Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-12-06

years been burdened with heavy bond
ed debt held in Europe, the interest on
which long ago fell in arrears. Finally
conditions were such that it became I'M
perative to refund the debt and place
the finances of the republic upon sound
basis. Last year group OF American
bankers undertook to do this and to ad-
vance funds for railway and other Inn
provements 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 a short time will suffice to conclude
an arrangement which will be satisfactory
to the foreign creditors. eminently ad-
vantageous to Honduras. and highly
creditable to the judgment and foresight
Of the Honduranean government. This Is
much to be desired since, as recognized
by the Washington conventions, strong
Honduras would tend immensely to the
progress and prosperity of Central
America
The War in Nicaragua.
During the past year. the republic of
Nicaragua has been the scene of inter-
necine struggle. General Zelaya, for sew
enteen years the absolute ruler Of Mica
ragua, was throughout his career the dis
turber of Central America and opposed
every plan for the promotion of peace
and friendly relations 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 unwarranted execution of two
American citizens who had regularly en-
listed in the ranks Of the revolutionists.
This and other offenses made it the duty
Of the American government to take
measures with a view to ultimate repara-
ton and for the safeguarding of its ip-
terests. This involved the breaking off
Of all diplomatic relations with the Zelaya
government for the reasons laid down in
g. communication from the Secretary of
State, which also notified the contending
factions in Nicaragua that this govern
ability 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-
manned there until 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.
This Government Justified.
In the above mentioned communication
OF the Secretary of State to the charge
daffAires of the Zelaya government the
opinion was expressed that the revolu-
ton represented, the wishes Of the major
ity of the Nicaraguan people. This has
now been proved beyond doubt by the
fact that since the complete overthrow
Of the Madriz government and the occu-
patton Of the capital by the forces of the
revolution all factions have united to
maintain public order and as result
Of discussion with an agent of this gov
eminent, sent to Managua at the request
of the provisional government, compre-
hensive plans are being made for the
future welfare Of Nicaragua, including
the rehabilitation of public credit. The
moderation and conciliatory spirit shown
by the various factions give ground for
the confident hope that Nicaragua will
soon take its rightful place among the
law-abiding and progressive countries OF
the world.
It gratifies me exceedingly to announce
that the Argentine Republic some months
ago placed with American manufacturers
q contract for the construction of two
battleships and certain additional naval
equipment. The extent of this work and
its importance to the Argentine Republic
make the placing OF the bid an earnest
Of friendly feeling toward the United
States