No. 301.
Mr. Riotte to Mr.
Hunter
No. 71.]
United States Legation, Leon, March 8, 1871.
(Received April 1.)
Sir: I have the honor of transmitting to you
inclosed—
1. Copy of the resignation of President Quadra, with translation thereof,
(inclosure 1.)
2. Copy of my note of February 27 last to Mr. T. Ayon, transmitting to him
copy of the address I proposed to direct to President Quadra upon his
inauguration, with that address in the Spanish original and translation,
(inclosures 2 and 3.)
3. Copy of Mr. Ayon’s reply of the 1st instant, communicating the answer
President Quadra would give to my address, together with that answer and
translation of both documents, (inclosures 4 and 5.)
4. Copy and translation of Minister Rivas’s note of the 4th instant, sending
an autograph letter of President Quadra to President Grant, informing him of
his having taken possession of the presidency, along with a translation of
that letter and a copy of my note of 6th instant, acknowledging the receipt
of Mr. Rivas’s communication, (inclosures 6, 7, and 8.)
You will please perceive from these documents, that after the twice-repeated
resignation of Mr. Vicente Quadra, the President elect, had been rejected,
and he, as it were, been compelled to accept the presidency, I went to the
capital to assist in his inauguration, being well persuaded that both by him
and by the people at large the presence of the representative of the United
States would be considered a high compliment.
During my sojourn at Managua, I was received and treated with the most
distinguished consideration on all sides, and by no one more so than by Mr.
Quadra himself. It had been agreed by the consuls present and myself, and I
had so informed the government, that I would address the new President. As
soon, however, as I learned that meantime an envoy extraordinary and
minister plenipotentiary from Salvador had arrived, I informed Mr. Minister
Rivas, who had tendered me the hospitality of his house, that inasmuch as
the gentleman from Salvador had a higher rank than mine, I would withdraw my
address. He thereupon had an interview with Mr. Quadra, in consequence of
which he stated to me that the President desired me to deliver my address
first, and that he would settle the point of etiquette with the Salvadorian
envoy.
[Page 667]
I am happy to say that Mr. Quadra did make a very favorable impression upon
me. He is—quite a rare exception among these people—very plain-spoken, but I
do not doubt thoroughly honest and well-meaning; he never uses a phrase
without just meaning what it implies. Quite another question is, whether he
will be able to overcome the terrible difficulties in his path. I should not
be astonished to find him possessed of the will and energy to do it; but I
fear he and his administration will encounter their most determined
opponents in any progressive move among their so-called friends. He did me
the favor of asking my permission to consult me privately on any question
that might occur to him, and of assuring me that any advice I might
volunteer would receive from him the fullest consideration.
* * * * * *
Ex-President Guzman behaved exceedingly well in the transfer of power, a
moment ever critical in these countries. At the head of the consuls I paid
him a valedictory visit, addressing him with a few appropriate words.
During my last interview with Mr. Quadra, in the presence of Minister General
Rivas, I urgently requested him to use his influence with congress in having
the extradition treaty ratified at an early day, and particularly in paving
a way toward a satisfactory claims convention, of the history whereof I gave
a cursory recital. I also requested, him to look into a very plain claim of
an American citizen, wherein I have been corresponding with Mr. Ayon for
months. He promised to act upon my suggestion.
Allow me, in conclusion, to submit whether, under the peculiar circumstances,
in President Grant’s reply, a few words of cheer, which, coming from that
source would be very highly appreciated, would not be appropriate. Mr.
Quadra several times, and very emphatically, gave words to his sincere
admiration for and sympathy with our President, Government, and nation.
I have, &c.,
P. S.—I also inclose copy and translation of a note of Mr. T. Ayon, of
the 21st February last, informing me of Mr. Vicente Quadra’s election to
the presidency, and inviting me to attend his inauguration, along with
copy of my reply of the 23d of February. (Inclosures 9 and 10.)
[Inclosure 1.—Translation.]
RESIGNATION OF THE PRESIDENT ELECT, MR. VICENTE QUADRA.
