No. 65.
Mr. Williamson to Mr. Fish.
United
States Legation in Central America,
Guatemala
,
September 14, 1873.
(Received Nov. 4.)
No. 23.]
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith copies
of the correspondence between the minister of foreign affairs and myself, in
regard to the celebration to-morrow of the fifty-second anniversary of the
independence of Central America. It is my purpose to avail myself of the
opportunity to discuss our proposed centennial celebration, and also to
touch upon, as adroitly as I can, the advantages that would result to
Central America from a union of all the states under one government. I have
[Page 97] discussed this latter subject in
an unofficial way many times, both in Costa Rica and here. The universally
professed sentiment is in favor of the union, except among the
office-holders. They speak of it as desirable, but impracticable owing to
local jealousies, differences of indebtedness, difficulties of
intercommunication, &c. As the officeholders control the people, it is
not probable at present that any action will be taken by the governments
looking to union. In my opinion, from information received up to this time,
there may be a probability of effecting a union between Guatemala, Salvador,
and Honduras, if their present governments continue in power for a few
years; but I think Costa Rica prefers isolation or a union with Colombia.* *
* *
I have, &c.,
[Inclosure 1 in No.
23.—Translation.]
The Secretary of Foreign
Affairs to Mr. Williamson.
Guatemala
,
September 13,
1873.
Señor: The secretary of foreign affairs has the
honor to advise you that on Monday, the 15th of the present month, the
flag of the republic will be hoisted on the national palace in
celebration of the independence of Central America.
To his Excellency Geo. Williamson,
Minister Resident of the United States of
America.
[Inclosure 2 in No. 23.]
Mr. Williamson to
the Minister of Foreign
Affairs.
United
States Legation at Central America,
Guatemala
,
September 13, 1873.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your note of this date, informing me the flag of the republic
of Guatemala will be displayed at the national palace on the 15th
instant in honor of the celebration of the fifty-second anniversary of
the independence of Central America. Anticipating this commemoration of
the glorious event to be celebrated, I have already taken steps to show
the profound sympathy of my Government, and of the people of the United
States. Speaking for them, I congratulate the people of Guatemala on
this fifty-second return of the grand day on which they declared their
independence of monarchical power, and resumed the sovereignty which of
right belonged to them.
With assurances of my distinguished consideration, I have, &c.,
To his Excellency Marco A. Soto,
Minister of Foreign Affairs.
[Inclosure 3 in No.
23.—Translation.]
Señor Soto to Mr.
Williamson.
Guatemala
,
September 13,
1873.
Señor: On Monday, the 15th of the present
month, we celebrate the fifty-second anniversary of the independence of
Central America. If it be agreeable to you it will afford us much
pleasure to have your company at the singing of the Te Deum, which will
take place in the cathedral at half-past nine in the morning of that
day. You are requested, in case you accept the invitation, to meet the
ministers of the government and other officials at the national palace
at the above-mentioned hour.
With sentiments of the most distinguished consideration, I have the
pleasure again to subscribe myself your attentive servant,
[Page 98]
[Inclosure 4 in No. 23.]
Mr. Williamson to
Señor Soto.
United
States Legation in Central America,
Guatemala
,
September 13, 1873.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt at this moment of your excellency’s distinguished favor inviting
me to be present at the celebration of the Te Deum at the cathedral of
this city on the 15th instant, in honor of the fifty-second anniversary
of the independence of Central America. The event you celebrate on the
15th instant is so great in its historical importance that, in behalf of
my countrymen, I venture to express the sincerest congratulations, and a
cordial wish that Guatemala, with each returning anniversary of her
independence, may feel an increasing pride in her realization of the
supreme benefits of true republicanism.
With assurances of my most distinguished consideration, I have,
&c.,
To his Excellency Marco A. Soto,
Minister of Foreign Affairs.
