No. 89.
Mr. Hall to
Mr. Bayard
.
Legation of
the United States,
Guatemala
,
May 23, 1887.
(Received June 14.)
No. 658.]
Sir: I have the honor to inclose a copy of the
annual message of the President of Costa Rica, and a translation of an
extract from the same relating to the settlement by arbitration of the
pending question with Nicaragua concerning the validity of their boundary
treaty of 1858.
In referring to the projected canal, the President calls it the “Canal of
Costa Rica and Nicaragua,” giving the precedence to his own state. Trifling
as this incident may seem, it is nevertheless significant, as it is well
understood that one of the alleged grievances of Costa Rica is the fact that
the proposed enterprise has heretofore been known only as the “Nicaraguan
Canal,” while Costa Rica has been altogether ignored.
* * * * * * *
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure in No.
658.—Translation.]
Extract from the annual message of the President of Costa Rica.
The question pending with the sister Republic of Nicaragua, for causes
which the respective secretary will inform you, had assumed a tone which
was far from being harmonious, such as should always be maintained
between the two countries; at this juncture the Guatemalan Government
found a favorable opportunity to conduct us, through the medium of its
good offices, to the enlightened solution of arbitrament, which will put
an end to that annoying question, as it has also removed the danger of
any alteration in the mutual and good friendship which both countries
have so long maintained.
The legation accredited to Guatemala for that important object terminated
its labors with a discretion worthy of the highest praise; of this, the
merited applause it has received within and outside of the country is
sufficient proof.
The opening of the Canal of Costa Rica and
Nicaragua is agitated, day by day, with growing interest.
Notwithstanding, I do not believe that the undertaking of such a great
work is so near at hand as some suppose; in any event, however, my
Government is constantly occupied with the subject, and has followed the
movements closely and with the carefulness that its importance demands,
assured also that the rights of Costa Rica will be respected.
* * * * * * *
San
José (Costa
Rica),
May 1,
1887.