Hon. Senators and Representatives:
The prefect of the department, commissioned by the supreme government,
laid, on the 25th instant, into my hands the decree of the 24th instant,
wherein you declare me popularly and constitutionally elected to serve
in the presidency of the republic during the new period commencing the
1st of March next. The vote of confidence I have received from my
fellow-citizens calling me, without any merit on my side, to the first
magistracy of the nation, has highly engaged my gratitude, and I shall
never forget such distinguished proof of the good opinion they entertain
of me. I will frankly confess to you that I much wish to be possessed of
the abilities necessary to worthily perform that high and elevated
trust, for then I would not trepidate to accept it, notwithstanding the
sacrifice of my personal interests involved thereby; but I would poorly
correspond to the confidence placed in me if, with the innermost
conviction entertained by me of my absolute in competency, I should
resolve upon serving in a station which I do not consider proper for me,
and so much more, as there are plenty
[Page 668]
of conspicuous citizens able to perform it in a
satisfactory manner. No, gentlemen; my conscience, my honor, the love
for my country, impose upon me the duty to resign the presidency; and
upon you, your honor, your conscience, and the mission you have received
to guard the welfare of the nation, to accept my resignation in order
that the people may select another person, who, with better information
and a more extended practical knowledge of public affairs, shall
understand how to lead her on the road of prosperity and greatness.
It must not be thought that my opinion on my incapacity is the result of
false modesty nor should my declining the presidency be attributed to a
sentiment of paltry egotism. Nothing of that, gentlemen! You have been
witnesses to my life, and the classes of business I have practiced. I am
an absolute stranger to politics, and know nothing of the science of
government. How should I be able to bring to a felicitous conclusion the
arduous and difficult enterprise to administer the interests of a nation
barely constituted, if I am permitted to say so, and wherein there are
so many obstacles to be removed merely to put her on the road of
prosperity? True, I have the best intentions to gain the welfare of my
country, but intentions alone will not do; something more is necessary,
which I am wanting of.
Aside from what I have said, you have to take in consideration my weak
and sickly constitution. From the accompanying documents you will
perceive that I am suffering from an infirmity which, at certain
periods, prevents me from every active exercise and, above all, from
mental occupations. Should, after having taken charge of the presidency,
that infirmity attack me, then I would find myself in the painful
position of being unable to devote to the dispatching of the public
affairs the time required or of being compelled frequently to lay down
the office for a time, either of which contingency I deem pernicious to
the interests of the nation. In my letter to the district electors of
October 8 last, I explained to them all the inconvenience resulting from
my election; but since they were not pleased to desist, it is now for
you to do me justice by admitting my resignation of the presidency,
hereby offered in the most formal manner. The interests of the nation
demand it, and you cannot disregard them.
Granada, January 29,
1871.
VICENTE QUADRA.
[Inclosure 2.]
United States Legation in
Nicaragua, Managua,
February 29, 1871.
Hon. Tomas Ayon, &c.,
&c.:
* * * I beg leave to communicate to you inclosed copy of the address
which I purpose to direct to his excellency the President elect on the
occasion of his inauguration, which I would request you to submit to
him, taking his pleasure on the hour when he will receive myself and the
consuls of Germany, of Italy, of the United States of Colombia, and
Peru, accompanying me.
I have the honor, &c., &c.,
[Inclosure 3.—Translation.]
ADDRESS.
Mr. President: I have the honor, united with
four members of the consular body, to offer to you our congratulations
for your happy inauguration to the first magistracy of the nation, and
equally to the people of Nicaragua for having confided the supreme
executive power to so distinguished a citizen, to so pure and energetic
hands, and to a character so frank and firm.
The foreign nations we represent have no other desire, as they have no
other interest, but that this nation, making a proper and ample use of
the treasure bestowed upon it by nature on the road of order and of
peaceable progress, may reach that degree of well-being, prosperity, and
growth to which it is destined, and they are ready to make more and more
intimate the friendly relations subsisting between them and this
republic.
I, in particular, feel authorized to assure you, with all frankness, that
my nation, my government, and I myself anxiously wish to establish those
relations upon a footing of mutual advantage, of true republican
fraternity and reciprocal respect, based upon that justice which forms
the indispensable foundation of all human relations, domestic as well as
municipal, political as well as international.
Would that, from the solemn act to-day celebrated by the nation, a new
era in the annals of the republic might be dated!
[Page 669]
[Inclosure 4.—Translation.]
I have the honor of transmitting to Mr. Minister Riotte copy of the reply
his excellency President Quadra will make to the address whereby Mr.
Riotte, in behalf of the diplomatic and consular corps, will
congratulate him upon his inauguration to the nation’s first
magistracy.
