New-York tribune., 1910-09-08
TWO FACTS IN NICARAGUA

From The London Times
The final triumph of the revolutionary
leader General Estrada. has apparently
brought about the restoration of peace in
Nicaragua If this is so it closes chapter
in Central American history which. If II
has been of weariSome length. has also
had specal interest and significance in
its connection with the relations of the
i've republics with one another and with
their great neighbor to the north The
trouble began almost a year ago. when
General Estrada raised the flag of revolt
in the east against President Zelaya. The
latter had long been a menace to tran
ouilIitv in that corner of the world. It
seemed more than once as though he were
destined to undo all the good work OF
the Central American Peace Conference
held in Washington in 1907 The revolt
within his own territory. however, checked
for the moment whatever schemes of aS
gresson he may have cherished against
his neighbors. and-thanks mainly. no
doubt to the warnings of the United States
and Mexico-the trouble was never allowed
TO extend beyond the boundaries of Mic
aragua. That fact Is one of the two which,
we think. make this long drawn out strug-
gle significant in the history OF the Cen
tral American republics. IT is not A little
remarkable If IL is remembered that for
merly the inevttab ble sequel of disturb
anCes in one state the embodiment
of them ali. on this occasion there came
into operation for the first time that prin-
ciple upon which the representatives of
the Central American republics had been
wisely brought to agree al their conference
in Washngton-the principle OF non-inter-
ference in the internal troubles of one an
other. 1t was clearly condition without
which the old state of things was bound
to continue. and in the presence of which
alone the first step could be made toward
the eSta bliShment of International peace
upon firm basis. The Importance of the
Washington conventions has thus been
amply demonstrated.
The second fact in this Nicara qua strus-
gle which Will give II q special interest
to the student of Central American affairs.
is the remarkable situation into which the
United States government found itself
forced by President Zelayas outrageou
conduct Mr.. Knoxs policy was ridculed
and sharply criticised both in and out
OF the United States. The charge
of a change of front cannot be seriously
entertained and. judged by the result. the
policy pursued by the State Department
In difficult and embarrassing circumstances
must be held to have been entirely
cessful Without woundng the susceptible
tiles of Mexico or unduly alarming all
those states 10 which the Monroe Doctrine
is held to apply, the American govern
ment not only succeeded IN conhniug the
disturbances within the bounds Of Me
aragua but has now apparently seen the
attainment of their desire-a change OF
government and OF government methods
in the republic Without a strong display
of force by the United States IL may well
aragua would not have been worse than
the hrst Moreover. there has been no de-
parture from. but only a natural deveiop-
ment OF. America : now universally rec
ogni2ed position a unofficial sponsor. with
Mexico, for the weIlbeing Of the Central
4 American republics under the terms OF the
Washington conventions