Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-05-25
Many Refrain From Voting.

In a special interview for The Star
Mr.. Castillo said:
AT the time Of the last election held
in Nicaragua in 1915, the Nicaraguan
people refrained from going to the polls
because of certain restrictions which
the American Minister Benjamin Iefr
ferson imposed upon the candidate to
be elected. regard Mr.. Je1ersons
conditions as q means OF preventing
what was thought to be reaction OF
Zelayas regime and as favortng Gen.
Chamorro, one of the most prosecuted
men during that administration.
Il believe the death OF Zelaya re-
moves all prejudice against free Politl-
cal expression in Nicaragua. Party
utilization can now form in natural
wholesome way, and the growth OF a
new party can be viewed without sus-
picion that Zelaya or the old regime
is in any way moving factor or sup
porter of such new political develop
ment.
'The political parties liberal ma.
tionalist, progressive and unionist OF
Nicaragua have recently united ana III
a document forwarded to me nave ae-
cIared that it Is not within the pohtl-
cal aim Of the coalition to oppose IN
any manner whatsoever the lofty as
piration that American policy enter
tains for those countries, nor to wage
any anti-American propaganda.
Think q. 8. Has Been Misled.
'"They understand, it seems. that the
American government has been mlSlso
regarding the internal situation OF M
caragua, and they feel that II permit
ted to correct the impressions created,
Nicaragua will not be an exception TO
the exalted doctrines Of Mr.: wilson
that embrace the loftiest ideals OF
American democracy.
IT know this political fusion ID mae
hao oil nj the COun~
try; that the laboring class ts one OF
its important factors; that 1t has no
political ahiliation with any anti
American partizanship, ana. nnaiIy,
great problem with the cooperation
Of the American government, without
need of resorting to violent or I'M
justifiable means.
1.-The promises which these inree
parties have made are solemn declara,
lions that 1 personally know and hold
as an Interpretation Of the national
interest There Is not an enemy OF the
American people on Nicaraguan soil;
but rather a resentment to alleged
American policy which extends
through all Central America. owing
to a misunderstanding or misrepre-
sentation.
Viewed as National Benefit.
ST am inclined to believe that the
Nicaraguan people would accept a.
a national benefit, now that Zelaya
is gone, the participation OF the
American government in their future
elections. am glad to give as
surance of the fact that any consti-
tutional government, elected by the
Nicaraguan people, will not only re-
speet the international treaties now
in force. but, with respect to the in
terests Of the United States, will al
WAYS be ready to pursue policy OF
reciprocal friendship in the sense
of securing and imparting greater
strength to the principle of the Mon
roe doctrine.
Adopting this suggestion of help
ing Nicaragua to solve it's problems
in fair and pacific way, Mr.. Wilson's
words will not be vague prophecies
with remote chances Of realization.
but practical doctrines, whose fruit
the present generation will CLEAN as
a gift of regeneration.