Mr. Whitehouse to Mr. Frelinghuysen .
Guatemala , March 6, 1885. (Received March 31.)
Sir: In the absence of Mr. Hall, I have the honor to inclose herewith a copy and translation of a note received this day from the minister of foreign affairs, Señor Cruz, informing this legation of the decree issued by President Barrios, proclaiming the union of the Central American States into one republic under one military chief, which supreme command he himself assumes.
I cabled you to-day the following in regard to this action:
Central American Union proclaimed by decree of President Barrios.
The publication of the decree was unexpected and is causing considerable excitement. The crowd invaded the opera where the performance was in progress, and the decree was read from the stage amidst great applause.
Resistance on the part of Nicaragua, and especially Costa Rica, is anticipated, and due preparation for such a contingency is made.
The decree, of which I will send a copy by next mail, states that any person declaring against the Union shall be held a traitor to the great national cause, and shall be subject to the consequences and responsibility of the acts he may have executed.
Officers and officials who declare for the Union shall be advanced one grade in the army of the Central American Republic.
No treaties, foreign loans, or analogous stipulations arranged by the other States after the date of this decree (February 28th) shall be recognized.
I have just learned that the Presidents of Salvador and Honduras have declared for the Union.
As the mail leaves very shortly, I have no time for more details.
I am, &c.,