The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-12-06


interest on which long ago fell in ar
rears. Finally conditions were such
that 1t became imperative to refund |
the debt and place the finances of the
republic upon q sound basis. Last |
year group OF American bankers un- |
dertook to do this and to advance |
funds for railway and other improve |
ments contributing directly to the |
country's prosperity and commerce-an |
arrangement which has long been de- |
sired by this government. Negotiations
to this end have been under way for |
more than year, and it is now conf
IDENTITY believed that short time will
suffice to conclude an arrangement
which will be satisfactory to the for
eign creditors, eminently advantageous
to Honduras and highly ereditable to
the Judgment and foresight Of the
Honduranean government. This Is
much to be desired since, as recognized
by the Washington conventions, a
strong Honduras would tend immense
| ~ to the progress and prosperity of
Central America.
| During the past year the republic Of
Nicaragua has been the scene of in
ternecine struggle. General Zelaya,
for seventeen years the absolute ruler
o. Nicaragua, was throughout his ca
reer the disturber of Central America
| and opposed every plan for the pro-
| motion of peace and friendly relations
| between the i've republics.
| When the people of Nicaragua were
finally driven into rebellion by his law
less exactions he violated the laws of
| tod q
| two American citizens who had regu-
larry enlisted in the ranks of the rev.
olutionists. This and other offenses
| made it the duty of the American gov
eminent to take measures with view
to ultimate reparation and for the
safeguarding Of its interests.
This involved the breaking off o. all
diplomatic relations with the Zeiaya
government for the reasons laid down
In a communication from the secretary
of state, which also notified the con-
tending factions in Nicaragua that this
government would hold each to strict
accountability for outrages on the
rights of American citizens. American
forces were sent to both coasts of Nj
/ caragua to be in readiness should &C.
casion arise to protect Americans and
their interests and remained there I'M
til the war was over and peace had
returned to that unfortunate country.
These events, together with Zelaya's
continued exactions, brought him SO
clearly to the bar Of public opinion
that he was forced to resign and to
take refuge abroad.
| In the above mentioned communities
ton of the secretary of state to the
charge d'affaires of the Zelaya govern
| ment the opinion was expressed that
/ the revolution represented the wishes
of the majority of the Nicaraguan peo
pie. This has now been proved beyond
/ doubt by the fact that since the com
plete overthrow of the Madriz govern
ment and the occupation of the capita
by the forces Of the revolution all fac
l lions have united to maintain public or
/ der and as result of discussion with ar
:, agent of this government sent to Ma
{ nagua at the request of the provisional
1 government comprehensive plans are
: being made for the future welfare o.
3 Nicaragua, including the rehabilitation
, of public credit. The moderation ant
e conciliatory spirit shown by the vari
0 Gus factions give ground for the con
e fident hope that Nicaragua will sool
: take its rightful place among the Law
a abiding and progressive countries o
e the world
y 1t gratifies me exceedingly to an
e nounce that the Argentine Republic
some months ago placed with American
l. manufacturers a contract for the con
= struction Of two battleships and certain
q additional naval equipment. The ez
l. tent Of this work and its importance t
e the Argentine Republic make the plac
J, ing of the bid an earnest of friendl
e feeling toward the United States.
u Tariff Negotiations.
The new tariff law in section 2 re
y speeding the maximum and minimum
e tariffs of the United States, which Pre-
q visions came into effect on April
IL 1910, imposed upon the president tn
e responsibility of determining prior t
L that date whether, or not any undu
discrimination existed against the Uni
u ed States and it's products in any cour
2 try Of the world with which we sus
n tanned commercial relations.
a Ia the case of several countries IL
e. stances of apparent undue discrimins
E. ton against American commerce wer
v found to exist These discrimination
s. were removed by negotiation. Prio
u to April 1, 1870 when the maximum
le tariff was to come into operation wit
r respect to importations from all thos
" countries in whose favor no proc1ams
t, ton applying the minimum tart
I'd should be issued by the president, IL
Re such proclamations were issued. Thi
a. series of proclamations embraced tn
" entire commercial world, and henc
al the minimum tariff of the Unite
Id States has been given universal appl
al cation, thus testifying to the satisfa'