No. 227.
Mr. Baxter to Mr. Fish.
Tegucigalpa. Honduras, September 1, 1871. (Received Oct. 14.)
Sir: The political condition of Honduras since the close of the war with Salvador would seem to be very quiet and satisfactory.
President Medina, however, has thought fit to submit to the people the question, whether it be their wish that he serve the remaining two years of his second term as President; upon which he asks the people to vote yes or no in October next. This course is undoubtedly taken by the President on account of the considerable dissatisfaction expressed, and the revolution attempted during the war with Salvador.
Honduras has been thrown into a great commotion and excitement owing to the banding together of an armed force of about three hundred desperadoes, under the command of one of the Hatruche leaders by the name of Sambrano, who have been burning and plundering to considerable extent toward the Pacific coast. The military have, however, been in [Page 301] pursuit, and have met, attacked, and dispersed them, killing quite a number, and taking many prisoners, among whom is the leader, ambrano. This will undoubtedly settle the matter and restore quiet.
The Interoceanic Railway is not progressing very rapidly just now, very little being done on the second, and nothing on the third section. The cause for this condition of things, as ascribed by the managers of the works is, that during the war it was almost impossible to procure labor, and the works have not yet been resumed.
In many localities the first planting of corn has been almost entirely destroyed owing to the exceeding dry season. The second crop is just being put in, and should the season for this prove favorable, will very much relieve the want that will be felt from the failure of the first.
The health of Honduras thus far this season has been good.
I have, &c.,