The Washington times., 1909-12-31
Minister Coming TO Wash
ington TO Oppose Mexi-
can Influence.
KNOX WILL LISTEN
TO HIS PROPOSALS
Mission May Mean Displacement
of Diaz as Prime Power In
Central American Affairs.
By JAMES Hay, II.

/ DV lAHEao nal II
In order to put an end to Mexico's in.
huence over the affairs OF Central and
South America. de Rio Branco. tn,
minister Of foreign affairs for Brazil. 4,
coming to washington to arrange ar
agreement between his country and tn,
United States. which viii make Brazi
this countrys ally IN dealing with tbs
international problems which may aris'
in South or Central America.
! This information comes today from q
man close to the Brazilian embassy In
this city. and with # is the additional
statement that Brazil. realizing the
strained relations which now exist be-
tween Mexico and the United States,
sees the present as the time for making
a coalition which win result in great
advantage to her szd also IN the de-
cisive ending OF Eexico's claim to being
this country's chief ally Ia Central
America.
While no opinion was given at the
State Department today as TO the prob
able outcome Of Minister Branco's pro-
posed visit TO Washington, it vas adj
mitted that the relations between IN 8
Government and that Of Brazil are ex-
tremely cordial and that the United
States will be glad TO hear any propo-
sitions Branco may care 10 make.
Saved the Situation.
II Is remembered that gossip In dipio-
mctic circles described Branco as the
mc1 who saved the Situate when this
Government sent its ultiir I'm 10 chile
demanding an immediate set lernent Of
fhe Alsop claim Upon Chne's refusal
Of the curt demand. and the ensuing EN-
barassment to the United States. Bran
CO made the suggestion that the two
cOur Ties should agree on the King of
England as the arbitrator OF the claim.
Chile agreed to this. and the arrange
ment was made.
The feeling between Brazil and Mex
ico has been for some years OF the bit
terest kind and Brazil has been look
ing for an opportunity 20 injure Mexico s
influence with the United States
Mr.. Knox and the President are high
iy incensed against the Mexican gov
ernment because OF the part Enrique
Creel played here as tho result of the
secret treaty between Mexico and Mica
raEuA No denial ts made in Well-in-
formed circles that the relations he
tween this country and the Diaz govern
ment are strained, and that Mexico
would be the last county the United
States would regard as its agent or ally
IN dealing with problem. in South or
Central America.
Pleasure to Brazil.
Brazil has learned all this with the
keenest pleasure. The Brazilian press
has alref dy begun 70 point out that now
a "a
into its own as the ally of the United
States r. international affairs on the
American continent. : Brazilian diplo-
mat made the statement in washington
disliked Mexico, and was only waiting
for the chance to oust her as the
friend Of this country.
Brazil has been for some years the
loudcst South American advocate OF
the Monroe Doctrine, and Il has been
Brazil which always notified this coun-
try II there appeared to be danger Of
a violation Of that documents pro-
In tho Diplomatic Corps in Washing
ton the news that de Rio Branco expects
to come to Washington IS regarded as
the most important development IN the
Central American situation since Mr..
Knox sent lis famous note TO Rodri-
gdez. If B-ancO's mission is success
ful II viii mean hat Brazil viii Inn
mediately spring into the prominence
Mexico has enjoyed as the great friend
and chief ally of this Government In the
affairs Of The Western hemisphere. II
this country decides 20 undertake the |
task OF consolidating the countries of I
Central America, Brazil, ar1 not Mex
leo, VIII be the assistant In the work.
Well Known Here.
Branco is well known IN Washington. !
and he IS regarded as one Of the ablest
diplomats IN South America. He has /
done a Hons share In the upbuilding /
Of Brazil, and is said 10 be IIeenly alive |
10 the great advantages that Win come /
10 his country II ne can make the agree /
ment he desires with the United States. |
That the prospects OF HIS success are |
good. is evident. This government, dis |
pleased with Mexico naturally desires !
a strong and reliable ally in South |
America Brazil presents herself as tho /
power which meets the wishes Of the I
United States. Moreover, she has TO her /
credit a record Of many years Of /
5tanch friendship for this country.
Mr., Knox has been emphatic I'm his /
declarations that he means 20 handle /
he Nicaraguan situation as he desires, |
and that he wants no help from Mexico /
Mexico saved Ielayas but II viii be a 4
oDg time before II viii be able to save /
anybody else.
In spite Of Mr.. Knox's coIdness toward /
Mexico. however. II Is known that such /
III dIllduNf -ie bIdLll Is ABOUT To pro j
)ose would appeal very strongly to the
state DEPARTMENT. The arrangement /
'Ouid not be made before the Mica !
-aguan crisis Is settled, but 10 would /
,noct ell future similar conditions and |
would In reality be one Of the Creates
blows Mexico has ever suffered
The hope for peace In Nicaragua was
iimmed somewhat today bV reports
tating that Estrada had rejected the
,vertUres a. Madriz. and by dispatches
rom Mana.gua to the effect that mill
airy preparations continue there and !
hat no material changes in the per-
Onncl of the army arranged bv ex-
President Helaya had teen made
II is now considered probable that /
he. lighting between the two factions
Eili continue. ]