No. 83.
Mr. Hall to Mr.
Bayard.
[Extract.]
Legation of
the United States in Central America,
Guatemala, May 8, 1885.
(Received June 4.)
No. 351.]Sir: Within a week after the recent declaration of
peace in Central America, the President of Salvador submitted, by a
circular, to the several Governments of the other four states a proposition
inviting their co-operation in another attempt to bring about a union of
these states under one central reorganization. With this object each state
was invited to send five plenipotentiary delegates to a congress which it
was proposed should meet at Santa Teela, Salvador, the 15th of the present
month, this congress to have had full powers to adopt a federal constitution
and other measures for carrying out the proposed union.
In the same communication is announced the firm resolution of President
Zaldivar to retire from the government of Salvador, and that he should only
await therefor the action of the proposed congress. The proposition of
President Zaldivar has the appearance of a purpose on his part to take up
the project initiated by General Barrios in 1875 which he twice attempted to
carry out by peaceful means, and latterly by force, all of which terminated
in absolute failure.
* * * * * * *
In answer to President Zaldivar’s proposition, the minister foreign affairs
of Guatemala refers to the steps taken by his Government in
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1875 and in 1883 in favor of the union; that a
union of these states is its settled policy, but considers a renewal of the
subject at this time, so immediately after the recent failure, as altogether
premature, and of course will not send delegates to the proposed congress of
the states.
Costa Rica declines the proposition in terms similar to those expressed by
Guatemala. Nicaragua rejects the project and the invitation to participate
in the proposed congress with illy disguised contempt. Honduras alone
proffers her unconditional acceptance.
I inclose a copy of the circular, and a copy of the official newspaper of
Salvador containing the replies of the several states, with translations, to
which I respectfully invite your attention.
The reunion of these states under a confederated Government appears to be an
essential part of every political creed in Central America. The
constitutions of all the states recognize the principle in some form, like
the following in the new constitution of Salvador:
Salvador considers herself a disintegrated section of the Central
American nation and is ready to unite with any and all of the
Republics, into which it is now divided, for the organization of a
national Government whenever circumstances may permit or it may suit
her interests. * * *
President Cardenas, in his message to Congress in January last, referring to
the same subject, in connection with the mission from Guatemala and Salvador
in 1883, says:
The Government accepted the idea with enthusiasm, and, counting
already upon its acceptance by Honduras and Costa Rica, appointed
delegates to the Diet, and was about to communicate to them ample
instructions, when official information was received that the
Government of Costa Rica, in deference to popular clamor, had
withdrawn. The Governments of Guatemala, Salvador, and Honduras were
then consulted as to whether a meeting of the four states could have
any practical result. To this Guatemala replied negatively, and the
project was thus frustrated. We cannot otherwise than lament this
result, which postpones the day of the realization of that great
idea.
It was generally understood at the time that the failure of the project of
1883 was due solely to the popular repugnance, outside of Guatemala, to
General Barrios, the presumptive President of the confederation. But so far
as I have been able to judge from my associations with the Governments,
leading men and people of intelligence in these countries, there is not, as
is generally supposed, any really sincere sentiment among them favoring a
union of the states, their protestations to the contrary notwithstanding; if
such a sentiment has existed of late years the recent conflict and the
bitterness engendered thereby will no doubt serve to suppress it, and years
must elapse before it will be revived.
I am, &c.,
[Inclosure 1 in No.
351.—Translation.]
Señor Gallegos to
Señor Arroyo.
San
Salvador, April 21, 1885.
(Received in Guatemala at 7.48 p.m.)
circular.
To the Minister for Foreign
Affairs:
Peace being re-established in the Central American Republics, the
Government of Salvador proposes that as far as regards itself its
effects should be made to benefit the common interests of these peoples,
who imperiously demand the re-establishment of
[Page 120]
the sacred ties of nationality; and being
convinced that the just aspirations of Central American patriotism in
the sense of the union of these Republics can reach a satisfactory and
logical solution, and appealing to the measures which reason and
principles designate as more natural and efficacious to obtain this
result, instructions have been given me to direct myself through the
worthy medium of your excellency to the Government of that Republic,
proposing to it, in the name of Salvador, the proposition of giving to a
Central American congress the necessary authority to proclaim, should
they deem it expedient, the political union of these Republics into one
nation, decreeing the constitution which ought to govern it and the
further dispositions which are thought necessary for the provisional
organization of public trusts. In this sense, appealing to the
traditions and the numerous bonds of these Republics, as also to the
legitimate desires which they cherish to reconstruct their nationality,
which is to assure them definitely internal order and increase their
foreign credit and consideration, I urge your Government that in
accepting on general terms the proposition of national reconstruction,
they may, if they consider it well, accredit five ministers to the
Central American congress, which the Government of Salvador proposes
should unite on the 15th of May next, in the city of Santa Tecla, with
the object of proclaiming the Central American Union, and dictating the
fundamental laws of the Union, if thus should be deemed expedient, or at
least to adopt those plans of general interest which shall conduce to
prepare this event, binding as much as possible the ties and interests
of the Republics of Central America.
