May Force A Fight

Washington, April IS.- If Nlcaragua's counter proposition to Great Britaln for the submission of the whole question in dispute to arbitration has been rejected by the latter government, as reported, administration officials will expect another strong appeal for assistance from the weak republic. While state department offlcers had hoped Great Britain might accede to the terms of settlement proposed by Nicaragua the general policy of her majesty's government to adhere to an ultimatum when once proclaimed has led them to expect noncompliance with Nicaragua's request. The whole question has now reached an acute stage and no one at the state department ventures to predict what the outcome will bo. It Is well known to the authoritles Nicaragua can not well afford at the present time to pay the $75,000 indemnity demanded without borrowing the monpy. It is understood Nicaragua has confessed in a semi-official way her lnability to meet the demand. There has been so much talk from Nicaraguan sources about the necessity for ceding Corn island to Great Britain in lieu of the indemnity demanded that the authorities recognize the posslbility of having the United States drawn into the controversy. This talk may be only a trick on the part of Nicaragua to force the United States into coming to her rescue, but it is nevertheless a fact that the officials are more concerned today about the Nicaraguan situation than they have been for some time past. While Great Britain has disclaimed any intention of acquiring Nicaraguan territory it is appreciated that Nicaragua could force the administration nto a vigorous assertion of the Monroe doctrine by offering under stress of circumstances to give Great Britain Corn leland in lieu of the indemnity. Although Nicaragua might of her own motion suggest the cession oí Corn Island to Great Britain as a means of escaping the payment of the indemnity lemanded such action would nevertheess be indirectly the result of coerción on the part of Great Britain. Henee the authorities would consider a move of this kind a violation of the Monroe doctrine and, as one official remarked ;o-day, the administration would be compelled to step in and prevent by force, if necessary, the consummaüon of any such deal. This is no doubt whal Nicaragua would like. Prom the beginning of the controversy with Great Britain every. possible appeal has been made to enlist the assistance of our state department in preventing Great Britain from securing reparation she demanded for the outrages upon Consul Hatch and other British subjects. Until the present time the state department has turnêd a deaf ear to all of these entreaties and has used its good offices to induce ! aragua to comply with the demands ; made upon her by her majesty's ' ernment. The Corn Island dodge, : fore, seems to be the last resort for Nicaragua, and it ís currently believed if Great Britain does not accept the j bitration proposition Nicaragua will play this little game to the full i There is good ground for the statement that if the cession of Corn Island is either demanded by Great Britain or ! offered by Nicaragua the United States i will at - once interfere, with force, if ; necessary, and, so far as can be leaVned i this intimation has been conveyed to ! Ambassador Bayard and through him to the British foreign office.