Mr. Blair to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I avail myself of the first opportunity offered, to lay before the department the facts in regard to the revolutions which has recently taken place in this republic.
Immediately on my arrival here, I endeavored to obtain accurate and reliable information as to the political condition of this republic, particularly whether there were any wrongs or serious grievances complained of, which were likely or might lead to a change of government. Of course I labored under great disadvantages, from the fact that I was an entire stranger to every one. I had to proceed with great caution, lest I might be led into error by unreliable information. I, however, soon became satisfied that there was a jealousy or rivalry existing between two leading houses or families, as to which should give direction to public matters, or govern the country.
According to the constitution of the republic, a new President had to be elected in April next. One of the parties above mentioned charged [Page 335] the acting President with not only being in sympathy with the candidate of the other party, but that he was using his official position to secure his election; still, there was but little excitement about the matter, as the election was some six months off. I was convinced, by the most prominent men I came in contact with, that there was such a universal desire with all parties to observe the law and abide by the constitution, that nothing of a serious character would grow out of it. Such seemed to be the condition of things up to the 1st instant.
On the first Sunday of every month it is the custom for all the militia of this province to assemble here, at the plaza, to drill and have their fire-arms examined. Accordingly on the 1st instant—being Sunday— they were here as usual. I, in company with the vice-consul of the United States at this place, walked up to the plaza, where they were being drilled. They were formed into a hollow square, and then reviewed by President Castro, in company with the two leading generals of the army, after which the President retired to his mansion, about a square distant from the plaza.
Immediately after the President left, one of the generals above mentioned announced to the militia “that it became necessary, for the good of the country, that the President, Dr. Don José Maria Castro, should be removed from office, and that Señor Lic. Don Jesus Jimenez should be declared President.” Orders were issued at once to take possession of the quartelles and other public property belonging to the government, which was done accordingly. The President was immediately notified, by two officers sent for that purpose, of what had been done, coupled with the request that he would remain at home. The revolution was then at an end. It was as effectual as it was sudden. Not a shot was fired or particle of resistance offered. People went to church as if nothing unusual had taken place. Notwithstanding nearly everybody seemed surprised, there appeared to be a general acquiesence in what was done. Since then all the provinces have acquiesced in the action taken at the capital, and the people are pursuing, as usual, their daily avocations.
I inclose herewith the Boletin Oficial, dated the 3d instant, which I have marked inclosure No. 1, in which you will find the address of the general of the army, his excellency the President’s proclamation, the addresses of the army, and citizens of the capital; also the action taken by the municipalities of San José and Cartago. On the 3d instant, I had the honor to receive from his excellency A. Esquivel, the secretary of state, a note, informing me officially of what had taken place, and expressing an earnest desire on the part of the President that the friendly relations existing between the government of Costa Rica and the United States should remain uninterrupted. I have had the same translated, and inclose a copy, marked inclosure No. 2.
On the following day I had the honor to address a reply to the note of the honorable secretary, a copy of which is marked inclosure No. 3. I felt that I could not in my reply do less than express my regret, at least, of the manner in which the late President was removed from office. But inasmuch as the new government seemed to be almost universally acquiesced in by the people, I did not feel that I would be justified in refusing to recognize it officially.
I am assured by those who profess to have the confidence of the existing administration, that the President will, in a day or two, issue a proclamation, directing that delegates be elected to convene at an early day, to form a new constitution, and that when made, it will be more liberal and republican in its provisions than the last one.
[Page 336]In looking over the whole ground, from my standpoint, I have been led to the following conclusions:
First. That the destinies of the republic of Costa Rica are principally in the hands of the two leading generals of the army; that they have the confidence of the soldiers and the militia of the republic, and that the latter will follow the former wheresoever they may choose to lead them. Second. That like the two leading families I have mentioned, there is a jealousy—and a growing one—between these two generals; that so soon as either one or the other thinks he has the ability to strike effectively for power, he will do it. Third. That the great mass of the people are very civil and well disposed, and, further, that they earnestly desire a republican form of government, and one that would be permanent; but that they are impotent to give effect to that desire, for the reasons above mentioned. I hope, however, that the future will prove I am wrong in my convictions, and that the convention, which will soon assemble to form a constitution, will act from the most patriotic motives, and give the people not only a republican constitution, but so distribute the powers of the government, as one will act as a check on the other. I will inform the department from time to time of all events which may take place, or matters which may seem to me important to communicate.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.