The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1909-11-13

Washington. Nov. 2.-The govern
ment OF Honduras. which Is but three
years old In Its present form and
which was fighting Nicaragua before
her own latest revolution, Is believed
by the Washington authorities to have
dropped her suspicious concerning
zclaya. the all but deposed president
OF Nicaragua. and to be coming to his
rescue. Why Honduras should give
aid to her former bitter enemy cannot
be figured out by diplomats here. ex-
cept that she may hope to form
friendly alliance with Zeiaya in case
ne should succeed In holding on to his
once.
Claims that Honduras has not been
neutral In the civil war In Nicaragua
have come to the attention Of the
state department and they will be
carefully investigated. According to
reports from Tegucisalpa. Honduras
has violated Article Q of the general
treaty OF peace and amity signed by
the washington Peace Conference De-
cember 20. 1907. yhis stipulates that
mo government OF Central America
rhall. In cnse of civil war. intervene in
favor Of or against the government
Of the country where the struggle
takes place II violation of this
treaty Is proved. 1t Is regarded as GER
tain that the United States and Mex
leo. who Gathered" the Washington
conference. will Join hands to give
Honduras a severe scolding. IL not
soruethinL more severe. Secretary
Knox. who Is looking into the sit,la-
tion personally. will not handle the
case with gloves, as such cases were
handled by former Secretary Root.
but. as In the Venezuelan and Mica
raguan cases. he will doubtless throw
on his coat and plunge in In his shirt
sleeves. so to speak.
The most tangible evidence that
Honduras Is aiding President Zeleya
reached the state department today in
message from Tugucigalpa. stating
that the legation had received vigor-
ous protest from the Laguna de Par
las Fruit Company stating that their
company is an American organization,
operating at Bluehelds. The COM
plaint stated that the Honduras off,
cials had detained gasoline LAUGH.
which was the property of the COM
pany but few the Nicaraguan flag.
which had left Biuehelds for Living
SION after the revolution had started.
The launch put into Porto Cortez for
coal. when n was seized on the charge
thai u Was carrying Nlcaraguan revo-
lutionists into Honduras territory. and
that tho launch was the property of
me rsvolutionista
Ths legation authorities learned
that the ships papers were reported
regular. although one Nicaraguan rev.
otutionlst was a passenger. The lega-
tion upon further investigation
heard circumstantial rumors that
Honduras is very favorable to zelaya
1t this moment and that men. arms
and money are being sent II IN Hon
duras for his assistance. While the
American government 10 looking into
the launch episode. 1t will also deter
minc. II possible. when Honduras is
rendering direct aid. as reported.
Whatever dennite information Is gain
Cd will be laid before the Mexican
government. after which 1t will be
passed upon for action on the part of
both governments. II any action Is
taken. II will probably be Jointly.
Honduras doubtless will be called
upon for a settlement Of the fruit
company's claim for damages incurred
by delay.