Threatens Trouble

Managu;., Nic-arïgua, Jan. 4- About a moiitn ago me irnment of Nicaragua was inforv t,1, unofficially, that Colombia had plrujed to make a landing on Corn isU ui, a valuable strategie spot, situated r-bout thirty-six miles off the Mosquito coast, belonging to Nicaragua, whose flag was to be hauled down and the ensign of Colombia substituted for it. It was alleged that Nicaragua was overtaxing Corn island, and that the inhabitants, numbering a few hundred, had appealed to Colombia for redress, on the ground that that territory, some five miles long, which for merly belonged to Colombia, was unfully held by Nicaragua. It was further sta'ed that the prefect of San Andrez Colombia, had assembled a military force, and was only waiting for the arrival of a Colombian gunboat in order to embark the tröops, proceed to Corn island, seize it and fortify it against the possibility of recapture. That such a plan was discussed there is no reason to doubt, but President Zelaya of Nicaragua took prompt steps to meet this move upon the part of the neighboring republie. Very quietly detachments of Nicaraguan troops were assembled here and at Granada, and when all was ready they were sent in small parties across Lake Nicaragua and down the San Juan river to Greytown and Blueflelds. By this tinie the soldiers of Nicaragua are belleved to be in possession of Big and Little Corn Lsland- for there are two of them- anü the work of erecting a strong fort should be progressing. The troops took all their best guns available and a supply of ammunition and other supplies. Storehouses are also to be constructed at Corn island. Of course, if the Colombian expedition started earlier than expected and reached Corn island before the Nicaraguan troops, fighting may have occurred beforc this, and, if so, the matter may lead to a general upheaval in Central America, for Colombia was warned diplomatically and through the press early last month that her seizure of Corn lsïand might lead to a warike combination of the republic of Salvador and Honduras in support of Nicaragua against her. Both Big and Little Corn island aford good anehorage to the largest vessels close to the shore, and a better spot for a coaling station and repair shop for the United States war vessels could hardly be found. Under the circumstances, when the Nicaraguan canal is built, it would be good policy for the United States to obtain possession of the Corn islands by purchase or otherwise, and have a fine sentry box almost at the Atlantic en trance of the proposed new waterway, thus settling all disputes as to their ownership.