No. 254.
Mr. Baxter to Mr.
Fish
No. 22.]
Legation of the United States,
Tegucigalpa, Honduras,
February 7, 1871. (Rec’d March
16.)
Sir: Many rumors of the probability of war between
the republics of Honduras and Salvador have been circulated for some time
past, although I have thought with little foundation; but now, from
movements that are transpiring in the two republics, such a result would
seem quite probable. The government of Honduras is taking active measures to
fill its ranks and put itself in complete readiness, and, if report be true,
expect to be in the field within a very short time. Hopes are still
entertained by many, however, that the differences, whatever they may be,
may yet be susceptible of an amicable settlement. One of the causes of
difference is said to be that the government of Honduras takes exception to
the course pursued by the government of Salvador in harboring and keeping in
government employ and position persons who have been banished from Honduras
for political misdemeanors, and stationing such on the frontier, where they
gather about them the disaffected of this republic and others, and
continually threaten an attack, causing the government of Honduras much
trouble, anxiety, and expense. In case of war, the unprotected condition of
a large amount of movable property, merchandise, &c., that is usually
found at Amapala, Honduras, and La Union, Salvador, is a matter of great
anxiety with those interested, as being particularly liable to plunder by
one or the other
[Page 573]
party; and as
many of the citizens of the United States have commercial transactions at
these points, they would be severe sufferers in such case. It is most
earnestly desired, by those interested, that the United States Government
should station a vessel of war in the Bay of Fonseca, the bare presence of
which would give them that protection so much needed. I inclose herewith a
communication received a few days since from Messrs. Morris & Co., of
Amapala, with extracts from letters received by them from San Francisco,
presenting this matter, and the growing importance and interest taken in the
trade of Central America.
I am, &c.,
Morris & Co. to Mr. Baxter
Tegucigalpa, Amapala, December 24,
1870.
Dear Sir: As you are undoubtedly aware, there
are political movements going on, both in this and the neighboring
republic of Salvador. From a continuation of circumstances one can
easily judge that there is imminent danger of an outbreak, and, even if
experience did not show that the period of peace has comparatively been
a long one, that one of the customary periodical revolutions is
approaching. Under such circumstances, it is convenient to look out
after the safety of such places where considerable property of an
easy-movable nature is deposited—for instance, in this port—because
these places attract generally much attention of either one or the other
party; and all precedents have shown that, whenever these depots have
been attacked, the heaviest losses have always been suffered by
foreigners, generally creditors of natives, &c. During the
revolutions of 1863 and 1865 we found that the presence of one or the
other vessel of war protected only the custom-house at La Union from
being robbed; and the massacre and robbery at this place would not have
occurred in September, 1863, if a vessel of war had been in port. In
view, then, of the approaching crisis and of the unprotected state in
which this port finds itself, we beg to call your attention to the great
convenience which may result from the presence of a vessel of war in
this port, not alone on account of the approaching danger, but also on
account of the increasing importance of this bay, which already
commences to awaken considerable interest in California, and the East
also as you will see from the inclosed extracts from letters from
California.
There is comparatively little known about this section of this continent,
and navigators coming to these waters have to content themselves with
sailing directions, and charts partially antiquated, partially
incorrect; and a United States vessel coming to this bay and remaining
here some time may eventually grant not alone protection to foreign and
native property, but collect and bring before the public much useful
knowledge and information, tending in a great manner to forward the
American commercial and political interests in these republics.
If you will consider our above statements, and deem it convenient to make
the necessary representations to the admiral of the Pacific squadron or
at the Department at Washington, we think you will be entitled to the
thanks of both nations, and foreigners interested in this country, and
not less of the government of Honduras.
We remain, &c.,
Mr. Wells to Mr.
Morris
San
Francisco, California, October
31.
Geo. K. Morris, Amapala:
It is the intention of persons interested in Central American matters to
hold an important meeting on the 10th November, in connection with the
chamber of commerce of this city, for the purpose of adopting measures
for the encouragement of trade and commerce between here and Honduras.
The importance of this is now beginning to excite general attention, and
there is no reason why a lucrative business should not soon be
established. Whatever may be the results of that meeting shall be duly
forwarded to you. The idea of establishing Tinge Island a free port and
placing it under the protection of the United States, must be pressed at
Washington. Senators Cole and Cassidy, of California, are now in San
Francisco, and the subject shall be properly placed before them.
[Page 574]
San Francisco,October 30.
This morning I had a long talk with Mr. Webb, the great ship-owner,
of New York, who arrived here last night, and I shall do my best to
excite his interest and his all-powerful aid in getting up a
steam-line between this and the different Central American
ports.
