Mr. Baker to Mr.
Gresham.
Legation of the United States.
Costa Rica, Nicaragua
and Salvador,
Managua, May 31, 1893.
(Received July 6.)
No. 10.]
Sir: I have the honor to report to your
excellency further upon the condition of public affairs in the Republic
of Nicaragua. In a preceding dispatch, No. 8, dated May 23, I mentioned
my agreement, at the urgent request of many foreign citizens as well as
the solicitation of public men on both sides of the military lines, to
act as a mediator between the Government and those in rebellion against
its authority.
Accordingly on the morning of the 24th instant, at 6 o’clock, I started
from this city for Granada, the capital of the revolutionists, at which
point they have set up all the machinery of a civil government, which is
presided over and directed by a junta composed of three citizens of high
character and intelligence, viz, Gen. Joaquim Zavala, Eduardo Montiel,
and Santos Zelaya.
I arrived after a hard ride, much of it on horseback as the railroad
track has been destroyed by the military. To add to the discomfort the
heat was intense and for three hours while in the saddle the rain poured
in torrents. I was accompanied by Mr. William Newell, the U. S. consul
[Page 190] at this city, Mr. H. E.
Low, the vice-consul, and Mr. J. F. Medina, the latter a native of
Central America but an adopted citizen of the United States. His wide
acquaintance, general intelligence, the high respect in which he seems
to be held by the leading men on both sides, and his fine social
qualities combined to make him a most agreeable traveling companion and
valuable assistant in the proposed negotiation.
During the two and a half days which we remained we had several
conferences with the members of the junta and such of their military
officers and distinguished citizens as they cared to call into their
councils. They were all polite and profuse in protestations of their
desire for the peace and prosperity of Nicaragua, but they were firm in
their assertion that these desirable objects could be attained only by a
change in the administration of the Government; and they were equally
firm in the expression of their belief that the great majority of the
people of the country not only were in full sympathy with the views held
by them, but were full of enthusiasm in the cause of the revolution;
that their armies were more powerful and better handled than were those
of the Government; that they would certainly be triumphant in the field
and that at an early day; and, therefore, while desiring peace,
prosperity, and good order, they would yield nothing in order to gain
these desirable ends except a guaranty of protection to the life and
property of President Sacasa if he would promptly abdicate. No
compromise seemed possible. Nothing short of the complete abdication by
the Government and the handing over of all power to the
revolutionists.
On my return to Nicaragua I had a lengthy conference with the President.
I found him in a reasonable and conciliatory frame of mind. I conveyed
to him the kind impressions toward him personally indulged in by the
revolutionists; and I explained to him their professions of a desire for
peace. While I had no authority from them for saying that they would
meet a commission from the government by commissioners from themselves,
yet I would advise him to authorize me to express to them the
willingness of the Government to refer all differences between them to a
commission with fall powers to arrange an honorable peace. This
proposition the President patriotically acceded to, and I prepared and
promptly forwarded by special messenger to the members of the junta
(inclosure herewith, marked No. 1), a copy of which I sent to the
President.
The junta accepted the terms set forth in the letter, advising me of
their action on the forenoon of the 29th. On my notifying the President
of this fact, he appointed the three commissioners to act on the part of
the Government. (See inclosures Nos. 4 and
5.)
By request of the President I accompanied his commissioners, taking with
me Mr. Medina, on a special train to Sabana Grande, where the
commissioners from the junta met us.
After calling the members of the commission to order, having read to them
in Spanish my letter which formed the basis of the agreement for the
creation of the commission, and having impressed upon them the magnitude
of the duties devolving upon them as patriotic citizens and statesmen,
and cordially thanking them and the respective appointing powers for the
ready and courteous responses made to my offers as a peace mediator, I
withdrew.
The commission first tendering me a cordial vote of thanks for my efforts
in favor of peace, unanimously asked me to preside over their
deliberations. * * * I asked in most deferential language to be excused
from the honor, giving as reasons my lack of familiarity with their
laws, modes of procedure, customs, habits of thought, language, [Page 191] etc., but I was overruled. Mr.
Medina was named as honorary secretary and the serious work began. The
proceedings and the conclusions are set forth in the protocol, marked
inclosure No. 11.
On the 30th instant I cabled you as follows:
Sabana Grande (via Masaya
and San Juan del Sur).
May 30,
1893.
Gresham,
Washington:
Peace commission, composed of three revolutionists and three for
Government, American minister presiding, in session here.
Baker.
