Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress, With the Annual Message of the President, December 7, 1874

No. 108.
Mr. Williamson to Mr. Fish.

[Extract.]

United States Legation in Central America,
Guatemala, May 25, 1874. (Received July 6.)

No. 161.]

Sir: I have the honor to report that, yesterday, I received official intelligence, verbally, * * that the congress of Honduras had adjourned after adopting the three following measures of importance:

1st. The confirmation of the provisional presidency of Leiva.

2d. The re-adoption of the constitution of 1865.

3d. The banishment of the late President Arias for five years.

It seems also * * * that the political turn events have taken in Honduras, within the last few months, has been, if not surprising, at all events, highly unsatisfactory to the government of Guatemala.

The elections for members of Congress resulted in the return of a majority of re-actionists or conservatives, and the consequence has been that many, if not a majority, of the public offices are filled by members of that party. One of the high offices is filled by Colindres, who was declared President of Honduras by the Palacios expedition at the island of Utila last summer.

* * * * * * *

It is impossible to give you more minute information at present. I will do so as soon as possible.

I have, &c.,

GEO. WILLIAMSON.