Mr. Merry to Mr. Hay.
San José, Costa Rica, February 12, 1899.
Sir: I have the honor to further confirm my cable of the 10th instant, reading, translated: “Mosquito territory revolutionists invading interior via San Juan del Norte, also revolutionizing in Honduras. Send without delay Foreign Relations, year 1885. Consular Agent Clancy, Bluefields, has requested war ship sent immediately. I concur.” Late on 10th instant I received your word cipher cable translated “Marietta ordered Greytown, Bluefields.” I inclose herewith copy of letter from M. J. Clancy, consular agent at Bluefields, dated February 5 (inclosure No. 1), which explains the situation at this date. You will notice that he hired the schooner Buenaventura to deliver this information at Limon, and asks me how he is to be repaid the expense. I have replied to send me the bill which I will forward to the Department for approval in due time, as it appears to have been a judicious expenditure, provided the amount is reasonable, of which I have no doubt. I also inclose copy of his proclamation (inclosure No. 2) urging absolute neutrality upon all American citizens, which appears judicious. Having in view the probability of the revolutionists reaching the interior, I have telegraphed Consul Donaldson at Managua to take the same action as Mr. Clancy in this particular. It appears to me that the success of General Reyes’s movement depends largely upon the question of transportation from San Juan del Norte, up the San Juan River and over Lake Nicaragua to his objective point, Granada. Should President Zelaya, by immediate seizure of lake and river steamers, prevent his access to the interior, the movement may be localized on the Mosquito coast. These steamers are now the property of the English Caribbean Sea Transit Company. But, on the other hand, President Zelaya will be cautious about weakening his military position at the capital by sending a large part of his force to the Atlantic littoral, and without it I do not understand how he can expect to restore his authority over it, especially as the movement has the basis of commercial aid and is reported as having also the united support of all foreign as well as native interests on the Mosquito coast. The revolutionary movement on [Page 550] the northern coast of Honduras is probably inaugurated simultaneously with that of General Reyes by prior arrangement, lest President Zelaya might receive aid from the Honduras Government, and also as tending to the success of both. I regret to notice that a considerable number of parties claiming American citizenship are aiding the revolutionary movement of General Reyes, notwithstanding Mr. Clancy’s admonition. If the movement fails, we shall have these gentlemen claiming protection. I have requested Mr. Clancy to send me the names of these parties, so far as known to him.
I am informed by the English consul that H. B. M. ship Intrepid is expected at Limon on 13th instant en route to Bluefields via San Juan del Norte, and will reach those ports two or three days before the Marietta. By her I shall write to consular officers there.
Should it appear that I can better serve the interests of the United States, in case the revolutionary movement reaches the interior of Nicaragua, I shall cable you for instructions to visit Managua via Puntarenas and Corinto, American steamers being available at firstnamed port if I leave here on 19th or 21st instant.
With assurances, etc.,
United States Minister.