Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1909-12-08
NiCaraguan Charge d't.iaires Is
Given PaSSpOrtS-Rela-
tons Severed.
Status of War Practically Pre-
walls, Needing Only Con-
gressionaII Sanction.
Secretary of State Determines
That Interests of Repub-
lies Be Secured.
CharaCterizeS NiCaraguan Ex-
eCutive as MaIefaCtOr
and Tyrant.

Washington, Dec 2.--Fe1ipe Roo
riguez, charge daffaires of the MICA
ragua legation last night was ten
dered his passports by Secretary of
State Knox. thereby severing dipIo
rlatic relations of the two countries.
Secretary I<nox informed Rodriguez
by a rose that the United States
would hold personally responsible the
men responsible for the torture ana
execution OF Groce and Cannon, re
Gently killed in Nicaragua. Mr. Knox
also informed Rodriguez that Nieara-
qua viii be held to the observance Of
the principles of the Washington con-
ference of South American republics
in the interest of general peace and
harmony.
The letter, which is definitely de-
clared to represent the views of Pres
ident Taft, is as plain spoken as any
thing emanating from the state de-
partment in many years. It's extra
ordinary feature is it's evidence of in
tention to hold Zelaya personally re-
sponsibfe for the alleged torture and
execution of Cannon and Groce, ex.
hibiting the unique situation of one
government holding the chief execu-
tive of another practically as a com
mon malefactor. Zelaya is branded as
a violator of international conven-
tons, disturber of national and IN.
ternational peace and tyrant whose
administration has been a blot upon
the name of good government.
Secretary Knox virtually announces
the recognition of the reyolutionists
and adds that all parties will be held
accountable for their actions affect
ing the interests of Americans and
the peace of Central America.
This brings a crisis as near the
status of war as could be by execu
tive action without a definite declara.
ton by congress, which will convene
Monday.
Mr.. Knox's letter makes it plain Ill
all but so many words that his action
represents the wish Of all the Cen
trail American states excepting Hon
duras, which is regarded here as
dominated by Zelaya Mexico all
along has shown sympathy with the
United States.
The status of the consular repre-
sentatives of the United States in
Nicaragua was not definitely ex-
planned last night IL is expected
they will be given passports today
The Letter.
Following is the letter of Secretary
Knox to the charge d'affaires:
Sir:-Since the Washington con-
venSions of 1907 it is notorious that
President Zelaya almost continuously
has kept Central America in a ten
sion or turmoil, that he repeatedly
and fiagrantly has violated the CON
yentions and by a baleful influence
upon Honduras, whose neutrality the
conventions we're assured, has sought
to discredit those sacred international
obligations to the great detriment or
Costa RIGA, Salvador and Guatamela,
whose governments meanwhile appear
to have been able tn patiently strive
for the loyal support of those en-
gagements so solemnly undertaken
at Washington under the auspices OF
the United States and Mexico.
1t is equally matter of common
knowledge that under the regime of
Zelaya republican institutions have
ceased to exist in Nicaragua, except
in name; that public opinion ard the
press have been throttled; that
prison has been the reward of any
tendency to real patriotism. Ny
consideration for you impels me TO
abstain from an unnecessary discus
sion of the painful Diet ails of the
regime which unfortunately has been
blot upon the history of Nicaragua
and encouragement to that group
of republics whose aspirations need
only the opportunity of free ana non
est government
In view of the interests Of the
United States and its relation to thu
Washington conventions, an appea
against this situation long since hal
been made to this government by
majority OF the Central American re
publics. There now is added the an
peal. through revolution, of the grea
body of Nicaraguan people. Tw,
Americans who, this government i
now convinced. were officers connect
ed with the revolutionary forces. an
therefore. entitled to be dealt with az
cording TO the enlightened practice O
civilized nations. have been killed n
direct order Of Zelaya Their execr
ton is said TO hare been prctede
BY barbarous cruelties. The consul
ate at Managua now is oficially r,
ported to have been menaced. Their
thus is sinister elimination Of tn
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