Office of the Historian
[Extract.]

Mr. Riotte to Mr. Seward.

No. 154.]
Legation of the U. S. of America, Costa Rica, San José, August 25, 1866.

Sir: * * * * * *

A few days ago a session of the council of state was held, the President of the republic presiding, for the purpose of devising measures to prevent the introduction of the cholera. Four members insisted that the republic, as soon as that epidemic should break out in either Panama or Nicaragua, be hermetically sealed against the entrance of all persons, and against the importation of goods of every description, the mails alone being permitted to enter. President Castro evidently inclined towards this opinion. As yet no definite resolution has been reached, but, considering the excessive fear of the people at large, and of the members of the government in particular, I do not think it at all unlikely that some such measure will be adopted.

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I cannot find the historical record of a like attempt by any government, and I incline to assume that such a measure would be in contradiction as well with article 2 of our treaty with this republic, as with the principle of international law established by the leading nations during the last twenty-five years, viz: “That no nation has a right of absolute seclusion.” Still the application of that principle to a temporary stoppage of intercourse with the outside world seems questionable, and, at all events, it must rest with my government exclusively to decide if any and what steps are to be taken on the subject, upon which point I beg you to furnish me with your instructions. I will merely mention that if, on the one hand, it seems hard to prevent these people from adopting measures which, in their frantic alarm, they look upon as their sole salvation from a terrible visitation, I am, on the other hand, the longer I live among them, the firmer convinced of the absolute necessity of strictly enforcing against them the precepts of the law of nations, for which they are great sticklers whenever they deem themselves injured, but which to violate not even the most powerful nations so lightly venture, as soon as such course suits their views or convenience.

I have the honor, sir, to be your obedient servant,

C. N. RIOTTE.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.

P. S.—Only a few hours before the mail-rider’s departure the enclosed decree of the executive, whereof I add translation, is published.

C. N. RIOTTE.

[Translation.]

José Maria Castro, President of the republic of Costa Rica, being informed that the “cholera morbus” has extended over some places of North America, whence it may easily pass to countries adjoining Costa Rica and thence to Costa Rica, should the proper precautions be neglected—

decree.

Art. 1. The introduction, in whatever manner, into the territory of the republic of all persons and objects proceeding from a place infected by cholera morbus, or that have touched at such place, is prohibited, unless forty days have since that time elapsed without any cases of cholera in the respective persons.

Art. 2. In the case of the preceding article the vessels and mail-riders are only allowed to leave the mail they carry and to deliver it to the officers, who have to receive it in the place and form designated in separate instruction.

Art. 3. The proper department will opportunely establish sanitary cordons in the parts of the republic where advisable, and will take all other dispositions suggested by the danger.

Art. 4. Offenders against Art. 1, and the government officials by whose negligence the offence is committed, shall be treated as guilty of an attempt against public health.

Given in the National Palace, San José, August 23, 1866.

JOSÉ MARIA CASTRO.

A. Esquirel, Secretary of State in the Department of Interior.

A correct translation:

C. N. RIOTTE.

Articles 267 to 283 of the criminal code treat of the “crimes against public health,” and threaten with fines and prison up to six months.

C. N. RIOTTE.