New-York tribune., 1910-12-07
PRESIDENT TAFTS MESSACE-PROGRESdVE AND PERTINENT

doubted that the good offices of the mediat-
ing powers and the conciliatory co-opera-
ton of the governments directly Interested
will finally lead TO a removal of this peren-
NAL cause of friction between Ecuador and
Peru The inestinable value Of cordial Co
operation between the sister republics of
America for the maintenance of peace IN
this hemisphere has never been more clear
ly shown than in this mediation, by which
three American governments have given to
this hemisphere the honor of first invoking
the most farreaching provisions of Ihe
Hague Convention for the pacific settlement
of International disputes.
There has been signed by the representa-
tives of the United States and Mexico
protocol submitting to the United States
Mexican Boundary Commission (WhoSe
membership for the purpose of this case is
to be increased by the addition of a citizen
of Canada) the question of sovereignty over
the CnamizaI Tract. which lies within the
present physical boundaries of the city OF
FL Paso, Tex. The determination Of this
question will remove source of no little
annoyance to the two governments.
The Honduran Debt.
The republic Of Honduras has for many
years been burdened with a. heavy bonded
debt held in Europe, the interest on which
long ago fell in arrears. Finally conditions
were such that it became imperative TO re-
fund the debt and place the finances OF the
republic upon sound basis. Last year a
group of American bankers undertook TO do
this and to advance funds for railway and
other improvements contributing directly to
the country's prosperity and commerce-an
arrangement which has long been desired by
this government. Negotiations to this end
have been under way for more than a year
and it is now confidently believed that
short time will suffice TO conclude an
rangement which will be satisfactory to
the foreign creditors. eminently advan-
tageous to Honduras and highly creditable
to the judgment and foresight of the Hon
duranean government. This is much to be
desired, since, as recognized by the Wash
ingtOn conventions, a strong Honduras
would tend immensely to the progress and
prosperity OF Central America
The Flight OF ZeIaya.
During the last year the republic of
Nicaragua has been the scene of inter
necine struggle. General Zelaya, for seven
teen years the absolute ruler of Nicaragua.
was throughout his career the disturber
of Central America and opposed every plan
for the promotion Of peace and friendly re-
! lations between the five republics. When
| the people of Nicaragua were finally driven
into rebellion by his lawless exactions, he
violated the laws Of war by the unwar-
| ranted execution of two American citizens
who had regularly enlisted in the ranks of
! the revolutionists. This and other offences
made It the duty Of the American gov
ernment to take measures with view to
ultimate reparation and for the safeguard
ing of it's interests. This involved the
breaking off of all diplomatic relations with
| the Zelaya government for the reasons laid
down in a communication from the Secre-
tary of State. which also notified the con-
tending factions in Nicaragua that this
government would hold each TO strict &C
countability for outrages on the rights of
American citizens. American forces were
sent to both coasts Of Nicaragua TO be in
readiness should occasion arise to protect
Americans and their interests. and re-
mained there until the war was over and
peace had returned to that unfortunate
country. These events, together with
Zelaya's continued eyactions brought him
so clearly to the bar of public opinion that
he was forced to resign and to take refuge
abroad.
In the aforementioned communication
of the Secretary Of State to the Charge
d d'Affaires OF the Zelaya government the
opinion was expressed that the revolution
represented the wishes of the majority OF
the Nicaraguan people This has now
been proved beyond doubt by the fact that
since the complete overthrow of the Mad
riz government and the occupation of the
capital by the forces OF the revolution all
factions have united TO maintain public
order and as q result of discussion with
an agent Of this government. sent to Man
aqua at the request Of the provisional gov
ernment, comprehensive plans are being
made for the future welfare OF Nicaragua,
including the rehabilitation Of public
credit. The moderation and concfliatory
spirit shown by the various factions give
ground for the confident hope that Near
aqua will soon take its rightful place
among the law-abiding and progressive
countries of the world.
1t gratifies me exceedingly to announce
that the Argentine republic some
months ago placed with American manu-
facturers a contract for the construction
Of two battIeshfps and certain additional
naval equipment. The extent of this work
and its importance to the Argentine Re
public. make the placing OF the bid an ear
States.