The Washington herald., 1910-06-01

Secretary Of state Knex has served no.
tics on the Madrlz gunboat Venus. which
recently attempted TO blockade the port
Of BlueheIes. that further interference
with American vessels viii not be toll
Grated
These instructions were sent through
Commander W. W. Gnmer, L. 5. NJ
commanding officer of the gunboat Pa
ducah and senior naval officer IN Mica
raguan waters.
This action was taken after the Depart
ment had been informed by Thomas 2.
Moffat. American consul at Bluehelds'
that the American owned slOOp Adelaide
had been seized and the American owned
schooner Esfuerzo was stopped and her
cargo, owned by Americans. seized by
Madriz supporters.
Secretary Knox denied the right OF
either faction to interfere with American
commerce.
| Question As TO Recover.
There is some question as 10 whether or
not these instructions are retroactive and
contemplated the recovery Of the vessels
which have already been taken by the
Madriz faction. The general belief here
is that Commander Gilmer VIII receive
the return Of the vessels and cargo.
Secretary Knox has also recognized the
right OF the Estrada faction TO establish
a new customs house 20 supereede that on
the bluf about four miles from Bluefields.
which has been captured by Madri2
army
| This right was recognized because OF
the fact that BIuehelds IS still in the
lcentrol of the Estrada faction IN taxing
this attitude, Il was explained. the de-
partnent Is following oat the policy
4 adopted several months ago when the ae-
ministratEon Of the customs revenues IN
western Nicaragua was recognized as
, belonging to the Madriz faction because
+ Of the fact that that party was in defaeto
, control OF the territory. The following
. instructions have been sent TO comman-
der Gilmer:
Our Attitude Gone.
"The altitude Of the United states re-
mains precisely as set forth in the Secre-
2 tary Of States letter TO ROdringuez. De-
r cenber !, 1909. which continues entirely
? applicable TO the present situation. The
o caputre by the Madriz faction OF the
former customs house at the Bluff does
E not AFFECT the fact that Bluefelds' with
: certain adjacent territory. for which
= goods hitherto passing that customs
e house are intended, appears 10 retain as
: heretofore under the de faeto control
a of the Estrada faction.
e This government, therefore admits the
right OF the Estrada faction TO collect
customs for Bluehelds. and denies This
o right 10 the other factions. Inasmuch a:
d this government recognizes neither fac
i ten as a government Of Nicaragua. bu
merely as in de facto control Of portions
d of the country, reclamation on either par
/, which are inconsistent with this attitiudi
5e are without effect on the United State
'e and its citizens.
American sIOOp SeiEed.
.srhe consul at BIuefelds reports tha
. the American owned sloop Adelaide hai
been seized by the Madriz faction ant
e that American owned sloop Esfuerzo wa
stopped and American-owned cargo seize
is by those In control at the bluff.
n This government denies the right o
Is either faction 20 seize American-owne
Sc vessels or property without consent an
resompense to the owners. In such case
a. You will instantly act in accordance wit
Is this policy.
st You will Immediately notify both fac
tions and the shipping interests Of tn
- foregoing"