Mr. Mizner to Mr. Blaine.
Guatemala, August 20, 1890. (Received September 5.)
Sir: The first accounts of battles are always uncertain, but they are especially unreliable in these countries, where the “reporter” and a free press are unknown, and where there is a tendency to suppress or exaggerate the facts, as interest or feeling may dictate.
[Page 80]Up to this time there is no official or reliable report of the series of engagements which took place between the undisciplined troops of Guatemala and Salvador a month ago.
It was, however, admitted, as I telegraphed you at the time, that Guatemala was worsted, and it is now quite certain that her defeat was serious, if not disastrous.
Under your instructions, and with entire impartiality, I have devoted myself rather to the task of inducing these Republics to make peace than to watching and reporting details of battles more or less important.
As dean of the diplomatic corps in Central America, much of the labor incident to the situation has devolved upon me, and I have endeavored to discharge the same.
Having been present in San Salvador only a few days after the battle in that city with the vacillating General Rivas, a correct statement of that affair and the events leading up to it may be now given. As heretofore stated, General Rivas, a Salvadorian, and governor of one of the provinces of Salvador, incited a revolution against the Government of President Menendez last December, but was promptly defeated and driven into Honduras.
At the breaking out of the present troubles, he joined Honduras and Guatemala against the Provisional Government of General Ezeta, but was induced by that general to again aid Salvador against Guatemala. He came to San Salvador about the 28th of last month, receiving from General Ezeta over 2,000 stand of arms with which to arm his soldiers, and promptly moved to Santa Tecla, 10 miles distant, and in the direction of the Guatemalan frontier, with the avowed purpose of aiding the attack against Guatemala, but on the 29th of July changed his mind, returned suddenly to and captured the city of San Salvador, declaring Dr. Ayala the first designado to be President. Gen. Antonio Ezeta, the brother of the Provisional President, hearing of this movement, marched rapidly from Santa Ana, and on the 30th and 31st of July assaulted General Rivas with great energy, drove him out of the capital, captured and shot him as a traitor on the 1st of August, completely dispersing his army. This was a street conflict with small arms, lasting two days, during which time the President’s palace, the American consulate, and many other public and private buildings were completely riddled with balls.
The killed are variously represented at from two to three hundred; the wounded at about the same number, but no official statement thereof had been made when I left that city on the 12th instant.
This information was obtained from our consul and many others who were present and saw the battle.
I have, etc.,