There is
no truth in the report that war has
broken out between Salvador and Mica
raSua. F1GGEROA.
Zelaya Embroils Costa Rica.
MEXICO CITY, March BIT Is re-
ported here that unimpeachable evidence
has been obtained that President Zelaya
Of Nicaragua 10 endeayoring TO embroil
Costa Rica In the present Central Amer
lean difficulty.
To that end, it Is stated. he has built
number Of forts and stockades along
the border to which he has shipped large
stores of ammunition. His troops now
OCCUPY the strategic points along the San
Juan river and the lake shore at Fuerte
and Naranja.
Zelayas motives are incomprehensible
to the well Informed here. unless he hopes
to force the federation of the five re-
publics. Costa Rica hitherto has held
aloof from the federation and has been
left alone in all Central American in
trigues.
Owing to Costa Ricas proximity to the
Canal Zone there is intense interest and
speculation here as to what action the
United States will take in the event of
Zelayas provoking war.
1t is stated that a conference between
President Diaz and Foreign Minister Ma
riscal will be held this afternoon to con-
slider the Central American situation.
Welcome Awaits Warships.
SAN SALVADOR, Republic of Saliva
dor, Friday, March 12.-Active prepara-
tions are being made here to welcome
Admiral Swinburne and the officers of
the American cruiser squadron, due at
Acajutla tomorrow.
Nicaragua Denies Warfare.
MANAGUA, Nicaragua, March 1.-THE.
reports that there has been an outbreak
Of hostilities between Nicaragua and Sal
yador were cabled here today from the
United States.
They are absolutely without foundation.
Peace reisns In Salvador as well as in
Nicaragua.
Panama Expects Peace.
PANAMA, March 13.-Men thoroughly
familiar with conditions in Central Amer
lea do not believe there will be any out
break of hostilities between Nicaragua
and Salvador, so long as American war
ships stay on the coast.
1t is felt however. that the circum-
stances are such that something serious
may occur If these vessels are withdrawn.
There are today no diplomatic relations
- ,k,y@r