No. 54.
Mr. Hall to Mr.
Bayard.
[Extract.]
Legation of
the United States in Central America,
Guatemala, March 14, 1885.
(Received April 9.)
No. 322.]
Sir: Late in the evening of the 6th instant, at
Corinto, Nicaragua, while waiting for the steamer by which I had engaged my
passage to Guatemala, I was requested to go to the telegraph station to
receive a verbal communication from President Cardenas. It proved to be with
reference to a telegram which had been received at Managua from Salvador a
few moments before I was called, and to the effect “that information had
been received at Salvador that on the previous night, the 5th of March, the
National Assembly of Guatemala had ratified a decree of President Barrios,
declaring the union, or rather the reunion, of the Central American States
under one federal Government, he (President Barrios) assuming the command of
all their military forces.”
On my arrival at La Libertad (Salvador) on the 9th instant, I found awaiting
me a telegram from President Cardenas, from which it appears that President
Barrios had officially communicated the above-mentioned decree to the
Governments of the several states. The answers of Nicaragua and Costa Rica
are given in the message, and leave no doubt as to the attitude of those
Governments.
While at La Libertad I was informed that the Guatemala decree had awakened a
feeling of indignation and resistance in Salvador, and reported the same to
you from there by the cable. Later in the day, President Zaldivar, hearing
that I had gone ashore at La Libertad, sent me a pressing request to visit
him. I complied, hoping thereby to obtain some definite information
concerning this extraordinary movement.
After a journey of eight hours I reached the capital, San Salvador, about
midnight. Here I found a great commotion. I learned also that there had been
popular demonstrations of an unmistakable significance, and that the
sentiments of all classes, apparently without exception, were intensely
hostile to any union with Guatemala.
* * * * * * *
The following day, the 10th instant, President Zaldivar telegraphed me, at
the port of Acajutla, a transcript of a telegram he had received from
President Diaz, of Mexico.
* * * * * * *
[Page 84]
Upon my return to Guatemala on the 11th instant, I received your telegram of
the same date in reply to mine of the 9th from La Libertad.
* * * * * * *
On the 12th instant, the day following my return, in response to a courteous
request of President Barrios, brought to me by the minister for foreign
affairs, Señor Cruz, I called on him and availed myself of the opportunity
to make known the purport of your above-mentioned telegram. I inclose a
memorandum of our interviews, as dictated by himself to his private
secretary. He said, subtantially:
- (1)
- That the concentration of forces on the frontier of Salvador is
not with the intent to invade unless in danger of being
invaded.
- (2)
- That the object is to protect and sustain operations and movements
directed to promote the union of Central America.
- (3)
- That as to the attitude of Mexico, should the Mexican Government
interfere, he will accept the challenge.
- (4)
- That Honduras will assume the same conduct towards Nicaragua that
Guatemala assumes toward Salvador.
In consonance with your telegram referred to, I urged upon President Barrios
the necessity of carrying out these measures by peaceful means that any
other would certainly fail to accomplish his object. Although he made no
definite promise or declaration beyond what is expressed in the memorandum,
I came away satisfied that he will, if possible, avoid a conflict with
Salvador. Whatever influence I may be able to use will be directed to that
end; the menacing attitude of Mexico may, however prove an
embarrassment.
I further inclose a copy of a circular note from the minister for foreign
affairs, received last evening 5 he refers to a telegram from President Diaz
of Mexico, which he considers an uncalled for menace of intervention in
Central American affairs. The note also contains the first reference I have
seen to the agreement which appears to have existed between the Presidents
of Guatemala, Salvador, and Honduras.
* * * * * * *
I have, &c.,
[Inclosure 1 in No.
322.—Cablegram.—Translation.]
President Cardenas
to Mr. Hall.
I have communicated to Congress the unaccountable intimation of Barrios,
and their answer was the following decree:
- Article 1. Nicaragua does not accept
the military dictatorship which the President of Guatemala
pretends to impose on Central America, and repels energetically
whatever attempt (may be made) to carry it out. In consequence
the executive power is authorized in all ways in order that
alone or allied with the states that desire to defend their
independence, their dignity and liberties, they may provide for
the national defense without omitting for this end any effort or
sacrifice.
- Art. 2. Nicaragua declines on behalf
of those in power the consequences of the war to which they are
provoked, and protests before the civilized world against the
scandalous usurpation which it is attempted to
accomplish.
Given in the session room of the Chamber
of Deputies, Managua, March 8,
1885.
- A. J. PASOS,
- P. Y. LUIS VEGA.
- TOMAS ARNIEJO,
S. al P.
E.
Given in the Chamber of the Senate, Managua, March 8, 1885.
- P. Y CHAMORRO,
- P. J. RAMON SAENZ,
- FRANCISCO JIMENEZ, S.
[Page 85]
At the same time I made known to the Government of Costa Rica the
resolution of that of Nicaragua to struggle to the last stage
defending the national dignity and independence, and the answer of
President Fernandez is the following:
“Doctor Cardenas: The assembly of
influential men, composed of more than one hundred persons,
resolved unanimously that a minister should immediately be
sent to that Republic, in order that, in unison’ with its
Government, we may resist until we triumph or until the last
Costarican disappears; this is the opinion of the country,
and this is my opinion. I await yours.
“Your affectionate friend,
“P. FERNANDEZ.”
