NICARAGUA.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1864, 25 September 1913, Page 8

NICARAGUA.

A LAND OF REVOLUTIONS,

Nicaragua, one of the turbulent little republics of Central America, is torn by political dissension, which seriously retards its development.

"Tho country is exceedingly rich in natural resources, but revolutions have Jiad a sore effect on business, and have kept it back," said Mr. Henry C. Venables, who has been British Consul at Managua, tho capital, for two years, and who arrived in Sydney a few days ago, en routo to Noumea, where ho is to act as Consul in future. Mr. Venables went through tho last revolution, when Managua was besieged and bombarded by the rebels for fivo days, 1000 people being killed. "It was. rather a 'nervy' experience," he remarked. "Wo had a regular hail of bullets ono day, and every day thero wore devastating shell explosions, and one never knew, of course, when a bullet might como his way. Tho people don't seem to mind these political disturbances much. They give a zest to iifo, which they appear to appreciate if foreigners don't. The record of events under tho rulo of President Zelaya. was like so many pages from medieval history, but tho present Administration is different." America has taken a hand in tho establishment of order in Nicaragua, and Mr. Venables says that Uncle Sam has a- garrison there to protect American interests and polico the country. Were peaco to prevail, Nicaragua would ho a prosperous littlo country. Tho chief product of the placo is coffee. Bananas aro grown in largo quantities for shipment to New Orleans. Cocoa and sugar aro widely cultivated. Tho forests contain besides mahogany and cedar, which are largely exported, many valuablo timber trees, dye-woods, and medicinal plants. "In tho way of scenery it is God's own country," tlio visitor concluded, "and all it needs to make it prosperous i 3 peace."