I add by the special recommendation of the President that that official
has the firm resolution of separating himself from the Government of
Salvador and that he will wait solely, in order to do so, until the
above-mentioned congress decide what is deemed fitting concerning the
important subject of nationality, whether it is realized or that the
division into which at present the Republics of Central America are
constituted continues.
I am, &c.,
[Inclosure 2 in No.
351.—Translation.]
Señor Arroyo to
Señor Gallegos.
Guatemala, April 22,
1885.
To the Minister for Foreign Affairs,
Salvador:
In consequence of the re-establishment of peace between the Republics of
Central America, your excellency is pleased to inform me that the
Government of Salvador, with the view that its effects be made to
benefit the mutual interests of these peoples, who imperiously demand
the restoration of the Central American nationality, has given your
excellency instructions to direct yourself, through my medium, to my
Government, proposing to it in the name of Salvador the suggestion of
granting to a Central American congress the necessary powers to
proclaim, should it be deemed expedient, the political union of these
Republics into one nation, decreeing the constitution which shall
regulate it and the other necessary steps for the provisional
organization of the public trusts. With this aim your excellency,
appealing to traditions and ties of these Republics and making most just
considerations in favor of the great proposition, is pleased to urge my
Government that accepting the proposal of the national reorganization,
it accredit! if it deems well, five ministers to the Central American
congress which the Government of your excellency proposes should unite
on the 15th of May next in the city of Santa Tecla, with the object of
proclaiming the Central American Union and dictating the fundamental
laws of the Union, or of adopting at least those dispositions of general
interest which shall conduce to this event, drawing tighter, as much as
possible the ties and interests of the Republics of Central America.
Lastly, your excellency adds, in accordance with an especial
recommendation of the President of that Republic, that this official is
firmly resolved to withdraw from the Government of Salvador, and that he
will await only, in order to do so, until the above mentioned congress
decides what it considers expedient concerning the important subject of
nationality, whether it be realized or that the division which at
present exists between the Republics of Central America be
continued.
I brought at a fitting moment the contents of the telegram, to which I
have the honor to reply, to the knowledge of the President, and that
official has authorized me to say to your excellency the following:
The Government of Guatemala would in no case need to accept the great
proposal of Central American nationality, which it has on all occasions
and by ail the means which your excellency proposes to-day always been
the first to initiate. The 15th of September, 1875, there was convoked a
congress of plenipotentiaries by a circular from this
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cabinet. This congress met in this capital
on the 15th of January, 1876, and after having held several sessions, on
the tenth, finished its labors by signing a treaty of peace, preparatory
to a union of the five Central American Republics.
In the year 1883 plenipotentiaries of Salvador and Guatemala conferred
with the Governments of the other three Republics of Central America
concerning the expediency of a congress of plenipotentiaries, meeting in
Santa Tecla or in Almachapan, these plenipotentiaries having full powers
to discuss the bases of the reorganization of Central America and to
formulate the national constitution and the other organic laws.
Unfortunately, these labors undertaken by Guatemala and Salvador did not
have any practical result to the realization of this patriotic idea.
Notwithstanding, as your excellency is well aware, the Government of
Guatemala did not desist in its efforts nor was discouraged by the
oppositions and difficulties of that time. On the the contrary, it
carried the ardor of its enthusiastic desires to the point of seconding
the invitations that, by means of the foreign press and the free press
of Central America, were made to General Barrios to undertake this task,
as the only existing man called to realize it.
Your excellency and your Government know very well the history of the
last events which might have caused the total ruin of Central America.
After the disasters of the war and the sad death of the chief who had
risen to carry into practice the idea of the Central American
nationality, there was signed, owing to the intervention of the
diplomatic corps, an honorable and worthy peace between those five
Republics, and popular feasts were celebrated in commemoration of the
fortunate event.
Notwithstanding the passions are not calmed in all respects, the minds
are still unquiet. The general, President of the Republic of Guatemala,
finds himself temporarily at the head of the executive; popular
elections; of the constitutional President are being prepared; most
urgent subjects of home policy demand the attention of the Government.
It does not consider that the moment is favorable to discuss a question,
which, for the reason that it is esteemed of vital importance to the
interests of Central America, demands the greatest moderation and the
most absolute calm and quiet. Therefore ray Government, without
undervaluing the invitation which your excellency sets forth, considers
at present premature the meeting of this congress.
On the other hand, the actual designated, in exercise of the Presidency,
thinks it expedient to defer entirely this matter to that which the new
constitutional President may resolve, after hearing the decision of the
Legislative Assembly which will meet the first of March of next
year.
It is in such terms that I have the honor to respond to your esteemed
telegram, reiterating the assurances of my respectful consideration.
[Inclosure 3 in No.
351.—Telegram.—Translation.]
Señor Zelaya to
Señor Gallegos.
Tegucigalpa, April 24,
1885.
