In my No. 699 I expressed an opinion, founded upon a conversation with Señor
Guzman, that the treaty would be ratified. To-day the President informs me
that he has grave doubts as to the result. I shall be informed of whatever
transpires in connection with this subject, and shall report promptly to the
Department.
[Inclosure in No.
702—Translation.]
Message of the President of Nicaragua.
Honorable Senators and
Deputies:
Matters of great importance, requiring your prompt decision, make it
indispensable to call you to an extra session.
Soon after the arbitration convention for terminating our difficulties
with Costa Rica was signed in Guatemala, which convention you ratified
in the month of April last, the idea was suggested of a personal
conference between the chiefs of the two Republics, with the view of
reaching by a quicker route a satisfactory solution of those
difficulties.
My worthy predecessor received the first intimations to that effect, but
left the matter entirely to the new administration, because, doubtless,
of the proximity of the constitutional change.
In pursuance of the same idea I determined to invite his Excellency
President Soto to visit this Republic. In effect, about the middle of
July, the Chief Magistrate of Costa Rica, accompanied by some
distinguished citizens of that country, was with us.
It is unnecessary to say that he was received by the Government and the
country with all the consideration due to the high character of the
distinguished guest and consonant with the sentiments of cordial
friendship entertained here for the Government and people of Costa
Rica.
After several conferences, in which efforts were made to conciliate the
rights and interests which have for a long time been the subject of
heated discussion, and more than once have endangered the harmony of the
two countries and created abnormal situations extremely prejudicial, I
signed, with President Soto, the treaty which the minister of foreign
affairs will present to you.
Before signing the treaty I thought it desirable to consult the opinion
of persons who, by their intelligence and knowledge of public affairs,
are in a position to be able to interpret faithfully the aspirations of
the Nicaraguan people. That treaty stipulates that the boundary treaty
of 1858 with Costa Rica, approved at the time by the constituent, in the
character of an ordinary, assembly, shall be submitted to you for its
second ratification. Besides, through its medium, it will be possible
for us to accomplish without any obstacle our old route to the Atlantic
and the port of San Juan del Norte, of which we stand in so much
need.
The construction of the interoceanic canal, a work of the most sanguine
promise for the future of the Republic, and for a long time the object
of the highest aspirations of our best citizens, is freed of all
obstacles from that source. Indeed, in my judgment, it settles in an
equitable and satisfactory manner all pending difficulties, and breaks
up forever that hot-bed of our disagreeable disputes, highly prejudicial
to our well-understood interests.
In the mean time, as the arbitration agreed upon is not dispensed with
except in the event of this negotiation being perfected, all interest
continues to be given to the measures conducive to that object. Since
the exchange of the ratifications of the convention of arbitration, and
the Government of Costa Rica having been notified in regard to the
points of doubtful interpretation in the treaty of 1858, which may have
to be decided by arbitration, this Government has established a legation
in Washington especially charged with all matters relating thereto. It
is satisfactory to me to inform you that our representative was received
with proofs of cordial deference, and that the President of the United
States of America has manifested his willingness to serve us as
arbitrator; a significant proof of friendship which demands our
gratitude.
The secretaries of the departments will give account to you of other
matters thought to be worthy of your consideration at the present extra
session.
Evaristo Carazo.
Managua, September 1,
1887.
