Maryland independent., 1910-08-05
tina McARAdUAN TROUBLES.

Almost every week the people Of
this country are treated to some
startling information as to the doings
Of the teliggerent influences in
Nicaragua. A couple of alleged
citizens Of the United States enter
the army Of the rebels are taken as
prisoners Of war and shot because
Of alleged violations Of the laws Of
war; a reigning President resigns,
a new chief Mogul is installed, and
the war goes on. The latest blood
cnrdling information coming from
the scene Of warfare to shock all
human sensibilities, is to the effect
that Madris has ordered the summary
execution Of all prisoners of war now
in custody or that may be taken.
The story can hardly be believed,
for it would mean, Instant, the down
fall Of the governor
The Washington star in comment
ing on the folly of such course
says
The adoption Of policy of execu-
ton would so surely lead the Madriz
administration into the gravest diff
culties that any adviser Of the
executive now in power at the
Nicaraguan capital could point out
to him, if well disposed toward his
regime, the virtually suicidal eonse-
quences of such a defiance of the
laws Of civilization.
The United States has no desire
to get into the Nlcaraguan trouble
as intermediary or as al intervening
power. 1t recognizes the heavy
responsibility attaching to a move Of
such a character, the almost endless
complications certain TO result, the
tremendous feeling of suspicion GER
tain to obtain in all paris Of Central
and South America, asuspicion wholly
unfounded in fact, but a natural
product Of the fertile imaginations Of
the Latin Americans.
What this country today most
ardently desires is that stable govern
ment shall succeed instability in all
Of the Central and South American
states, that the principals of self
administration shall be firmly estab-
lished, that the suffrage shall be de-
veloped and protected until election:
become truly representative of the
popular will and revolutions have
passed out Of fashion. The United
States plays no favorite in the Central
and South American games. 1t ha.
at times been compelled to show a
preference for one contestant for local
power, but only because of the utter
autrustworthness of the other. Its
aim has consistently been to secure
for all Of these republics definition Of
responsibility and authority, and
thereby obtain for its citizens the
protection guaranteed by government
founded upon the principles of inter
national law.
AS between Madriz and Estrada
there is no disposition here to choose
Either one of them would be accept
able to this country, provided he as
sures it a full measure OF recognition
aud of respect The feeling against
Zelaya was inspired by bis own aci
Of unbearsbIe cruelty and treachery
to Americans captured IN honorable
warfare and entitled to the protee-
ton of the law which governs all
civilized nations. The present feel
ing against Madr;z is caused by the
belief that he is inspired by the same
motive of antagonism toward the
United States which was so obvious
in the case of Zelaya. Ii he can
establish his government by means
which can be tolerated, he will be
granted the fullest measure of re-
cognition by t his country, But if,
on the other hand, he undertakes to
seat himself in power by barbaric
practices, he will alienate the United
States absolutely.
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