So far as I have been able to inform myself during the few days I have
been here, I am satisfied that the country is unusually tranquil and the
people very generally contented with the existing government. If any
revolutionary elements exist, they are too feeble or cautious to
manifest themselves.
The special products of the country (indigo, coffee, sugar, and rice)
have had an unusually abundant yield during the past year, while the
attempts to cultivate cotton, as an article of export, is pronounced by
all a failure, the crop having suffered more and more each year from the
numerous insects which infest the soil of the tropics. In 1865 the
export of cotton amounted to $533,225 92; the past year to only $157,577
77. In the mean time the exports of the other products named increased
the past year, in valuation, $’307,449 92. The exportation of the
mineral ores (for smelting in other countries) fell off in value for the
same period $227,153, 18.
In connection with this subject it may not be improper to remark that a
considerable amount of machinery is being introduced, mostly from
England, for sugar mills. An English agent, but a short time in the
country, informs me that within a few days he has received orders for
upwards of £30,000 in value. Inconsiderable as this sum may seem in a
great manufacturing country like ours, it is a significant fact here,
where machinery of the simplest kind has been hitherto almost wholly
unknown. Labor is nominally abundant and cheap, but of the most
unreliable kind, owing to the indolent habits of the people and the
almost costless means of subsistence to the lower classes.
I shall endeavor to keep the department informed, from time to time, of
such facts relative to the internal condition and resources and to the
external relations of this country as may be of interest or value.
[Translation.]
Extracts from the
message of the President of Salvador,
read to the two legislative chambers at the opening of the
regular session, January 19,
1867, at San
Salvador.
Foreign relations.—“The foreign relations, as
well those we cultivate with the neighboring States of Central
America as those existing with the nations of Europe and America,
[Page 789]
are in the best
possible condition, and without a single cause of disagreement
during the year. Existing treaties have been scrupulously observed
in all cases.” * * *
Judiciary.—“The supreme judicial tribunal, as
well as the inferior courts, have performedcompletely, and with
entire independence, their delicate functions, and given to the
republicthe benefits of their services with punctuality.” * * *
*
Public instruction.—“Public instruction has
been fostered during the year, augmented in its branches, and
redeemed from former difficulties with much attention. The national
college and the university are in a prosperous condition, and
private establishments have received such aid and encouragement as
fell within the powers of the government. In the edifice of the
national college an academy of design and painting has been formed,
and the necessary provisions made to build up an establishment
worthy of the noble object.
“In the departments centres of education have been formed to which
additional impet us will be given during the current year. In many
of the principal villages schools for girls have been established,
and measures taken to secure European female teachers, who shall
found a seminary in this capital.” * * * * *
Public works.—“The public works of most
importance are being prosecuted with earnestness. New wagon roads
have been and are being opened, without neglecting repairs upon the
old, to an extent that contemplates furnishing the entire republic
with convenient routes for the transportation of its products.
“The work on the national palace, commenced at the end of last year,
is already far advanced, and a portion of it will be ready for use
in the present year. A contract has been closed for the
establishment of a mint, and proposals received from Europe for the
creation of a national bank in this republic.” * * * * *
Finances.—“The revenues are in a favorable
condition, augmenting each year in proportion to the development of
the rich resources of the country.
“In the past fiscal (economico) year the receipts reached the sum of
$783,713 56, an in crease over last year of $58,834 14, derived
mainly from the increased revenue from brandy, (aguardiente,) which,
after remaining stationary many years, has been greatly augmented
this year by the more permanent advantages held out by the
government to the lessees, (arrendamientos.)
“The expenditures, including payments of public debt, reached the sum
of $693,003 84, leaving a balance in favor of receipts of $90,710
07, consisting of money in the treasury, uncollected claims,
merchandise, and powder.
“Of the public debt, $94,311 44 has been funded. The debt existing in
bills amounts to$693,019 56, besides which there was, at the end of
the fiscal year, a further indebtedness of$188,955 89 incurred for
civil salaries, military forces, dues to the commerce of Guatemala,
subsidies to steamboat lines, armament and material of war. and
purchases of real estate, of which debt a good part has been paid
within the last three months, and payments continue to be made.
“From this statement it will be seen that the whole debt of the
republic, not equal to one Year’s revenue, is diminishing day by
day, and will soon be extinguished.”
* * * * * * *
Imports and exports.—“The imports of foreign
merchandise for the fiscal year amounted to§4,644,344, a decrease of
$44,292, which is attributable to the fluctuations in the price of
cotton and the interruptions in commercial affairs caused by the war
in Europe. The importations, however, within the last three months
exceed those of the preceding year for the same period.
“The exports of the products of the country for the fiscal year
reached $2,434,801 50, a decrease on the former year of $453,329 18,
which is mainly owing to the failure of the cotton crop, (the
culture of which is being abandoned from year to year,) and to the
diminution in the product of the metallic ores, which has greatly
fallen off the past year.
“These losses, however, will be more than made up in the future by
the increased productions of indigo, coffee, sugar, and those fruits
which are now looked upon as of secondary value.”
* * * * * * *
Interest, war materials, &c.—The message continues that “Such has been the
favorable condition of the revenue, that no new debts have been
contracted, and the government has been enabled to turn its
attention to many works of public utility, of which the country
stands in sufficient need.”
* * * * * * *
“The interest on the internal debt has been punctually paid, and the
remaining external debt cancelled. The existing revenue system has
produced the best results, and it is greatly to be hoped that no
innovations will be made, as stability is an essential condition of
progress.”
He does not propose to refer to the matters of the war department
further than to say that “the republic possesses a well-organized
military force, in competent numbers, and that acquisitions have
been made in the materials of war, (such as rifles of best quality,
artillery, bombs, mortars, howitzers, &c.,) to such an extent
that the republic is to-day better prepared than ever before for any
event.
“If peace and order are preserved, as he has good reason to expect,
the progress of Salva do will assume large proportions, and,
perhaps, the year upon which they enter will be one of eat
improvements, such as have been projected, and will be prosecuted
with vigor. It is
[Page 790]
not
possible, however, rapidly to accelerate movements, because matters
are progressing now in proportion to their means and to their
necessities. Still, nothing will be neglected that can contribute to
the prosperity and happiness of the Salvadoreans.”
* * * * * * *
He concludes: “Delegates of people: You have been selected to
prepare, by wise measures, the field from which we look for abundant
fruits to spring. The country has a right to anticipate much from
your patriotism and your intelligence, and I promise you that my
best efforts shall be employed to give effect to your determinations
for the prosperity and happiness of the republic.”
