CHAPTER XVIII

POLITICAL EVENTS IN COSTA RICA.

1856-1886.

REWARDS TO WALKER S CONQUERORS REELECTION OF MORA Hrs DOWNFALL

AND EXILE His RETURN, CAPTURE, AND EXECUTION MONTEALEGRE .S

ADMINISTRATION VIOLENCE OF PARTIES COMPROMISE ON JESUS JIMENEZ

His PEACEFUL RULE PRESIDENT JOSE M. CASTRO CHARGES AGAINST
HIM His OVERTHROW SEVERAL NEW CONSTITUTIONS JIMENEZ AGAIN
PRESIDENT His ARBITRARY ACTS How HE WAS DEPOSED PRESIDENT
CARRANZA OTHER TEMPORARY RULERS PRESIDENT GUARDIA S DES
POTISM FAILURE OF HIS WARLIKE PLANS His DEATH ADMINISTRATION
OF PROSPERO FERNANDEZ PREPARATIONS TO DEFEND INDEPENDENCE
His SUDDEN DEATH BERNARDO SOTO S PEACEFUL RULE.

IN describing the early operations of the Costa

Ricans in Nicaragua against Walker in 1856, 1 alluded
to the sudden departure of President Mora and his
brother from Rivas for Costa Rica, because of tidings
received of an attempted insurrection against the gov
ernment, then temporarily in charge of Vice-president
Oreamuno. This revolt was soon quelled, and the
leaders and officers connected therewith were arrested
and expatriated, Oreamuno having died, Vicente
Aguilar was chosen vice-president on the 17th of
1
September, but resigned the position the next month.
A change of ministry took place on the 26th of Sep
tember, the distinguished statesman taking charge of
2
the portfolio of foreign relations. The president,
owing to war against the filibusters, suspended the
^ct. 22d. Album Semanal, Sept. 26, 1856; Costa R., Col. Ley., xiv. 41-2,
51-2.
a
The other ministers were Joaquin B. Calvo, of government and eccles.
affairs; and Rafael G. Escalante, of treasury and war.
(371)
372 POLITICAL EVENTS IN COSTA RICA.

action of the constitution on the 15th of November,

3
but repealed the decree a few days later.
The successful termination of the war was hailed in
Costa Rica with great joy, and the men who gave
this glorious page to her history were highly honored.
The president was made a captain-general, 4 and the
officers, as well as the rank and file, were promoted
and otherwise rewarded. 5
The elections for president and vice-president of the
republic took place, and congress on the 4th of May,
1859, declared that Juan Rafael Mora had been re-
elected, and Rafael G. Escalante chosen for the second
6
position.
Mora s administration had initiated a number of
measures tending to the advancement of the country.
Among other improvements was that of the fine na
tional palace in San Jose. Costa Rica had enjoyed a
long period of internal peace with an increasing pros
perity. Mora was quite popular with the masses, but
encountered opposition from the property owners,
merchants, and army men. For this reason he could
not strengthen his government, and found himself at
the mercy of a coup de main the moment the people
7

thought their interests were jeopardized by his power.

3
Dec. 11, 1856. Coxta R., Mem. Golicrn., 1857, 2-3.
4
In 1854 the pope bestowed on him the honor of Knight grand cross of the
order of Gregory the Great, and the Costa Ricaii congress authorized him to
accept it. Coxta R., Col. xiii. 28; xiv. 147-9.
Le</.,
5
Dec. 29, 1857, a medal was voted. Again, Feb. 26, 1858, across of honor
was decreed to the generals and field-officers. Id., 207; xv. 3.
c
Escalante had been vice-president since Oct. 1857, and at the present
time was temporarily in charge of the executive office. Id., xvi. 30-1.
7
Political grievances and private animosities were brought into action for
his overthrow. He was accused of intending to keep himself in power for
life, like Carrera in Guatemala, as was evidenced by his second reelection,
which violated both the spirit and letter of the national institutions; of his
having imposed the weight of his own will on the financial department, the
judiciary, and even the legislature, \vith the view of setting up the rule of one
family over the ruins of republican liberty; of his having usurped the property
and labor of others for his own benefit. Even the organization of an army,
and his campaign against Walker, were made to appear as intended to im
prove his own pecuniary interests, which were said to be in a very bad state.
The charge of assumption of dictatorial powers does not seem to be sustained
I)/ facts. The opposition journal, the All/urn Semanal, freely published strong
articles against his administration. Pamphlets filled with vituperation, an I

traducing his character, circulated without hindrance; one of the publica

tions called him the tzar of Costa Rica. This opposition was fanne.L by the
 VICENTE AGUILAR 37:5

