Mr. Baker to Mr. Gresham.
Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Salvador,
Managua, September 19, 1893. (Received October 4.)
Sir: I have pleasure in being able to report that all is quiet in Nicaragua. Peace reigns. On the 15th was celebrated the anniversary of the independence of this nation with the usual ceremony.
On the same day the new constituent Assembly of the nation, composed of 36 members, met and organized. Into the hands of this Assembly the junta which has governed this country, with Gen. Zelaya as president of the body, since the latter part of July, resigned its powers [Page 216] and authority. The Assembly accepted the resignations, and afterwards elected Gen. José Santos Zelaya as President of the Republic. This election is for a term the length of which shall be fixed in the constitution which the Assembly has been chosen to frame. Every member of the constituent Assembly is a member of the Liberal party.
The Assembly is likely to complete its work within a period of two months. By that time the coffee crop, which is an exceptionally fine one this year, will be ripening; and the care of this large interest will engage the attention of many of those who might be restless if idle.
I am, etc.,