I am happy to inform Mr. Riotte that one of the president’s adjutants
will be at his house at 12 o’clock to-day to accompany him to the
national palace.
I remain Mr. Riotte’s, &c., &c.,
[Inclosure 5.—Translation.]
President Quadra’s reply,
I thank your excellency for the highly gracious terms wherein, in behalf
of the honorable diplomatic and consular corps, you have deigned to
congratulate me upon my inauguration to the first magistracy of the
nation.
One of my principal designs in the fulfillment of the functions devolved
upon me will be to cultivate with the illustrious governments
represented by the honorable gentlemen of the diplomatic body, the most
frank and friendly relations, and to adopt measures for increasing the
commerce of their citizens with the republic of Nicaragua.
I am of opinion that what they need to develop the important material
interests they are importing to the Hispano-American republics of the
New World, is security for their persons and their property. I shall
endeavor to give it, complying with the sacred duty imposed upon me by
society and by the laws, and I shall, to that end, make use of all the
means at my command.
I offer to the honorable gentlemen of the diplomatic and consular corps
my most cordial greetings, and beg them to transmit to their governments
(the expression of) my great sympathy and high consideration.
[Inclosure 6.—Translation.]
I have the honor of transmitting to Mr. Minister Riotte an autograph
letter directed to the most excellent President of the United States by
his excellency President Vicente Quadra, informing him of his having
taken possession of the presidency of the republic.
From the copy inclosed Mr. Minister Riotte will be advised of the
contents of that letter.
I also submit to Mr. Riotte a printed exemplar of the decree issued by
the President organizing his cabinet.
I offer to Mr. Riotte, &c., &c.
[Inclosure No. 7.—Translation.]
Vicente Quadra, President of the Republic of Nicaragua, to his excellency the
President of the United States of America.
Most Excellent Sir: I have the honor of
informing your excellency that, after my fellow-citizens did confide to
me the difficult task of governing this republic during the present
constitutional period, I have taken possession of the presidency on the
1st instant. Among the momentous duties devolved upon me by the position
wherein I find myself placed, I consider as the most essential for the
well-being of the people who laid this destiny into my hands, to
cultivate the good relations existing between this nation and the one
you so worthily govern.
Anxiously interested in the progress of the nation, your excellency will
find me always disposed to promote and second everything tending to
augment international sympathies. In this sense it is highly
satisfactory to me to offer to your excellency my friendship and
consideration.
May God protect your excellency, keeping you in His holy care.
I am your excellency’s sincere and good friend,
VICENTE QUADRA.
The minister general, A. H. Rivas.
National Palace, Managua, March 4, 1871.
For correct copy.
[Page 670]
[Inclosure No. 8.]
Hon. A. H. Rivas, Minister
General:
I have the honor of acknowledging the receipt of your note of the 4th
instant, transmitting an autograph letter of his excellency President V.
Quadra to the President of the United States of America, with copy
thereof, apprising him of his having taken possession of the presidency
of this republic on the 1st instant.
I beg, Mr. Minister General Rivas, to assure his excellency that I shall
be happy to forward said letter to its destination by the first
opportunity.
I have the honor, &c.,
[Inclosure No. 9.—Translation.]
I have the honor of informing Mr. Minister Riotte that the congress of
the republic has declared the citizen Vicente Quadra popularly and
constitutionally elected President of Nicaragua for the period
commencing the 1st of March next and ending the last of February,
1875.
The President elect will take possession of the supreme magistracy of the
nation the first of next month, and it would give great satisfaction to
the government if Mr. Minister Riotte would deign to be present at this
capital, there to confer by his presence greater solemnity to that
act.
On this occasion I am happy to repeat, &c., &c.
[Inclosure No. 10.]
United States Legation,
Nicaragua, Leon,
February 23, 1871.
Hon. Mr. Tomas Ayon, &c.,
&c.:
I had the honor of receiving Mr. Minister Ayon’s note of the 21st
instant, apprising me officially of the election of Mr. Vicente Quadra
President of the republic for the ensuing constitutional term, and
inviting me, on behalf of his government, to attend and participate in
that gentleman’s inauguration at the capital on the 1st day of next
month.
I beg Mr. Ayon to express to his government my thanks for the attention
thus shown me, and to inform it that it is my purpose to correspond to
the courteous invitation and to be present at that grave and solemn
act.
I have the honor, &c., &c.,
