No. 92.
Mr. Hall to
Mr. Bayard.
Legation of
the United States,
Central
America,
June 27, 1887.
(Received July 14.)
No. 672.]
Sir: It was publicly announced early this morning
that President Barillas had yesterday signed a decree declaring himself
dictator of Guatemala. Later, I received a note from the minister for
foreign affairs confirming the statement and accompanying copies of the
decree and of the President’s address to the country.
Upon the receipt of the minister’s note I telegraphed you to the effect that
dictatorial powers had been assumed by the President of Guatemala, and that
the constitution had been suspended by a, decree issued on June 26 by the
President and Council of Ministers.
I have the honor to inclose copies and translations of, the documents above
mentioned. The printed translation of the decree from the office of the La
Estrella is very imperfect, but as there is hardly time to prepare another
to send by this mail, I venture to inclose it; it is at least intelligible
and in a convenient form.
I have had no opportunity to learn how this measure has been received by the
Guatemalan public; in this capital there is to-day much excitement, but
there has been no turbulence nor violence.
The publication of all newspapers has been suspended.
I am, etc.
[Inclosure 1 in No.
672.—Translation.]
Señor Montúfar to
Mr. Hall.
Department of Foreign Relations,
Guatemala, June 27,
1887.
Mr. Minister: The President of the Republic
dictated yesterday a decree by which he assumes the supreme power of the
nation, the constitutional regimen, in consequence, being suspended.
The motives he had for issuing such an important measure are to be found
in the decree itself, and in a proclamation which he addresses to his
fellow-citizens.
I transmit copies of both, and I have the pleasure to manifest to your
excellency that during the short period in which the extraordinary
powers that he assumes remain in force he will endeavor to cultivate, as
heretofore, the happily existing relations with all the civilized
peoples of the world without deviating a line from the general
principles of international rights nor from the solemn obligations
imposed by treaties.
This opportunity affords me, etc.,
[Page 128]
[Inclosure 2 in No.
672.—Translation.]
Manuel Lisandro Barillas, General of Division and
President of the Republic of Guatemala, to his
fellow-citizens:
The executive power has to-day dictated a decree demanded by public
utility and necessity.
On the 11th of December, 1879, the political constitution founded upon
public rights, and in conformity with the reforms implanted by modern
ideas, was promulgated. That constitution destined, the greater part of
it, to survive many years, and serving as the basis of the progress of
the country, was amended on the 20th of October, 1885.
The amendments were made at a time of agitation and transition, and
without the calmness required for a work of so great magnitude and
importance. The legislators, guided by a desire to restrict the
executive power, prescribed rules which place him under the necessity of
absolute submission. The difficulties were augmented by the legislatures
of the present and last year, which passed a considerable number of the
most restrictive and impracticable laws. Some of these laws take from
the executive powers indespensable for government, of which not even the
amendments of 1885 had deprived him.
I do not aspire to absolute power, but it is essential that I should have
the authority required for fulfilling the high mission that the people
have confided to me. There can be no government without a revenue, and
there can be no revenue if the executive power is without the means of
maintaining and developing it.
The public credit, the economic element, which every government must
sustain, even at the cost of great sacrifices, has suffered greatly. I
came into power through the glorious revolution of 1871, whose programme
I am obliged to defend, and I can not do it under the pressure of
measures which detain me at every stop and lead me towards a most odious
reaction.
I do not wish a dictatorship; I aspire that the people which has honored
me with its confidence shall be free, and for the same reason I have
decreed the convocation of a constituent assembly.
Neither do I wish to endanger the liberal triumphs obtained by the
legislators of 1879, which should be our guide. I propose only that the
Constituent Congress which I invoke to-day shall revise the amendments
of 1885. That high body will meet on the 1st of October of the present
year, so that the power which I assume, in virtue of Article 1 of the
Decree issued to-day, is transitory.
Guatemalans: The great work of the Juno revolution is yours. Let us
defend it and not permit its destruction by the intrigues and
machinations of the reactionists. I am a son of the people, and I do not
forget their troubles and their sacrifices and I shall not permit them
to be repeated.
Fellow-citizens, I count upon you, Rely upon me and upon the persons whom
I have designated to aid me in the Government, and be assured that my
only ambition is your happiness and the welfare of our beloved
country.
M. L. Barillas.
Guatemala, June 26,
1887.
