Nice, or NIZZA

City and seaport of s.e. France, at the mouth of the Paglione; noted health resort; settled by Greeks of volcanoes, of no great height, but still showing activity; in this range are several very low pa es, one of which is to be utilized by the projected N. ship canal. The climate is tropical, with a heavy rainfall. The agricultural productions consist mainly of sugar, coffee, and tropical fruits. The capital is Managua. N. was discovered by Columbus in his fourth voyage, 1502, but not explored till 1522. Its history has been one of external and internal disturbance. Independence was declared 1821, and acknowledged by Spain 1850. In 1823 it joined the federal union of the five Central-American States, which was di olved 1833. In 1856 Gen. Walker seized the supreme power, but was expelled and shot 1860. A new Constitution was adopted 1858. A period of comparative peace has followed, interrupted by a civil war 1893. In 1895 N., Honduras, and Salvador formed the Central-American Union, with a diet of 2 members from each to take charge of foreign and commercial affairs. Pop., 1890, 360,000, chiefly Indians and half-breeds; ab. 18,000 are Europe ans, mainly Spaniards.