The sessions lasted three days. The discussions were, as a rule, in
excellent temper, and much learning and ability were displayed. Every
effort was patriotically made to find a basis of permanent peace, and so
far as I have been able to gather public sentiment, I believe a fair
success has been achieved. The people of Nicaragua are naturally a
peace-loving, well-meaning people. They are neither turbulent nor
restless. The country has enjoyed a long period of peace, and during the
recent years its prosperity has been great and general. This prosperity
has been interrupted by the recent military disturbance, and the people
have felt the business paralysis keenly. All classes so warlike
yesterday, now that peace seems in sight, welcome its coming with joy,
and they exhibit many signs of gratitude toward those who were chiefly
instrumental in bringing it about.
I have, etc.
[Inclosure 1 in No. 10.]
Mr. Baker to
Gens. Montiel, Zavala, and
Zelaya.
Legation of the United States,
Managua, May
27, 1893.
Gentlemen: After my conversation with
yourselves on the subject of bringing back to your distracted
country the blessings of peace, I have conferred with President
Sacasa and I find that he, animated, as well as yourselves, with the
desire of coming to a peaceful settlement, has agreed to the
following:
The President to appoint three commissioners and you gentlemen to
appoint three; these commissioners to meet in convention at Sabana
Grande on Monday next at 12 o’clock noon.
A condition of the sitting of such a commission of peace would be
that a suspension of hostilities would be agreed upon between the
parties from 6 o’clock on Monday morning until 6 o’clock on
Wednesday morning, in so far as the commencing of an attack by any
division of either army is concerned.
This condition is based upon the sound reason that a peace conference
could not be otherwise than seriously disturbed by the sounds of
clashing armies, reports of successes and defeats, the groans of the
wounded and dying.
The question of any longer armistice will be in the hands of the
commission, as will be the question of terms of peace.
Gentlemen, by your acceptance of this proposal, made by me in the
cause of humanity and of the good of your country, I hope that the
result will be to stop bloodshed and devastation.
Without going into details, which would not be my mission to discuss,
the professions which I have heard on both sides and the spirit
which has been shown to me by both parties lead me to believe that
an understanding can be arrived at if the contending parties should
appoint the commission proposed.
Of course this commission will be composed of men of standing,
patriotism, and be animated with the patriotic desire of bringing
back happiness and prosperity to the Republic of Nicaragua, a
country which has been pointed to with pride by all civilized
nations as presenting a model of good government to all its
neighbors of Central and South America.
Trusting that this suggestion will meet your approbation, and that
you will so notify me by wire from your most convenient station and
also by the bearer,
I am, gentlemen, etc.,
[Page 192]
[Inclosure 2 in No.
10—Translation.]
Gens. Montiel, Zavala, and
Zelaya, to Mr. Baker.
Sir: Regarding the communication of your
excellency, dated yesterday, and our telegram and dispatch of
to-day, with the object of complying with what we promised to your
excellency, we have named commissioners Messrs. Dr. Franco Alvarez,
O. César, Asc. P. Rivas, to go to-morrow to Sabana Grande to confer
with the commissioners of Dr. Roberto Sacasa about the basis of a
settlement of peace.
Our commissioners will be, as it has been agreed, at the appointed
place to-morrow at 12 o’clock noon, and will have due instructions
for the fulfillment of their errand.
Trusting that your excellency will present to our commissioners, in
their position, to the other party, we protest once more our regard
and we subscribe ourselves,
Yours, attentively,
- Eduardo Montiel.
- Joaquim Zavala.
- J. S. Zelaya.
[Inclosure 3 in No.
10—Translation.]
Gens. Montiel, Zavala, and
Zelaya to Mr. Baker.
Sir: We have had the honor of receiving
your excellency’s polite communication, dated yesterday, in which
you lay before us your humanitarian offices with the object of
bringing back the blessings of peace to our country; and you propose
us an armistice, which must begin to-morrow at 6 a.m. and end next
Wednesday at the same hour, so that a conference may be held between
the commissioners on the part of Dr. Sacasa and three on our part,
which conference will meet in Sabana Grande to-morrow at 12 o’clock
noon, in order to discuss the basis of a settlement.
We have already had the honor to answer your excellency by telegraph,
accepting, fully, what you have proposed to us about the armistice
as well as the conference of peace; and in confirming now our
telegram, we comply with the duty of expressing to you our gratitude
for your efforts to save Nicaragua from further suffering the fatal
consequences of civil war, and for your kind words about our
country.
Wishing that your noble offices, worthy of the great American nation,
be crowned with the best success, we subscribe ourselves, etc.,
- Eduardo Montiel.
- Joaquin Zavala.
- J. S. Zelaya.
[Inclosure 4 in No.
10—Translation.]
Señor Sacasa to
Mr. Baker.