Mr. Minister for Foreign Relations: Yesterday I
had the honor to receive your excellency’s telegram, informing the
Government of this Republic that, peace being re-estalished in Central
America, the Government of Salvadar proposes to make felt its effects
beneficially to the people by working with the aim of re-establishing
the sacred links of nationality with the hope of reaching a satisfactory
solution, appealing to the means which reason and principle point to as
the most natural; that in this sense you urge my Government that,
accepting in general the scheme of national reorganization, it be
pleased, if it thinks well, to accredit live ministers to the Central
American congress which that Government proposes should meet on the 15th
of the month of May next in the city of Santa Tecla, with the object of
proclaiming the union of Central America, and to settle upon the
fundamental laws of the nation, if this should be considered advisable,
or at least to adopt such dispositions of general interest as shall
conduce to prepare the event, drawing closer to the utmost the ties and
interests of the Central American Republics.
In answer, and by the instructions of the President, I have the honor to
inform you that the Government of Honduras receives, with the
appreciation and enthusiasm which is due the proposal which that of
Salvador addresses to it, all the more as it is doing no more in this
case than conforming with constant aspiration and tradition of the
Honduranian people, who, on several occasions, have given proofs of
their love and fidelity to the cause of the Central American union; that
on this account it is disposed, if the majority of the Republics defer
to the invitation, to accredit five delegates or ministers to the
congress, in order that on the date and at the place mentioned they may
begin their deliberations with those of the other Republics concerning
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the measures of bringing
into practice the glorious scheme of which it is question, or to agree
upon the dispositions which are to be fixed in order to assimilate more
and more the interests of the detached sections, and prepare in this way
the advent of that event.
In reference to the last part of your telegram, the President will
deplore the separation of Dr. Zaldivar from the Government of that
Republic, believing that his initiative and persevering efforts for the
realization of nationality by the proposed means are at present, and
will continue to be, of great importance, and that he ought on that
account to remain at the head of that Republic for the time remaining
for his administration.
I am, &c.,
[Inclosure 4 in No.
351.—Telegram.—Translation.]
Señor Castellon to
Señor Gallegos.
Minister for Foreign Affairs,
Salvador:
Having informed the President of the Republic of your excellency’s
telegram of the 23d instant, relative to the meeting of a Central
American congress in Santa Tecla for the purpose of treating for the
national reorganization, I have received instructions to answer your
excellency in the following terms: The actual circumstances, under which
Central America has just suffered great disturbance and serious evils
with the pretext of realizing the union of the states are not in any way
favorable to place on the “tapis” a question which has in all times been
precursory, to internal revolutions and of wars between states. Public
opinion has declared against this initiative at a moment when the people
have not even recovered from the immense sacrifices which the
proclamation of that scheme cost them, and when the armies of Nicaragua
and Costa Rica have not returned to their homes. Nicaragua, therefore,
is not inclined to take part in those discussions by sending to Santa
Tecla her plenipotentiaries, believing, on the other hand, it to be
incompatible with her dignity to treat with a Government such as that of
Guatemala, whose existence is ignored, and from whom in has not received
one word of friendship or of reconcilation. My Government regrets that
the initiative of union should start from the friendly Government of
Salvador, whose desire it would have much honored in seconding were it
not for the weighty reasons which oppose it, and which I trust it will
know how to justly appreciate.
I subscribe myself, &c.,
[Inclosure 5 in No.
351.—Telegram.—Translation.]
Señor Castro to
Señor Gallegos.
San
José, Costa Rica,
April 28, 1885.
To the Minister for Foreign Affairs,
Salvador:
I have had the honor to receive and to bring to the knowledge of the
President the very important telegraphic dispatch of your excellency,
dated the 22d instant, conveying the proposal on the part of the
Government of Salvador to that of this Republic, the scheme of
delegating to a Central American congress the necessary faculties to
proclaim the union of Central America into one Central American nation,
and to decree the constitution which shall rule it, and, in case of
acceptance, to send five ministers to the Central American congress
which the Government of Salvador at the same time proposes, for the 15th
of next May, in the city of Santa Tecla.
The President of this Republic, as well as I, highly appreciates these
sentiments which have inspired the President of that Republic with the
scheme referred to and the fraternal invitation which I answer. I regret
that the full powers which were conceded to him in March last for the
purpose of defending the autonomy of the nation are rather an obstacle
in his way for determining by himself on measures which could in some
way more or less radically affect that same autonomy. Being thus without
authority, his decision is to-day the same as yesterday, that on the
proposed subject it is only open to my Government to submit it to the
sovereign Congress
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which is
about to assemble, and this he promises to do in order that that high
body, if it should deem it advisable, should take the necessary legal
measures for the reform of the actual constitution, a previous step
without which Costa Rica cannot make the transition from a political
body, sovereign and independent, to the integral part of a common
autonomy.
In regard to assuring peace between the Central American Republics,
strengthening their interests by means of treaties which leave uninjured
the autonomy, there is not with my Government any opposition or a want
of the best disposition.
Concerning what your excellency indicates regarding the proposal of the
actual President’s separation from the Government of that Republic, I
must inform your excellency that in the consideration of my Government
it would be beneficial to the peace of Central America that such a
worthy and high person should retain the chief magistracy of
Salvador.
I am, &c.,
