No. 101.
Mr. Williamson to Mr. Fish.
Guatemala, March 26, 1874. (Received April 28.)
Sir: I have the honor to report that reliable information has reached me of a recent attempt to overthrow the government of President Guardia of Costa Rica.
It seems to have been the renewal of a plan, formed during the ten days’ administration, of Gonzalez, in the latter part of November last. At that time it was frustrated by Guardians suddenly re-assuming the executive power and gratifying some of the disaffected army officers by promotions.
The failure lately is attributed to the indiscretion or infidelity of one of the revolutionists. Whatever the cause, it is quite certain Guardia had sufficient notice to arrest the chief movers. The leading man, when called before the President and interrogated, “Who are your confederates?” is said to have replied, “All the honest people of Costa Rica.”
I happen to know this unfortunate gentleman. He is a merchant by profession, and a man of large fortune, which he has used so advantageously in travel that I found him one of the best-informed men I have met with in Central America. His name is Joaquin Fernandez. He has never been in political life, and is believed to be without aspirations.
It is said he assumed the organization of the revolution with the view of ridding Costa Rica of Guardia and his followers, and for the purpose of placing in the presidential chair Ex-President Castro.
Doubtless he will be shot. My information is that San José, Cartago, Heredia, and Alajuela were all ripe for revolt against Guardia when the infidelity or indiscretion before mentioned occurred. The towns [Page 148] named embrace in their limits and vicinity almost one-half the population of Costa Rica. * * * * *
Should there be a revolution, would it not be advisable for me not to recognize the new government until after a popular election? Guardia was elected, or passed through the forms of an election, and is therefore a constitutional officer. In this he differed from Arias of Honduras, who was not elected, but was acting provisionally, or, in our language, by revolutionary right.
I have, &c.,