New-York tribune., 1909-12-29
STILL FOR ESTRADA
W4NT REAL ELECTION
State Department Uanfs Mic
aragua Unkampered.
fFrom The Tribune Bureau. J

Washington Dec S-The State Depart
ment is hopeful that the negotiations now
being conducted between President Nadriz
Of Nicaragua and General Estrada. of the
revolutionary army, may result in the
restoration of peaceful conditions and pave
the way for settlement between the two
factions which viii he agreeable 20 the ma
Jority Of the Nicaraguan people.
How this is 10 he accomplished is not a
matter with which Secretary Knox particu-
larry concerns himself. He has cle6rly
enunciaIed his policy with regard 10 the
revolution and has made il apparent that
any government which has the support of
q ma jority OF the people of Nicaragua and
which can demonstrate beyond question
that IL is able to protect American interests
will he recognized by the United States.
Although there is little question that the
State Department would immensely prefer
that some person connected with the Es
trada faction should he made head of the
republic. IL is likewise certain that any
man who is properly elected and who
evinces disposition TO act with decency
Will have the cordial support of Secretary
KnoN
While the dispatches thus far received at
the State Department indicate thai Estrada
will not accept the recent offer of Madriz
20 lay down his arms and have a free
and fair election, it IS not considered i'm
probable that some agreement may be
reached by which the people Of Nicaragua
will have an opportunity 10 express them
selves In this event the part to be played
by this government has already been con-
sidered by Secretary Knox and his advisers
u has been suggested that this govern
ment may supervise the election and pre-
serve order, just done in Panama at
the election of Obaldia, but thus far no de-
cision has been reached. There is strong
feeling that in the event of an election
there would be great disorder, and that in
timidation might he resorted to by both
parties. Such a contingency would prob
2 bly, render the election worthless and
simply bring about a repetition of the
scenes which have disturbed the country
for The last three months.
The United States is anxious that the
revolution shall end, but there is small
doubt that the State Department would
prefer that Estrada should gain complete
victory than that he should allow himself
TO be party To an election in which the
principal arguments would be threats and
arms.
Rumors gained credence to-day that the
visit Of Rear Admiral Kimball 10 Madriz
was a forerunner Of recognition OF the
Nicaragaan President No grounds for such
reports exist at present. So long the
revolution lasts this government will pre-
serve attitude of neutrality. although
should an agreement be reached between
Estrada and Madriz it will undoubtedly be
respected by Secretary Knox.
Commander Shipley. at Bluefeds. in a
dispatch dated yesterday states that the
reports hitherto sent out regarding the
number Of killed and wounded, prisoners
taken, etc, at the recent battle at Rama
were much exaggerated, and that the am
munition captured amounted To only about
one hundred thousand rounds and the
killed 70 not more than five hundred. Com
mander Shipley also states that he has
fed fourteen hundred prisoners of war since
December "a and more are TO arrive