Evening star., 1914-07-12


of Fonseca, have been less discussed in
the United States than in Nicaragua.
The discussion which is now going on
doubtless will contribute enlighten-
ment to the subject.
1t may be remarked in passing that
the Nicaraguan women seem to favor
the treaty: at least, the women VINO
drew up the letter thanking Admiral
and prevented further slaughter of
their husbands and sons favor it. Some
of the women who belong to the higher
classes are against it,
In reading the provision of the treaty
committing the United States to pro-
tectorate l have been reminded OF what
a French count said to me at Granada
ten or twelve years ago. He had tired
of life in Paris and had bought a ranch
in the interior. Said this French ranch
man: Nicaragua is a fine country. but
the natives do not know how to de-
velop It, The country needs immigra-
tion and an American protectorate"
Though, under the proposed treaty. the
United States gets the naval station on
the Gulf of Fonseca. the port of conse-
quence on this gulf is in the territory OF
Honduras rather than of Nicaragua:
This is Amapala, which is the only port
that Honduras has on the Pacif1c. Anna
pala lies on a wide, semi-circular. green
fringed beach with points jutting out A
big mountain rises right behind 1t and
shuts off any wandering breeze that
might temper the fierce heat.
Amapala on account of it's geographi-
cal location used to be the meeting place
Of the numerous Central American con-
ferences which were held with the pur-
pose of establishing the greater republic
of Central America. Numerous pacts OF
confederation have been signed there,
but they are forgotten, while Amapala s
history as the theater of revolutions is
remembered vividly.
Today one may hear at Amapala the
whole situation discussed. because Cen
trail American politicians from all the
different countries put in there From
this discussion an outsider might learn
why all the countries are interested in
the Nicaraguan treaty. though he might
agree with the opinion. which is so fre-
quently expressed that it is the con-
cern of all Central America
Unless he knows Central American poll
tics he is not likely to understand why
Secretary Bryan should be charged with
pulling down the temple of Central
American unity and wrecking Andrew
Carnegies peace palace worse than the
earthquake wrecked it. i am quoting
here some of the expressions most COM
monty heard.
An explanation of what is meant is
necessary.
tration, in sheer weariness Of the tur-
MOL and the intrigues and the revolu-
tions in Central America. an effort was
made to bind them together in peace
pact or arbitration convention. A Cen
trail American confraternity was estab-
lished on paper and an arbitration court
was set up at Cartago. in Costa Rica.
Mr.. Carnegie put up a fine structure
TO house the arbitration court and to
symbolic Central American unity. An
earthquake destroyed the Carnegie peace
palace but the International philan-
thropist drew another check and new
structure was erected.
4
The Cartago court served some useful
purpose in sentimental way, but it did
not cause the different Central Ameri-
can countries to cease their efforts to
strengthen their own interests at the
expense of their neighbors. The real
question in Central America always has
been which country shall dominate If a
greater Central American republic should
be formed.
1t was recognized by all the Central
came under the protectorate of the
United States there could be no physical
union of the different countries, and no
sentimental cohesion. That is one rea-
action with its neighbors.
Costa Rica, it may be recalled, less
than q year ago was in a ferment be-
cause OF the proposed treaty. 1t claimed
to have a grievance because its own
rights on the San Juan river were ig-
nored. This, however, was matter for
diplomatic adjustment
The real grievance felt by Costa Rica,
and felt very deeply, was that the United
States was obtaining paramount inf1u-
ence in Nicaragua, and Costa R1ca did
not like to see its own influence lessen
ed. Therefore there were strong express
sions of feeling against both the United
States and Nicaragua Most likely that
is the situation today.
Salvador, on its part, was excessively
bitter at the temerity of Nicaragua in
negotiating a protectorate treaty with
the United States. Salvador is populous.
progressive anr has stable government
In size it is the smallest country in
South America, but its population is next
to that Of Guatemala, and it seeks to
exercise an influence in Central Ameri-
can affairs proportionate to its popula-
ton.
Anti-Amerfcan sentiment always has
been strong in Salvador This. COM
bined with the intensity Of the national