Mr. Minister: In reply to your favor of
to-day, I have the pleasure to report to you that I have already
appointed the commissioners which are to go to Sabana Grande, viz,
Dr. Modesto Barrios, Dr. José Franco Aguilar, and Col. Don Hipolito
Saballos.
Thanking your excellency for your courtesy, etc.,
[Inclosure 5 in No.
10—Translation.]
Señor Sacasa to
Señores Barrios, Aguilar, and
Saballos.
With the important object of responding to the honorable mediation of
his excellency, the American minister, Mr. Lewis Baker, in order
that our disgraceful civil war may cease, you have been appointed by
my Government to immediately go to Sabana Grande to attend the
conferences for the settlement of peace, acting in accordance to the
instructions which I inclose you herewith.
With the greatest consideration, etc.,
[Page 193]
[Inclosure 6 in No.
10—Translation.]
Señor Bravo to
Mr. Baker.
Department of State,
Managua, May 31,
1893.
Mr. Minister: To-day the following decree
has been issued:
the government
Finding the preceding agreement in accordance with the instructions
given to the commissioners, Messrs. Dr. Don Modesto Barrios, Don
José Francisco Aguilar, and Gen. Hipolito Saballos, jr.,
decrees:
To approve it in all its parts.
Be it published.
Managua, May 31, 1893.
Sacasa,
The Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Provisionally in Charge of
the Department of State.
Bravo.
Which I have the honor to transcribe to your excellency for your
information. And I have the pleasure, etc.
[Inclosure 7 in No.
10—Telegram—Translation.]
To the Commissioners of the
Supreme Government Dr Modesto Barrios, Don José Francisco
Aguilar, and Don Hipolito Saballos, jr.:
The agreement of peace agreed upon yesterday at Sabana Grande has
also been approved on the part of the revolutionary junta.
- F. Alvarez,
- Octaviano César,
- Ascension P. Rivas.
[Inclosure 8 in No.
10.—Telegram.—Translation.]
Gens. Montiel, Zavala, and
Zelaya to Mr. Baker.
Masaya, May 31, 1893.—2:50
p.m.
Nicaragua enjoys again to-day the blessings of peace, due in a large
measure to your generous mediation and to the noble effort with
which you worked in order that it might take effect. We protest to
you in the name of our country our obligation, assuring you that
with this event you have conquered for the American people and
Government a new bond of friendship and sympathy on the part of the
Nicaraguans.
- Eduardo Montiel.
- Joaquin Zavala.
- J. S. Zelaya.
[Inclosure 9 in No.
10.—Telegram.]
Mr. Baker to
Gens. Montiel, Zavala, and
Zelaya.
Sabana Grande, May 31,—4 o’clock
p.m.
I most sincerely thank you for the kind terms in which you are
pleased to refer to my Government and to my modest efforts to serve
the best interests of the people of Nicaragua. And I warmly
congratulate the people of this Republic and of the cause of good
government everywhere on the patriotic and self-sacrificing spirit
displayed by yourselves.
[Page 194]
[Inclosure 10 in No.
10.]
Mr. Baker to
Señor Bravo.
Honored Sir: I beg the high privilege and
honor of extending to you and through you to your distinguished and
accomplished chief, the President, General Dr. Roberto Sacasa, and
your colleagues in the Government, for the highly patriotic course
you have all shown during your country’s crisis. Especially do I
commend the statesmanship, patriotism, and self-sacrifice exhibited
by his excellency, the President.
I further desire to bear testimony to the patience, good temper, and
consideration exhibited by all the commissioners in the discussion
of the many delicate questions which came up for decision, and to
their enlightened patriotism.
The good opinion which I and my countrymen have held of the people of
Nicaragua as a peace-loving, patriotic, and enlightened people
devoted to the development of her great and valuable resources, has
been immensely enhanced by what we have passed through during the
last few days. The elevated action of your leading citizens, fully
indorsed no doubt by the masses, will receive the admiration and
applause of the civilized nations of the earth.
With sentiments of the highest respect, etc.,
[Inclosure 11 in No.
10.—Translation.]
Organization of the Nicaraguan Peace
Commission.
First Day.
Commission of peace held in the village of Sabana Grande, on the 29th
day of May, 1893, Messrs. Dr. D. Modesto Barrios, Dr. D. Francisco
Aguila, and Col. Hipolito Saballos, jr., being present as
commissioners of the supreme Government of the Republic, and Messrs.
Ascencion P. Rivas, Dr. Francisco Alvarez, and Oetaviano Cesar as
commissioners of the junta of the revolutionary Government. Having
examined their respective credentials and found them to be correct,
the commission was declared to be inaugurated, in the presence of
the U. S. minister, Mr. Lewis Baker.
