[Inclosure 1 in No. 330.]
Mr. Leavitt to Mr.
Hall.
[Extract.]
United
States Consulate,
Managua, March 13,
1885.
Sir: I have the honor to herewith present a
report on the general state of Nicaragua and the feeling of the people
in the present unfortunate situation into which the proclamation of
President Barrios has thrown the Central American Republics.
[Page 97]
The country is profoundly agitated. Business is suspended. The sound of
the bugle and the roll of the drum, as the soldiers and raw recruits
march through the streets, are constantly heard, while eager crowds
gather at the corners to hear the proclamations read when issued by the
Government.
Prior to the receipt of intelligence from Costa Rica and Salvador as to
the position those Governments would take on the proclamation of the
President of Guatemala, the greatest uncertainty and alarm was felt for
the ultimate result. Upon the receipt of telegrams, first from Costa
Rica and then from Salvador, that these Governments would oppose
Guatemala, anxiety and alarm gave place to joy, and when, later, a
telegram was received from the Mexican Government denouncing in strong
terms the step Guatemala had taken, the people were exultant, and on all
sides “Death to Barrios!” was shouted by an excited populace. Troops are
being rapidly recruited. It is stated that at present there are five
thousand men under arms, and this number is being augmented. As fast as
men are enrolled they are pushed forward toward the frontier of
Honduras.
The Government has decreed that bank bills are legal tender and refuses
to redeem them in silver; as a consequence, silver has suddenly
disappeared.
It is proposed by the Government to issue fractional currency of the
denominations of 50, 20, 10, and 5 cents.
On the 10th instant I called upon President Cardenas, and during my call
a telegram from Salvador was handed him, stating that Salvador would
furnish twenty thousand men.
The President stated to me that Nicaragua lacked arms and ammunition;
that a cablegram had been sent to the Remington Arms Company asking for
an immediate shipment of arms to Nicaragua. They replied it would
require four months to fill the order and that they had none on
hand.
* * * * * * *
At this interview he informed me that it was the intention of Nicaragua
to invade Honduras and Guatemala for the purpose of deposing President
Barrios, saying that the peace of Central American would never be
assured as long as Barrios was President of Guatemala, and that he had
communicated with the Governments of Salvador and Costa Rica for the
purpose of securing their co-operation. Thereupon I immediately sent you
the following telegram:
“Nicaragua President has just told me that the Nicaraguan Government
intend invading Guatemala and Honduras, and have asked the co-operation
of Costa Rica and Salvador.”
In the afternoon of the same day a decree was issued declaring Nicaragua
under martial law and I telegraphed you as follows:
“Nicaragua declared under martial law.”
The Congress is adjourned until 1886. The President has been appointed
commander of the army of Nicaragua, and ex-President Pedro Joaquin
Chamono has been appointed provisional President.
All male citizens between the ages of eighteen and fifty are declared to
be enlisted in the army.
On the 12th a proclamation was issued that Mr. Chamono had assumed the
office and duties of provisional President.
To-day I learned that President Cardenas would leave Managua for Leon to
take command of the army, and I sent you this telegram:
“Chamono assumed the duties of provisional President yesterday. Cardenas
leaves to-morrow for Leon to take command of the army.”
* * * * * * *
I am, &c.,
[Inclosure 2 in No. 330.]
Mr. Leavitt to Mr.
Hall.
[Extract.]
United
States Consulate,
Managua, March 15,
1885.
Sir: * * * I have forwarded copies of all
telegrams sent by me, except the last, which was sent by President
Cardenas and placed by me in cipher. It was as follows:
“We expect rifles from Punta Arenas. Can you authorize the
captain of the Honduras to take them to Corinto?
“CARDENAS.”
[Page 98]
The President desired me to telegraph to the captain of the Honduras to
take the rifles. I declined to so telegraph unless authorized by you.
Whereupon the President desired me to send the above telegram. At the
same time I told the President that I saw no reason why the Honduras
should decline to carry articles, even though contraband of war, between
two countries at peace with each other, although a state of war exists
between them and a third, and I did not think the captain of the
Honduras would object to take them.
I am in receipt to-day of a telegram from the captain of the U. S. S.
Ranger that she will be in Corinto in a few days.
* * * * * * *
The Government seem to insist on invading Guatemala, and do not desire
peace. It is rumored that they fear the good offices of the United
States; that nothing will satisfy them unless Barrios is overthrown.
Recruitings are going rapidly forward and new troops are being
constantly hurried to the frontier; but the greatest number that
Nicaragua can place in the field is 8,000, as there are no more
arms.
The Government are issuing more paper money. Coin has disappeared, and
already some of the people object to accepting paper, but are forced to
under the decree.
President Cardenas postponed joining the army at Leon, but proceeds there
to-day.
I am, &c.,
