The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1935-09-05
Cornelius
Vanderbilt

flvas was appointed provisional president, Corral
munster VI war ana Walker generassimo of the
army.
ihen Corral tried to double-cross Walker. who
eAposeu the minister's plot and had him execuf-
Gu by THIS time Walker was virtually dictator
over Nicaragua and he ruled with an iron hand
Americans and other foreigners TO the number
OF more than LOO had joined him. Some of
them were desperate characters who looked for
"aru 70 unlimited opportunities for free living
ana Tree footing. But they were bitterly dsap
pointed
Whle walker was master of Nicaragua TINT
country enjoyed a peace and contentment It
had not known for years But trouble was brow
Ing Tor him on the outside The other Central
American republics. Costa Rica Honduras Saly-
aaOr, and Guatemala, were becoming alarmed
over the prospect of his forming UNITED States
OF Central America as he was dreaming OF do
Ing and extending his influence over their coun.
tries.
Great Britain was also becoming concerned
over MS growing power. IT the United States
secured control Of Nicaragua and dug Near
aguan canal. England's commercial SUPREMACY
would be threatened If he extended his mower
throughout Central America 1t meant lessen
Ing OF England's Influence there. And France
and Spain agreed with Britain that the expan-
slcn Of the United States In that quarter was
undesirable
AS matter of fact their fears were ground
less so far as Walkers having an official stand
ing as an agent OF American Imperialism was
concerned. For he persona non grafa with
his own country as much as he was with the
Others. William l.. Marcy, secretary of state.
looked upon him as little more than criminal
and one whose example might stimulate films
tering and embroil the United States in endless
difhcultles with her southern neghbors In the
ooulh ne was something OF hero but In the
North where anti-slavery sentiment was growing
MS pro-slavery views were causing suspicion and
alarm But even Though Ii Is doubtful If Walker
had any idea of trying TO aid the extension ~
slavery, he made the fatal mistake OF antagoniz.
Ing the powerful financial interests O. the North
notably the group OF men headed by old Cor
MENUS vanderbilt who had been exploiting Near.
aqua.
Ihey were the owners of the Transit comnanv
winch had contract to dig Nicaraguan canal
ana which was running line OF steamers from
New YORK 10 Nicaragua on the Atlantic side and
another iihe from that country up to San Fran
cisco on the Pacific side This comnanv had
agreed 10 pay Nieefagua $4,000 and 10 Der cent
Of Its profits each Near In return for monopoly
w.
Walker believing that the Transit comnany
lau Deen cheating his adopted country started
~ investigation. The result was that he de-
handed settlement of S25O,OOO which the nnan
'lers refused Thereupon he seized the companys
property as security for the debt, revoked its
'harter and granted new one to rival com
'ahy. Od Cornelius Vanderbilt was furious
ie resolved to smash Walker
Costa Rlca had already started war against
nicaragua and Honduras was preparing to take
p arms. Both of the hostile countries wera
ENG supplied with arms. II not financial sun
orl' oy England 1t Is said that the necessary
hahclai support was given by Vanderbilt and
IS colleagues. In preliminary skrmish a Costa
ican force led by the Prusslan general Won
hioW and made up OF mercenaries as we'll az
atlves OF Costa Rica. defeated a force OF Nicar.
guans and hllbusterers, led by one Of Walkers
loordlnates. and captured Nvax
But It was different story when Walker rode
VI from Granada In April, 1855. with 500 men
OF them Americans. to give battle to
re army OF $500 Costa Ricans Although no
as driven from the battlefield he inflicted snch
eayy losses on the enemy that they were glad
withdraw.
mixed army Of Leonese and Hondurans now
ehaceu MN from the north but by quick work
repused IT, then turned his attention to In
rnal affairs He became a candidate for the
esidency OF Nicaragua and In July. 1876 won
e election with the largest vote ever cast for
al ONCE. But he was NOT allowed 10 enjoy hta