The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-12-02
KNOX REBUKES
 ELAYA'S ACTS
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 strive for the loyal support of tLs en- agreements so solemnly undertaken at Washington under the auspices of the United States and Mexico.
 Tt Is equally a matter of common knowledge that under the regime or President zeiaya, Republican institu- tons have ceased in Nicaragua 10 ex- fist, except in name; that public opin- ion and the press have been thro;tled and that prison has been the reward of any tendency to real patriotism.
 My consideration for you personal ly impels me to abstain from unnec- essary discussion of the painful de- ttails of a regime which, unfortunate ly has been e blot upon the history of Nicaragua and Encouragement to a group of republics whose aspira- tfons need only the opportunity of free and honest government.
 Tn view of the interests of the united States and of its relation to the Washington conventions, appeal against this situation has long since been made to this government by a majority of the Central American re- publics. There is now added to the ap- peal. through the revolution. that of a great body of the Nicaraguas peo- pie.
 Two Americans, who this governt ment is now convinced were officers connected with the revolutionary forces and therefore entitled to be dealt with according to the enlightened practice of civilized nations. have been killed by direct order of President zelaya. This execution Is said to have been pre- ceded by brbarous cruelties The consulate at Managua is now officially reported to have been menaced
 There is thus sinister continuation of an administration also characterized by cruelty. to its own citizens which has. until the recent outrage. found vent in the case of this country. in a succession of petty annoyances and indignities which many months ago made 1t impossible to ask an Ameri- can minister longer to reside at Mana qua.
 From every point of view 1t has evil dentiy become difficnIt for the United States further to delay more active re- sponse to the appeals so long made to its duty to its citizens. to It's dignity. to Central America and to civiliza- ton.
 -rhe government of the United States is convinced that the revolution rep resents the ideals and the will of ma jority of the Nicaraguan people more faithfully than does the government of President zelaya and that it's peacea- bie control Is well nigh as extensive as that hitherto so sternly attempted by the government at Managua.
 There is now added the fact. as of- ficially reported from more than one quarter. that there are already indica- tions, of rising In the Western pro- vtnces in favor of a presidential cam Gr.&x Nat. old regime. In this 1t is easy to see new elements tending toward a condi- tion of anarchy which leaves, at a giv- en time. no definite responsible source to which the government of the Unit ed States could look for reparatiop for the killing of Messrs. Cannon and Groce. or, indeed, for the protection which must be assured citizens and American interests in Nicaragua.
 Tn these circumstances the presI- dent no longer feels for the govern ment of President zelaya that respect and confidence which would make 1t appropriate hereafter to maintain with 1t regular diplomatic relations, imply ing the will and the ability to respect and assure what is due from one state to another.
 Is Held to Account.
 The government of Nicaragua, which you have hitherto represented, Is here- by notified, as will be also the leaders of the revolution that the government of the United States will hold strictly accountable for the protection of Am- erican life and property the factions de facto in control of the eastern and western portions of the republic of Nicaragua.
 ''As for the reparation found due, after careful consideration. for the killing of Messrs. Groce and Cannon the Government of the United States would be loath to impose upon the in- nocent people of Nicaragua a too heavy burden of expiating the acts of a regime forced upon them or to exact from a succeeding government, if 1t have quite different policies, the impo- sition of such burden.
 Into the question of ultimate rep aration there must enter the question or the existence at Managua of gov ernment capable of responding to de- rnands. There must enter also the question how far 1t Is possible to reach those actually responsible and those who perpetrated the tortures re- ported to have preceded the execution if these be verified; and the question whether the government be one en- tfrely disassociated from the present 1ntolerable conditions and worthy 10 be trusted to make impossible a re- currence of such acts. in which case the President. as A friend of your country, az he Is also of the other re- publics of Central America, might be disposed to have indemnity confined to what was reasonably due the rela- lives of the deceased and punitive only in so far as the punishment might fall where really due.
 Tn pursuance of this policy, the government of the United States will temporarily withhold its demand for reparation, in the meanwhile taking such steps as it deems wise and proper to protect American interests.
 "To insure the future protection of legitimate American interests. in con- sideration of interests of the majority of Central American republics and in the hope of making more effective the friendly offices exerted under the -. 
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