No. 101.
Mr. Blair to Mr. Fish.
San José, Costa Rica, October 10, 1871. (Received Nov. 16.)
Sir: By virtue of a decree of the President, an election has been held for deputies to form a constituent assembly. But very little interest was manifested in the result. Several of the deputies, I am informed, received only two or three votes each. Those opposed to the government took no part whatever in the election. They say that they cannot support the government, and to do anything against the policy of the [Page 159] government would result in their banishment from the country. I regret to say that a majority of the solid men of the country are of this number. I know of several who will leave the country in the spring, and settle in California.
The country at present is tranquil, and I think will remain so for some time to come, as the government has the confidence of the officers of the army, who set up and knock down presidents at pleasure. The constituent assembly meets on the 15th of this month. The object for which it is called does not seem to be clearly defined. It is probable, however, that it will authorize the President to negotiate a new loan for railroad purposes, and perhaps form a new constitution.
I have, &c,