The short reply forwarded with that dispatch was, it seems, only provisional.
This one is published in the official journal of the 16th of May, just
received.
The terms which the assembly employs in regard to the revolutionary attempts
to overthrow the government of President Guardia might be considered
sufficiently mild in any country.
When they are used by a constituent assembly which is supposed to be indebted
for its existence to the will of the executive chief rather than that of the
people, they seem to indicate a moderation of temper.
On page 3 you will notice the expressions used with reference to “the basis
of a future union in one single people” of the Central American States.
This idea of the eventual union of the five states under one government, is
put forward in nearly all of the public documents of these countries;
[Page 170]
but it is, in my opinion, a
consummation so remote that no statesman in Central America contemplates its
realization during his life-time. My reasons for entertaining this opinion
will be set forth in a separate dispatch.
[Inclosure—Translation.]
Constitutional Congress to the Most
Excellent Señor General, President of the Republic:
The Constitutional Congress, convened in its regular meeting, has heard
with deep interest the message you delivered on the solemn occasion of
the opening of its session.
Your presence on that occasion was very flattering.
Although the constitution does not expressly decree this, it is very
suitable that when the national representation is installed, at a time
determined by law, the chief of the nation should appear in its bosom as
a proof of mutual faith and a sign of harmony between the constitutional
powers.
Not without reason have you expressed a hope that the deputies that form
this body are penetrated by the importance of the delicate mission which
the people have in-trusted to them, and that they will be equal to the
necessities of the country.
They, as well as yourself, with their hearts full of faith in the future,
come disposed to labor for the prosperity of the people and the
aggrandizement of the nation which they represent.
The Congress is pleased that your administration has maintained and
cultivated relations with foreign nations without anything happening to
disturb the harmony.
It is not less a matter for congratulation that the momentary
misunderstanding between the sister republics has disappeared.
Those family ties, and the union of interests that bind them to Costa
Rica, are powerful motives that ought to influence the spirit of the
governments that rule them to allay all cause of misunderstandings, and
to prevent the evil suggestions of those who, in an evil hour, think
that to establish their ideas or their principles, or perhaps to satisfy
their ambition, it is lawful to steep the soil of Central America with
the blood of her sons shed in fratricidal strife. You do well in showing
by acts the sentiments of the fraternity which animate you, and in
taking advantage of opportunities of cementing peace among the nations
of our family, and of establishing the basis of a future union in one
single people.
It is very painful that the attempts, of partisans have compelled you to
use measures of repression to preserve the public order.
The Congress does not see, without extreme pain, these revolutionary
attempts so foreign to the habits of order which characterize the Costa
Ricans, and to which they owe their prosperity and aggrandizement. It is
to be hoped that these parties, taught by the sad effects of the
revolutions that in other parts have paralyzed progress, impeded work,
annihilated industry, and demoralized the people, may abstain from
excesses that endarger public tranquillity, and that, guided by
sentiments of true patriotism, they may limit their actions within the
sphere of strict legality.
Congress has, from the beginning, given its good-will to the grand work
(that affords you the glory of undertaking it) of opening communication
with the Atlantic. With reason you have rested your glory on this work,
and you have labored with zeal to assure its completion. The Congress
also recognizes its immense importance, and will continue to afford it
all the attention which it merits.
Señor President, be assured that the members that compose the
Constitutional Congress come with the sincere intention to respond
worthily to the confidence of the people; they, in the fulfilling of
their delicate duties, will endeavor to be inspired with sentiments of
the purest patriotism, and with the interests of the nation.
Proceed, then, in this assurance; justice will be the rule of our
conduct, and the progress and advancement of our country the end to
which our resolutions will tend; so that your endeavors and ours,
emanating from the same source and directed to the same object, will
unite in advancing the great interests of the nation.
Congress will attentively hear the report of the secretary of state, and
will examine it without passion or prejudice. Their judgment will be the
testimony of their consciences, and not the echo of their passions.
Meanwhile the representatives of the nation congratulate you on the state
of progress in which the republic finds itself in every branch of its
administration, and give heartfelt thanks to divine Providence for the
bounties which He has so abundantly showered upon us from His beneficent
hand, and we ask the continuance of the same for you and for us.
House of Congress, National Palace, San José, Costa Rica,
May 8,
1874.
- JUAN RAFAEL MATA.
- JUAN J. BORBON.