Be pleased to make known both these communications (instrumentos) to the Spanish minister and your other
colleagues, and, should you deem it well, to Dr. Zaldivar. Central
America is about to embark on a war which will cause her total ruin,
and you and the other members of the diplomatic corps can exercise
your important influence to prevent Barrios from accomplishing this
wicked and criminal attempt, which; will scandalize all civilized
nations. I beg you to advise me immediately what the Government of
the United States says.
[Inclosure 2 in No.
322.—Telegram.]
Mr. Hall to Mr.
Bayard.
Legation of the United States in Central
America,
La
Libertad, March 9,
1885.
Mr. Hall telegraphs to the effect that much wanton bloodshed, and perhaps
anarchy, will undoubtedly follow the decree of the President of
Guatemala in respect to a union of the Central American States and his
assumption, without invitation, of the command of their military. His
action being taken without either consent or consultation is considered
an unwarranted usurpation.
While it is rumored that Honduras adheres to the movement, it will be
resisted by Costa Rica, Salvador, and Nicaragua.
[Inclosure 3 in No. 322.]
Memorandum of a conference with President
Barrios.
- (1)
- Concentration of forces on the frontier not with intent to invade
unless in danger of being invaded.
- (2)
- In accordance with article 1 of the decree of February 28, I will
begin to protect and sustain all works, operations, and movements
directed to promote the union of Central America.
- (3)
- Having received a cablegram from the President of Mexico, in which
he tells me his Government will take action, and I am disposed to
repel force by force should it be carried out.
- (4)
- Honduras will assume the same conduct, and if the Nicaraguans ask
for arms, they will be given them as well as money, in accordance
with same article 1 of said decree.
Guatemala, March 12,
1885.
[Inclosure 4 in No.
322.—Translation.]
Señor Cruz to Mr.
Hall.
Guatemala, March 13,
1885.
Sir: I have the honor to bring to your notice
that General Barrios, having communicated to the President of the United
States of Mexico the proclamation made in the decree of the 28th
February of the union of Central America, he received from him in reply
the cablegram which literally reads:
“Mexico, March 10, 1885.
“General J. Rufino Barrios: Your
telegram received 7th instant. The resolution taken exclusively
by assembly of that Republic is repulsed with energy by the
[Page 86]
Government and peoples
of the other Central American Republics, according to telegrams
which I have received from Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and
Salvador.
“This circumstance and the growing impression which the news
causes with the Mexican people will influence the action which
the Government under my charge has to take before an emergency
which is a threat against the independence and freedom of the
nationalities of this continent.
“PORFIRIO DIAZ.”
By a telegram, after the 7th instant, the Congress of Honduras agreed
with the Government, and, seconding the wish of that people, proclaimed
the Central American Union, adhering in full to the proclamation of
Guatemala. Dr. Zaldivar, in a telegram of March 6, which has already
been published, congratulated General Barrios and the nation for the
decree which he has issued concerning nationality. He confirmed what he
had said to him, and then repeated it, that they were influenced by the
same fate, and assured him that with the means which he could dispose of
he would find him fully agreed to second this great idea.
Up to date no answer has been received from Costa Rica, and only the
Government of Nicaragua has manifested its declared opposition to the
union which is proclaimed; but it is certain that the people of that
State as well as those of the others are openly decided for the union,
so that any resistance will be from those who figure in those
Governments.
On the other hand, Guatemala does not admit, neither can admit, that any
other Government shall arrogate this attitude of intervention which the
cablegram supposes, in a matter purely Central American, and which has
for object to re-establish the union and the nationality which formerly
existed, and to which the people desire to return.
Considering the above, if there be really constituted a threat against
the independence and the freedom of the nationalities of this continent,
and against which it is protested forthwith, it would be the deed of
intervention and a hostile attitude toward the Union which it is desired
to realize, and the wish to dictate what should or should not be
done.
Fully assured that your illustrious Government will agree with that of
Guatemala on the subject, and deeming it indispensable and fitting to
give it notice of it, I beg of your excellency to communicate it, and I
would esteem it greatly that you, should it be possible, would do so by
means of the cable.
I am, &c.,
[Inclosure 5 in No.
322.—Translation.]
Señor Cruz to Mr.
Hall.
Guatemala, March 11,
1885.
Mr. Minister: I have the honor to transcribe to
you the telegram, dated 7th instant, which the minister of foreign
affairs of the Republic of Honduras directed to this office:
“I hasten to bring to your notice that the National Congress,
after much consideration, has to-day decreed the following:
- “‘Article 1. The Honduranian
people, through the medium of their national
representation, proclaim the Central American Union,
adhering to the revolution begun by the President of
Guatemala.
- “‘Art. 2. To aid in every
way the executive power in order that it may take active
part in the revolution of the Central American
nation.
- “‘Art. 3. The National
Congress and the President of the Republic shall
communicate to the people a frank and explanatory
manifesto concerning the great project of the revolution
which has been proclaimed.
“‘Given in Tegucigalpa on March 7, 1885.
“‘M. VIGIL, D. P.
“‘CARLOS A. UCLES, D.S.
“‘MAXIMO GALVEZ, D.S.’
“Renewing to your excellency the assurances of my esteem, I am
your obedient servant,
“JERONIMO ZELAYA.”
I offer you, &c.,
