Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1912-04-05
Knox Address at
Guatemala City,

3-Guatemala has not been especially
punctilious in observing its Obligations
under the Central American peace pact
of 1907, and only recently Salvador had
occasion to complain and invite the
good offices of the American state De-
partment to secure her territorial
rights against Guatemalan aggression.
Mr. Knox evidently had this In mind
when he delivered his formal address
at the Presidents dinner tonight. II
must have required some courage af-
ter the kingly style in which he had
been entertained, and surrounded by
men who appeared to draw their
breath ny sufferanee of the host. for
this Secretary to stand up and declare
in language that could not be misun-
derstood that the strict adherence of
Guatemala TO the Washington con-
ventions was inseparable from any
hope Of future prosperity, advance
ment and peace. These conventions
provide that disputes between the
five republics shall be submitted TO the
peace tribunal at Carriage; that no
government shall invade the territory
of another, or permit within their own
boundaries the Quitting OF revolu-
tionary expeditions against sister
republic. The Secretary said in part:
Guatemala in its position of close
proximity to the United States where
there is ever ready an eager market
for its products. and with its dense
population occupies indeed an enViable
position among the Central American
nations This position will be rem
dered increasingly desirable as time
goes on and the development of your
eountry's enormous possibilities is ae-
complished And Mr.. President, may
here remark without. | am sure, IN
dulging any view not equally shared
by yourself, that the continuous de.
velopment and permanent advance
ment of the Republic depend on its
stable economic conditions as well as
upon its domestic eontentment and
consequent repose. The unyarying
friendship of the Government of the
United States for republican institu-
lions in this hemisphere and its desire
to see them conserved free from inter
ference are too we'll known and UNI
derstood to need words of reassur-
ance from me. From the very incep-
tion of. and even before the indie
pendence of the Latin American ma
tions. the attitude of the American
Government, which later was unmis-
takably announced by President Mon
roe, was well known and 1t continues
undiminished to the present day.
In Central America the United
States has a special interest not only
because of the proximity of the five
republics to the great commercial
highway now nearing completion in
Panama, but also because of its moral
obligations under the Washington con-
ventions. The maintenance of peace
and stable conditions in these repub-
lies Is a matter of first Importance to
my Government. The faithful OBJ
seryance of those conventions will. in
the opinion of my Government, go far
towards the elimination OF the turmoil
that has hitherto shaken the very
foundations of some of the less fortu-
nate and less tranquil countries.
In conclusion, Mr.. President, allow
me to indulge the hope that the rela-
lions between our respective countries
may become increasingly cordial and
close, to the mutual benefit of both"
This speech If published here. as 1t
probably will not be. may reassure
good many who have admired the
Secretary because OF his part in break
ing the tyranny of President Zelaya OF
Nicaragua and some of whom unfa-
miliar with the necessities of diplo-
macy, must have been bewildered to
see this champion Of republicanism
accepting the hospitality of the most
notorious dictator now tolerated under
a pretense of popular government
An editor of local paper asked if the
government censorship was severe
replied: mo. there is no censorship. 1t
is unnecessary. The editors understand
perfectly what the government wishes
published or not published" The city
has two papers recognized as official or
gans and third La Compana," the
unthrottled Opposition" weekly. The
latter bold voice of the people spoke the
only word of discourtesy regarding the
American mission. In its issue of two
weeks ago today, copy of which was
surreptuously furnished for inspection.
Mr.. Knox was described as q bird of i'll
omen and its readers were advised TO
drape their windows in black on the day
OF his advent in the capital. Inasmuch
az every intelligent Guatemalan knows
that La Compana" is also secretly d.
fected by the government as constituted
IN the person Of Cabrera. its attitude
offers subject of Speculation. Perhaps
IL was rap for the .antis." and possi-
bly, like the appearance in public of the
President. it was intended to direct at
tention 10 the freedom of republicanism
In Guatemala on the same theory that a
partial admission is stronger sometimes
IMAM an unequivocal denial
Late tonight many of the street arches
were stripped of their decorations nv
Vandals, ii was explained A similar in
cident occurred upon the last night If
Admiral Swinburns visit some wears
ago, and no political significance was 10
be attached to the matter, the camn
followers of Knox We're told Indeed. M
significance. political, or otherwise. is TO
be attached TO anything done in Guate-
mala without the express direction of
the President
A few years ago the entrance TO the
palace where the correspondents vera
received this afternoon was spat,ered
with blood when William Heimke. now
American Minister to Salvador. calIaa
TO present his credentials to Cabrera. A
al