Mr. Williams to Mr. Seward
Sir: The only matters of any interest in this quiet republic since my last despatch, which I deem worthy of reporting, are the concession of exclusive [Page 792] banking privileges to an English party, the celebration of the forty-sixth anniversary of its independence, and the successful harvesting of an unusually large indigo crop.
Of the banking concessions I shall report in another despatch.
The independence day was celebrated on the 15th instant. It cannot be said that the popular enthusiasm was as great as is customary with us on similar occasions, but there was a general observance of the day here and in the other principal towns. The President, with the civil and military authorities, after attending high mass, listened to an oration and subsequently assisted at a banquet in honor of the day.
I was gratified to observe the respect and admiration manifested towards our great republic in many of the toasts and speeches delivered on the occasion.
The recent events in Mexico naturally directed much of the independence-day sentiment towards that country.
The gratulations on the final overthrow of the monarchical party were very decided and universal. In this republic, whatever may have been the sentiments in some other parts of Central America, there has been from the first but one feeling of hostility to the French occupation and to the monarchical party in that unfortunate country. If one may judge from the tone and expressions of an occasion in which were represented all parties, the feeling here is equally universal that to the wise, judicious and firm policy of our government is Mexico mainly indebted for its rescue from monarchy, and the American continent from the danger and dishonor of European intervention in its governmental affairs. Indeed it is highly gratifying to the pride of an American here to observe on all occasions how much even the unhappy events of the past few years seem to have advanced the name and consideration of his country, not only among the natives, but among the foreigners found here from most of the nations of Europe. It may be said that the sentiment is universal that no government more securely and firmly protects the rights of its citizens or more promptly redresses their injuries, and that, too, in the midst of domestic troubles of gigantic proportions. I hope I do not transcend the proprieties of an official despatch in saying that one cannot fail to see in the increased respect for our country, of foreigners who do not especially love our republic, abundant proof that its foreign as well as domestic policy has been, through all our internal troubles, most wisely and firmly administered.
The staple crops of this republic are reported unusually abundant. Indigo, the harvest of which has just been completed, has an extraordinary yield of superior quality. It is estimated that it will reach 15,000 ceroons of 150 pounds each, with a home valuation of nearly $2,500,000. This article pays an export duty of $3 37 a ceroon.
The crop of coffee, the harvesting of which is about to begin, will also be unusually large. The number of new coffee estates and of new bearing trees it is thought will double the product of last year. The government pays an export bounty on this article of 50 cents a quintal in bills receivable for customs duties.
The number of sugar estates is also rapidly increasing, and what is of more consequence to the production of this article, a very considerable quantity of improved steam machinery is for the first time being introduced. I have seen no reliable estimate of the quantity that will be produced this year, but it must be greatly in excess of any preceding year. Upon Muscovado sugars the government pays an export bounty of 25 cents a quintal in bills receivable for duties. Of these two products I have been seeking reliable statistics respecting the cost, quantity and quality of production, which I hope at no distant day to communicate to the department. They will show, I think, that this small republic, rich in a most fertile soil and in natural resources, is beginning, under the happy condition of internal tranquillity and confidence, a marked development of its [Page 793] abundant sources of agricultural wealth, and needs but the permanency of peace to insure its future rapid progress and prosperity.
The country still continues exempt from the cholera, which threatened it from the direction of Nicaragua.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.