The Washington herald., 1920-11-29
Colby Note Asks Release of
Cabrera From Dungeon,
Following Overthrow.
GERMAN HAND Is SEEN
Personal Appeal to Wilson
Shows Danger to Ameri-
can Prestige.
BY ROBERT BARRY.


in a dungeon: the American govern
ment seeking his release that he
might pass his few remaining days
in New York-on-the-Subwa a gov
ernment at odds with itself. the
right hand multiplying what the left
hand seeks to do; rifles and ammu-
milton. reaching the lower classes
through mysterious sources, threat
ening trouble within sixty days: a
stage" spy dogging the footsteps
of prominent diplomatic agents in
Washington. himself a prey to the
watchful eye OF counter espionage.
These are the high lights in a new
Latin-American diplomatic problem.
1t is all about politics in Guatemala.
1t began with the overthrow of Es-
trada Cabrera some months ago. 1t
contemplates further trouble in that
republic. The situation is one OF Sc
riousness for State Department Of
tieials. American influence in Cen
trail America is at stake. For the
first time in history the cry of
mob: Que Mueren los Gringoss'
death to the Yankees), has been
heard in the streets of Guatemala
City. Pro-German influences are
held responsible.
U. 5. to Intercede.
After several weeks of effort
friends of former President Cabrera
In Washington have persuaded the
Department of State to intercede in
his behalf. A personal appeal writ
ten BY the deposed ruler to Presi-
dent Wilson, supported by docu-
mentary evidence of official guaran-
tees for his personal safety, largely
was responsible Secretary Colby
has instructed Charge d'Anaires
Gould to use every effort to obtain
Caoreras release. There are sug-
gestions that he might be given
passage to New York on an Ameri-
can man-o'-war.
When Cabrera yielded the Pres
ideney he was guaranteed full lib
erty and absolute protection of life
and property. A formal agreement.
embodying seven articles, was sign
ed by him and by leaders of the
new government in the presence of
the diplomatic corps Now, it is al
legged by political refugees reach
ing Washington, the existence of
that document was denied by lead
ers OF the new government. 1t is
charged that its provisions were
Charge Home Looted
Men who left Guatemala within
the past fortnight declare Cabrera's
home, La Palma, in the suburbs of
the capital, was looted and a large
sum of money taken. Instead of
being permitted to reside in the
military academy. with full pro-
lection of the state, the former
President was thrown into prison.
1t is stated that Photographic
copy of the agreement by which
Cabrera capitulated was forwarded
to the State Department The orig
inal is said to be in a safety vault
in New York City.
Leaders of the new government
are Don Carlos Herrera, the Pres
ident. and Don Emilio Escamilla, the
minister of war. They head the
so-called Unionist party. Escamilla
is reported to be the dominant spirit
of the new regime. He is repre-
sented as the son of German par
ents; educated in Germany, and to
have served in the German army
His father was supposed to have
been a West Indian planter, his
mother German. President Her
rera is described as a sincere man.
and honest. He is a member of an
old family. He is a millionaire
This is his first venture in politics.
Reports brought to Washington
by political refugees state that
Escamilla who typifies the rich land
owning German element in Guate-
nala. is at odds with President
Herrera. Refusal to carry our
orders of the President which faii
TO meet his approval is held to have
developed into a sort of dual gov
ernnent. Escamilla Is a wealthy
cotton planter. 1t Is charged by
Cabrera's friends that the antapon-
ism to him, resulting in the reyolu-
tion and his overthrow, was promp,-
ed in large measure by the pro-Ger-
man influences which sought restor-
alton Of property seized when Qua
temala declared war on Germany.
Cabrera Friend of U. s.
Cabrera was a staunch friend Of
the United States. He followed the
example of America in international
Affairs His seizure of enemy prom
erty was said to have been in
spired very largely by Americas
course through the alien propertv
custodian. 1t is stated now mat
the Germans have regained their
holdings. The seized property ran
into millions of dollars.
Predictions of trouble within six,v
days are made freely by persons Just
from Guatemala 1t is related thar
the Cabrera army has melted awav.
that the value of the peso has
slumped decidedly; that the police
of the capital are not being maid
promptly. Within the past few davs
IL Is stated, group of WORKERS
marched to the prison shoutinr
"Vive Cabrera" 1t is urged thar
Herrera man resembling the III
starred Madero. of Mexican fame In
many respects-will not serve out
his term. Counter-plots against him
within his own party are intimated.
Escamilla is regarded as likely TO
become the next President. Five
thousand rifles and considerable
ordnance stores are said to have
been distributed among the lower
classes
The close relations betueen
Guatemala and the United States
under the old regime is held to he
the cause of the present concern at
the State Department over the turn
affairs have taken The prestige ana
influence of the United States Is at
Tr.nv1.h, foss p.,u.