Great Britain and Nicaragua.

Manawatu Herald, 2 May 1895, Page 2

Great Britain and Nicaragua.

The Nicaraguans are closing the port of Corinto, to prevent the British collecting Custom duties. This action causas some anxiety in the United States lest the British should retaliate by seizing San Juan, which is one of the termini of the proposed canal. * The Nicaraguan Government has sent a protest to the Great Powers against what is termed " the highly offensive and outrageous action of Great Britain, and her absolute disregard of justice." The Government demands that the dispute shall be submitted to arbitration. The Nicaraguan Government has ordered the Garrison not to fight unless the British troop cross the lagoon. The President of the Nicaraguan Republic, Sena Don Jose Felaza, announces that during the term of occupation of Gorinto by the British he will regard all imported goods as smuggled into the country, irrespective of whether they pay duty or not. He also asserts that in future British goods will be excluded from entering the port. The populace attacked the British consulate in Managua, the capital, and damaged the building. The Civil officials in Corinto fled, after locking the public buildings and taking the keys with them. Later information states that the British sailors and marines, with the exception of about 50, have re* embarked on board the warships, 1 and that the town it practically deserted.

There is considerable e*citemeat in Managua, the Capital, in coilsdquence of an abortive attempt to wreck the British Consulate, and the populace is clamouring for arms to oppose the British. . - __ . Mods parade the streets of Mada-) gua crying " Death to the Brittthv

tyrants I" Corinto was occupied at night, under a blaze of search-lights from the warships, the crews of which manned the guns ready to open fire on the first signs of opposition to the force sent ashore.

The Nicaraguan Government haa declared the port closed, and Hfill confiscate goods taken inland from there.

Guatemala, San Salvador and Costa Rica have urged Nicaragua to pay the indemnity demanded. Costa Rica offered to find one-fifth of the money. The Government, ho*esrer, is in fear of the mob, and oHihis account also declined an offer of United States mediation. -

The European Consuls in Nicaragua are urging the Government i6say the indemnity to Great Britain, as it is useless to resist her demands.