The Hon. Mr. Baker spoke, in order to express his obligation for the
promptness with which the two contending parties in the unfortunate
and warlike struggle in which the country was found on his arrival
had responded to his offers of mediation. He said that, having
succeeded in bringing together the two parties in a spirit of union
and peace, his mission was now at an end. It only remained for him
to wish the best success for the work of the commission.
Dr. Barrios arose and, in the name of his colleagues, gave thanks to
the minister for his mediation in order to obtain the pacification
of the Republic.
Mr. Rivas expressed the same sentiment, and he, as well as Dr.
Barrios, requested the minister not to consider his mission ended,
but to continue assisting the conferences with his advice, and to
accept the position of honorary president of the commission.
Mr. Barrios proposed also that Mr. J. F. Medina be appointed honorary
secretary and, his nomination being accepted by the other
commissioners, the minister, as well as Mr. Medina occupied their
respective places.
Dr. Alvarez, in the name of his commission, said that notwithstanding
the personal qualities with which Dr. Sacasa is endowed, they
believe that his retirement from power was, under the circumstances,
necessary for the reestablishment of peace.
Dr. Barrios said that President Sacasa, abounding in sentiments of
the most elevated patriotism, does not wish in anyway that his
remaining in power should be an obstacle to the reestablishment of
peace, and that he is willing to resign power, but, as it must be
done in conformity to the constitution, it would be necessary to
call Congress together in order that he may present his
resignation.
Mr. Rivas said that the reasonings which Dr. Barrios just expressed
would be in order if the country was found in normal circumstances,
but, after the events which have placed the country in an abnormal
state, he believes that Dr. Sacasa would commend his name very
highly, and would contribute to the object of this conference if,
disregarding this legal form, he should decide to resign the
power.
Dr. Barrios said that, in his judgment, the President is not
authorized to resign the power in a form different from that
established by the constitution, even though the circumstances be
abnormal, and that the President can scarcely disregard the [Page 195] provisions of the
constitution even to accomplish so noble a purpose as the
establishment of peace. He would not be justified in following a bad
precedent rather than to follow a written law.
Mr. Barrios appealed to the patriotism of the commissioners to look
for a means of obtaining the result they wish, but respecting the
constitution.
After a long discussion, Dr. Alvarez proposed that the conference be
continued tomorrow at 12 o’clock noon.
Second Day.
Sabana Grande peace commission reassembled at 12 o’clock, noon, the
30th day of May, 1893. The protocol of the session of the day before
was read, and the honorary president opened again the discussion of
the objects of the present conference.
Mr. Barrios repeated his appeal to the patriotism of the
commissioners of the revolution in order that they present a
proposition which might save the situation of the country.
Dr. Alvarez moved that Dr. Sacasa resign the power in favor of Mr.
Vicente Quadra or of Mr. Santiago Morales, separating the military
command from the Presidency and with the condition that said
military command be devolved upon Gen. Eduardo Montiel.
Dr. Barrios, in the name of his colleagues, said that the former
proposal could not be accepted on account of being unconstitutional,
because the proposed gentlemen were not senators, and because the
separation proposed was also unconstitutional; and further, because
in the past a similar experiment in the way of separating the civil
from the military power of the President had resulted in
disturbances.
Dr. Barrios continued, and proposed the following: The deposit of the
power in any of the following senators: Mr. S. Machado, Mr. L. A.
Aguilar, Mr. E. Arana, Mr. J. Chaves, Mr. T. Tigerino, Mr. J. F.
Aguilar, Mr. Santiago Arguello, Mr. F. M. Lacayo, Mr. J. Bravo, Mr.
H. Saballos, jr., Mr. S. Avilez, Mr. J. J. Bareenas, Mr. F. Sanchez,
Mr. M. Zuniga, Mr. C. Zuniga, Mr. S. Montealegre, Mr. S.
Noguera.
Dr. Alvarez, referring to the constitutional point, said that, not to
enter into recriminations, he had abstained from stating that the
main motive of the revolution was that its promoters thought that
Dr. Sacasa had, in many of his acts, totally violated the
constitution, and that for this reason they do not accept as a basis
of discussion anything that is prescribed in a constitution which
they consider violated.
Regarding the persons proposed by Dr. Barrios, the commissioners will
go to Masaya to consult.
