Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-02-02

who had taken great step" forward
in the cause of world comfy.
1.-THE Nicaraguan people," he said,
who by the special circumstances of
history and geography feel themselves
linked to the people Of the United
States, greet you through me. Today
when you touch our shores we express
to you our cordial disposition to CO.
operate in the great continental harmony
which is the supreme aspiration of the
mission of peace and concord toward
which your visit paves the way. Mic
aragua will go forward hand in hand
with the United States in this mission.
The mutual respect Of our two countries
is good for the welfare of BOTH"
The assembly was brought to its feet
again as the band struck up the ma
tional anthems of the United States and
Nicaragua.
The luncheon was over.
Members of the press indicated their
desire of interviewing the Nicaraguan
President and President-elect and both
promptly agreed to submit themselves
to questioning.
Interview Moncada.
Gen. Moncada, who once was news
paper man himself and who was said
to retain an interest in newspapers in
Grenada and Managua, came forward
quite Economically and presented him
self to the circle of correspondents, who
were armed with pencils and paper.
The general explained that his English
was mot good" and that in the interest
Of clarity he would answer through Mr..
Sherwell, the interpreter.
What do you think of the Nicaraguan
canal project?" he was asked.
THAT was one Of my own ideas" he
replied. 81 was among the first to
propose that the United States build a
canal through Nicaragua. The canal
would be bulwark Of friendship and
commerce, a fortress of freedom and
an expression of liberty"
would there be any objection to
establishment Of naval bases on the
canal?"
81 can see no objection to them"
What is your attitude toward the
Marines?"
"We need the Marines to continue
training our National Guard for two
years, maybe, or more: The force could
be reduced to about 1000. perhaps.
The Marines helped us secure free
and honest election. The National
Guard should be recruited to strength
of 1000, as provided in the treaty with
the United States"
How about Sandino?"
HE Is a man without reason. He
has fed to the mountains and I don't
think he will surrender"
Approves Hoover's Trip.
do you think Mr.. Hoover's trip is
achieving its purpose?"
THE good will visit Is one of the
best things that ever happened down
here. It will make history. All the
countries of Latin America will benefit
from the mission. The feeling of South
America from now on will be one of
respect and honest friendship for the
United States"
President Diaz also spoke through
the interpreter. He said, in response
to questions, that he agreed with Gen.
Moncada about the necessity for keep
ing the Marines in Nicaragua for at
least two years, in reduced numbers.
Their presence, he said, was desirable
during the next election, and request
had been made Of the United States to
permit them to supervise the balloting
four years hence. The Conservative
party would not oppose the Liberal
regime. he explained, but would wait
to see what developed. He hoped
everything would be all right.
The President said he would like to
see the building Of a United States
canal across Nicaragua tomorrow If
possible"
81 want to say" he concluded. "that
am intensely pleased over MIR. Hoover's
visit to my country. I know it will
contribute to the advance Of friendship"
The interviews Aover, President Diaz
and President-elect Moncada posed with
the American President-elect for bar
rage Of "shots" from the news cameras
There followed an exchange Of