No. 395.
Mr. Biddle to Mr. Fish.
San Salvador, February 1, 1872. (Received March 2.)
Sir: I have the honor to transmit to you, herewith, a copy of the message of the provisional President of the republic, Field-Marshal Don Santiago Gonzalez, to the national assembly of 1872.
[Page 513]It congratulates the assembly as convened consonantly to the free suffrages of the people under the charter of liberty secured by the late revolution, and that the co-ordinate branches of the government will now combine their efforts for the common weal.
It proceeds to give a succinct narrative of public affairs, promising expatriation upon each subject in the reports from the appropriate departments.
It declares the existence of perfect interior tranquillity, without the need of large military force to conserve it, from the intelligent support of the government by the people. That as to foreign affairs “they enjoy the esteem and friendship (which they reciprocate) of all countries, who, respecting themselves, pursue a just, frank, and friendly policy, in which is based concord and harmony between civilized nations.”
It alludes to the marked proof of the sympathy of Guatemala, in the fact of the visit of its President, who has endeared himself not only by his personal qualities, “but by the identity of political principles,” &c, &c.
It states that the government of Honduras initiated in the month of August last a project of union between the two republics. “Without disregarding so fraternal as well as useful a proposition on the part of my government, I deemed that it should invite the other Central American republics that they should unite in whatever fusion might be possible for an integral nationality. To this end both countries concurred in requesting, through their respective plenipotentiaries, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica that they should send agents in the month of December last to the port of La Union, and to negotiate with those of Salvador and Honduras, if they might find it convenient. The initiative of these governments was most favorably received by the others, and a congress is to be organized to confer upon the above subjects.”
The message proceeds: “Some treaties have been made during the brief period in which I have held the executive power, which the proper ministry will present to you for action according to law. Also he will bring to your knowledge other treaties, not considered by the legislature of the previous year, owing to the precipitate close of its sessions, owing to the revolution.”
It calls upon the congress to pass enabling statutes for the administration of powers under the new constitution. It declares that the administration will support the tribunals in the dispensation of justice.
It promises aid and advancement to all institutions of learning. Also, industry in all its branches will be fostered without partiality to individual enterprise. In illustration, an agricultural school has been founded.
It alludes to the prosperous condition of the public treasury, which allows aid to useful projects, and the extinction of the public debt. That, notwithstanding the drawbacks occasioned by the revolution of April to agriculture and commerce, the revenues were greater in the last than in the previous year) and it is hoped that with peace the ensuing year will surpass all in financial prosperity. Thus all promises will be fulfilled, public works commenced will be concluded, and others of great utility commenced. It proposes to carefully strengthen the army. That the Roman Catholic religion receives the protection of the government as prescribed by the constitution, and conformably to the stipulation in “the concordat” Other creeds, by virtue of the provisions of the same constitution, shall receive similar protection, “for it [Page 514] is understood that the government, even in the absence of provision of the written law, is in duty bound to protect all the inhabitants of the country in the exercise of their lawful rights, when they do not tend to immorality nor crime, nor assail the social order.”
It promises faithful execution of the laws, and protection to labor, property, and rights of person.
To the congress it promises aid and co-operation, and invokes it.
Peace smiles upon us to-day, offering its best fruits. Nothing gives foundation for dread of discord; hut if, unfortunately, some malcontents, misinterpreting the clemency of the government, may be tempted to the rash endeavor to revolutionize, he will know how to overcome them with every severity.
Regarding foreign affairs, we have to fear no interruption of the friendly relations preserved with all nations in communication with us. The steady and frank conduct of this government with them promises to preserve without interruption their appreciation and consideration. Notwithstanding this, I can assure you, gentlemen representatives, never has this state had greater resources than at this day for its defense, and we are now in a better position to repel force by force than at any former period.
The message concludes with an appeal for a united effort to effect all which may enhance the public good. As is the custom here, the message was replied to by the presiding officer of the general assembly.
It comes in a refrain or chorus to the message, endorsing its every sentiment. You will have observed the allusions to treaties to be concluded, which refer especially to those with the United States, and also the confident hopes expressed for continued peace with other nations, coupled with declarations of aptitude for war, intended for the eye of the Honduraneau government.
I have, &c,