At this point Dr. Barrios amplified his proposition with the
following details: A gradual disarming; a mixed cabinet; to call a
constitutional convention within six months to reform the
constitution; mutual payment of expenses of war, and recognition of
military degrees upon the same footing; reciprocal amnesty and
unconditional and ample guarantee to everybody. This amplification
was also referred to the Government at Managua as well as to the
junta at Masaya.
After having suspended the session for some time, Dr. Alvarez stated
that his commission accepts the proposals with the following
modifications: First, that the time for calling the constitutional
convention be reduced to four months; second, wishing to finish this
matter in the most harmonious possible way, we wish to leave to
President Sacasa the task of naming of the person to whom the power
is to be resigned from the following four taken from the list
presented by the Government commissioners: Mr. Salvador Machado, Mr.
Eleodoro Arana, Mr. Francisco Mateo Lacayo, and Mr. Hipolito
Saballos, jr.; third, that xhe junta appoint three out of the four
ministers which will compose the cabinet, being understood that all
the resolutions of any kind whatsoever must be adopted by a
majority, inclusive of the vote of the President; fourth, neither
the President nor any of the members of his cabinet may be elected
president for the first constitutional period.
Mr. Barrios expressed in the name of the Government commission that
the President, being animated with the best desire of reestablishing
peace and harmony between the Nicaraguans, accepts the modifications
proposed.
With this understanding both commissions agreed to meet to-morrow at
the hour they may appoint by telegraph, and the armistice is
consequently continued until Thursday morning, at 6, to enter into
the consequent details of the stipulation. At this moment they
agreed to meet to-morrow at 10 o’clock, in Sabana Grande.
It was resolved by both commissions to give a special vote of thanks
to Minister Baker and to Mr. Francisco Medina for their assistance
in this delicate question, which, through their mediation, has been
ended with so happy result.
Third Day.
The commissioners of the supreme Government of the Republic, Messrs.
Dr. Modesto Barrios, José Francisco Aguilar, and Gen. Hipolito
Saballos, jr., and [Page 196] those
of the junta of the revolutionary government, Messrs. Dr. Francisco
Alvarez, Col. Ascencion P. Rivas, and Octaviano Cesar, assembled at
Sabana Grande the 31st day of May, 1893, under the honorary
presidency of Mr. Lewis Baker, envoy extraordinary and minister
plenipotentiary of the United States, with Mr. José Francisco
Medina, former minister of Nicaragua in France, as honorary
secretary with the important object of treating about the basis for
the reestablishment of peace in the Republic, after exchanging their
respective credentials and finding them in due form they have agreed
upon the following treaty of peace:
Article 1st.
The President of the Republic, Dr. Roberto Sacasa, will deposit the
power in Senator Salvador Machado the 1st of June of this current
year at 12 o’clock.
Article 2d.
The cabinet will be organized with three gentlemen appointed by the
junta of the revolutionary government and the other by President
Machado, which cabinet will be inaugurated the 2d of June. The
President and the ministers will distribute the offices.
Article 3d.
Each of the members of the cabinet organized according to the former
article will have deliberative and decisive vote in all the
resolutions of the Government of any kind whatsoever, whether
administrative or military, inclusive of those of military command,
and they will be adopted by majority of votes, counting that of the
President.
Article 4th.
The President, as well as the cabinet, will be immovable until the
country be organized by the constitutional convention, which will be
called within four months from the date of the present treaty.
Neither the President or his secret taries may be elected President
for the first constitutional period.
Article 5th.
The disarming of the troops of the Government, as well as those of
the revolution, will be effected by the new Government. The expenses
of war on both sides will be recognized and paid upon the same
footing; the military degrees will also be recognized.
Article 6th.
There will be mutual amnesty and ample and unconditional guaranty for
everybody.
Article 7th.
The troops of the two sides will continue occupying their respective
positions until the inauguration of the new Government, for which
purpose the hour of twelve o’clock noon of the 2d day of June is
appointed and this armistice is prorogued until that day and hour,
when it is declared that the Republic begins to enjoy the benefits
of peace.
Article 8th.
In case of absolute absence of President Machado, Messrs. Francisco
M. Lacayo, E. Arana, and H. Saballos, jr., will succeed him in
order.
In case of absolute absence of any of the ministers appointed by the
revolutionary junta the absent one will be succeeded by the person
appointed by the remaining ministers of the same source, and if the
Minister appointed by President Machado should retire the latter
will name the person who must succeed him.
The minister of the United States interposes in the agreement his
official mediation and his moral guaranty for the good faith in the
compliance by both sides.
- Lewis Baker,
Hon. President.
- Octaviano Cesar,
- F. Alvarez,
- José Franco Aguilar,
- Modesto Barrios,
- Ascencion P. Rivas,
- H. Saballos, Jr.
