New-York tribune., 1909-08-25
ZELAYA'S AMBITION
A Reported Desire to Control Court
of Arbitration.

Advices have been received here from authori-
tative source in New Orleans that shed new light
on the political situation in Costa Rica and reveal
the hand and interests that are behind the effort
TO create trouble in the usually tranquil republic.
The dispatches mention President J. Santos Zelaya
Of Nicaragua as the power behind the 10
force the selection OF Ricardo Jimenez President
of Costa Rica by outside intervention In its do
mestic affairs.
The purpose Of zeaya. it is reported. is to gain
control of Central America. and particularly the
court OF justice at Cartago. Costa Rica, which was
established free tribunal by treaty signed
by the five Central American countries at the
Washington conference.
Zelaya already has dominating influence over
Honduras. and with Nicaragua and Costa Rica his
power would outweigh that OF Salvador and Guate-
mala
1t is learned that Nicaraguan agents have bought
arms and ammunition in large quantities in the
United States and have shipped the munitions from
New Orleans. ostensibly Nicaragua. but In real
ity 10 some isolated point near the Costa Rican
coast, whence they 20 be shipped destina-
tions where they would be readily obtainable.
Mail advices from Costa Rica say that the gov
ernment seized on August 80 rifles and 1,5Oo
rounds of ammunition the beach at Cape Blanco
near Punta Arenas
Another and much more formidable shipment OF
munitions was made a week ago from New Or
leans II consisted Of 1000 rifles. 5000 rounds of
ammunition and two Maxim rapid fire guns An
agent of the ambitious Zelaya put this supply on
a steamer for Nicaragua But the steamer put
back to New Orleans. the agent explaining that
the weather was too rough to reach the port Of
destination. He thereupon transferred the guns
and cartridges a smaller steamer clearing for
Buefelds. The vessel. however. never reached that
port. Instead. the cargo taken TO the mouth
of the Colorado River. to be delivered TO the Ze-
laya partisans when the right moment arrives
There 500 more rifles. according to the advices
in another place near the Nicaraguan boundary
IL is also open secret that Zeays has been aid
ing the candidacy of Jimenez in Costa Rica with
large sums of money
DR. Juan ]. Ulloa. Costa Rican Consul General
in this city, refused last night discuss the news
revealing the plot against his government. This
matter you ask me about" said DR. Uloa. lis not
a subject that talk about. But I will
say that the elections TO be held next Sunday and
Monday will be absolutely free. they have been
heretofore.
THE Presidential candidates Rafael Ygesias
and Ricardo Jimenez. Neither is the government
candidate. as there is official candidate.
Our elections absolutely untrammelled. which
is one of the reasons why there has been insur-
rection in Costa Rica for fifty years
Also entirely capable of settling our
political questions among ourselves. We need no
foreign intervention. and any effort TO force il
our people would be resented by all Costa Ricans
worthy of citizenship in the country. The pre-
election excitement that is reported from my
try is good sign II proves the free interest that
Costa Ricans take in their political affairs. and
while unlike the cut-and- dried elections, so called.
IN some other republics. is not unlike the cam
pagn spirit in the United States where free ex-
preston of political views exists. But II is Moth
ing more serious than that. Costa Rica continues
a safe and sane country. prosperous and free
good criterion Of stability is the sl3 10000
loan just contracted for in this city