Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-27
GUNBOAT'S FAST RUN
FROM NICARAGUAN PORT
Reaches Mexican City Hours Before
She Was Expected.
AMERICA WATCHING HI
HIM
Believed He Will Eventually Be
ragua-American Arrested.

| SALlNA CRUZ. Mex. December 27.-
! The Mexican gunboat Gen. Guerrero, hav-
ing on board eaPresident zelaya OF
Nicaragua. who fled from Managua by
way of Corinto. Christmas eve, docked
| here at o'clock this morning.
/ Accompanying the former president
were the ex-minister of war and four
other Nicaraguans.
The sunboat arrived off this port last
night, hut anchored outside the 1arbor
until this morning.
| The Guerrero was not expected to reach
! Salina cruz before tonight, and made
record breaking run. it was said, to cover
the distance in SO short q time.
No Recognition at Present.
| II is said that Dr. Castrillo, agent of the
provisional government of Nicaragua. has
been instructed by Estrada, the head of
! that government, TO urge on Secretary
Knox the importance of the early recog-
milton of that government, in order that
the people of Nicaraua may know which
party the United States government
| favors. 1t is not regarded at all likely,
however, that the United States will rec
oGnize either party in Nicaragua until it
is in absolute control of the government
and has restored peace.
U. S. Not Through With Him.
The departure of Zelaya from Nicara-
qua is not regarded in official circles
here conclusive that he will escape
punishment for his crimes in that coun-
try. This government has. not taken
any steps whatever for the apprehen-
sion of Zelaya or to prevent his leaving
the country. 1t preferred. 1t is stated.
to proceed with deIiberation, knowing
that should he be wanted in Nicaragua
at any future time to answer for his mis-
deeds his presence might be procured
with little or no difficulty.
Secretary Knox, in his letter to the
Nicarasuan charge in this city. Mr.. Rod
riguez made 1t clear that in connection
with any demand this government might
make upon Nicaragua in the way of
reparatlon for the shooting Of the two
Americans. Cannon and Groce, there
might be included. in addition to money
indemnity, demand that the person
or persons found guilty of the murder
of the two Americans should be tried
and punished for their crime
The question Of extradition i'm a case
[ like that of Zelaya, it is said in Official
quarters, was settled many years ago.
| have been surrendered by Gountries
where they sought asylum, even where
| there were extradition treaties.
Case of Spanish Officer.
| One of the most notable of the cases
| cited Is that Of the Spanish army officer
Arguelles. who in 1864 captured a ship
load Of slaves which was being brought
to the United States. For this act he
| was rewarded by the Spanish govern
ment, but it developed later that he had
sold large number OF the slaves, and.
fearing arrest and punishment for his
act, had fled to New York The Spanish
government asked the United States to
surrender him for trial, which under
President Lncolus orders was done as
a matter of comfy between nations.
President Lincoln III communica ion 10
Congress OH the subject lad down the
principie that nation is never bound
to furnish asylum 70 dangerous criminals
or To those who are offenders against
the human race.
Should. Therefore, this government de-
mand of Nicaragua the punishment of
Zelaya. there seems to be no doubt in
some minds that any nation where he
may have taken refuge will. on the
showing which the United States will
be able to make. surrender him for trial
and punishment.
Mexico Within Her Rights.
While the act of Mexico in giving
| asylum to Zelaya and assisting him in his
| fight from Nicaragua may not be re-
garded with favor rs Secretary Knox,
yet 1t is tacity admitted at the State De
partment that Mexico acted fully within
her rights. The further fact that the
| United States warships at Corinto made
no effort whatever t. prevent Zelayas
! departure from that rori when his move
ments and plans were We'll known, is ac-
cepted as an indication that the United
States and Mexico bad reached a COM
| plete understanding III the matter. AS
one official put it. the continued friend
| ship OF Mexico was OF Infinitely more i'm
portance to the United States government
! than the personal punishment of the de-
posed president. especially as the plan
involved the removal OF Zelaya from the
scene of action. The proposition that the
! United States should hold Zelaya person.
ally responsible for the execution of the
Americans Cannon and tiroce seems to
/ have been definitely abandoned in favor
OF plan OF having the government in
stalled in his stead make due reparation
for the death of those two men. But
that question will not be finally con-
sidered until 1t is settled whether the
forces of Madriz. the successor of Zelaya,
or those of Estrada, which mainly con-
! tributed to Zelaya's overthrow shall pre-
vail In the contest FOR poiitca! supremacy.
May Visit President Diaz.
| In official circles In Washington 1t is
believed that Zelaya and party now being
safe in Mexico will proceed to the capi-
tai for a short visit of respect to Presi-
dent Diaz and will then go to Vera Cruz
and board a steamship for France. Brus-
i sells is said to be his destination. At
least II is reported that he arranged TO
meet his family in that city,
Wants American Gunners.
| An interesting rumor was current today
that Madriz is seeking to enlist the serv-
ices of American military men. especially
those trained in the use of machine guns
and high explosives. with a view to MAX
| ing an effective resistance to Estrada's