Hence the revolutionary movement that hurled him

from his executiveoffice in the night of August 14,
1859. A provisional government, composed of his
political enemies, was at once organized, meeting with
no opposition on the part of the people. It was a
palace revolution, and no blood was spilt. Mora was
kept in confinement, though otherwise well treated,
during three days at the end of which he was taken
to Puntarenas, and sent out of the country on an
American steamer. He settled with his family in
Salvador, where he introduced the cultivation of
coffee.
The new government now took steps to have itself
confirmed by a constituent assembly, and to cause its
provisional president, Jose Maria Montealegre, regu
larly elected. The influential man of the administrar-
tion was Vicente Aguilar, ex-vice-president, a wealthy
man, and the deadly enemy of Mora. He was the
minister of the treasury and of war, and by his insti
gation some reactionary and despotic measures were
4

adopted, thereby increasing the general uneasiness.

The country was henceforth divided into two political
parties, each claiming to be the representative of law
8
and order.
hatred of persons who had private grudges against Mora. Among them
Vicente Aguilar, his former partner, who had been made to disgorge 100,000
or more, of which he had wrongfully deprived Mora.
Capitalists were hostile
because the president had chartered a bank. The sale of a tract of public
land near San Jose, upon which many persons had settled, was made the sub
ject for much trouble. The exile of the bishop did not fail to have a power
ful influence. Bishop Llorento had refused to pay, or to allow his clergy to
pay, an equitable tax decreed by congress Sept. 29, 1858, for the support of
hospitals. He not only refused compliance, but incited the populace to revolt.
For this he was expelled. lie was, however, after Mora s overthrow, recalle I
by the provisional government, and ruled the diocese till his death, which
took place Sept. 23, 1871. CWa 7?., Mem. Interior, 1859, 9; ISiiO, 4; Id., Col.
Ley., xvi. 87-8; Nic.,Gaceta, Oct. 7, 1871; El Nacional, Jan. 15, 1859; Belly,
Le Nicaragua, i. 379-81. One of tho publications which came out after Mora s
downfall, not only charged him with abuse of power, peculation, and almost
every conceivable offence, but of his having brought himself into political
prominence by intrigue, and by treachery to Morazan, and to his relations
and friends, who,^ it was asserted, had been ruined by him. This publication
is dated San Jose, April 2, 1800, but is anonymous. Costa R., Expos. . .Mo-
.

tivos. .Cambio Polit., 37

.

pp. and 1 1.
8
The provisional administration claimed that the revolution had not merely
changed the personnel, but also the principles on which the government wa,s
based, the people demanding greater freedom with clearly denned rights ami
374 POLITICAL EVENTS IN COSTA RICA.

The constituent assembly, pursuant to convocation,

met on the 16th of October, and on the 2Gth of De
cember adopted a new constitution in 142 articles,
which was promulgated the next day. This funda
mental law was liberal except in the matter of religion,
as it neither recognized nor tolerated any form of faith
but the Roman catholic. All other rights of man
were conceded. 9 The constituent congress adjourned
sine die on the 27th of December, and the ordinary
congress opened its session on the 22d of April, 18 GO,
on the next day declaring that Jose Maria Montea-
legre had obtained a popular majority for the office
of president of the republic, and appointing the 29th
for his inauguration On the 24th that body desig
nated the persons who were to fill the executive chair
in the temporary or absolute absence of the presi
10
dent.
Before many months had passed, Costa Kca wit
nessed a catastrophe which filled the whole of Central
America with sorrow, indignation, and shame. Mora,
the deposed president, had solemnly protested against
the revolutionary acts which deprived him of his office.
There were not wanting men, who, either honestly or
with evil intent, beguiled him into the belief that he
was wanted back, and would meet with a cordial recep
tion and support. He allowed himself to be thus
duties, and a more extended suffrage. Costa R., Mem. Interior, 1860, 4;
1803, 2.
9
The govt was divided into three branches legislative, executive, and
judicial each independent of the others. The legislative was vested in a
congress of two chambers, the senate and house of representatives, and was
to meet once a year in ordinary session, and also to hold extraordinary ses
sions when called for specified purposes. The senate was composed of two
senators for each province; the house was composed of deputies chosen by
the provinces in the ratio of population. The term of the members of both
houses was fixed at four years. The executive authority was vested in a
president for three years, without reelection for the immediate following
term. He had a council of state to deliberate upon such affairs as the execu
tive referred to it for advice. The judiciary consisted of a supreme court,
and such other lower courts as might be established by law. None but a
native citizen, in full possession of his civil and political rights, could be presi
dent, or member of the supreme court. Churchmen were ineligible. Costa
R., Comtitiic. Polit., 1-35; Id., Col Ley., xvi. 110^5.
10
First designado. Francisco Montealegre: second. Vicente Aguilar. /<.,

xvi. 169-71.
 DEATH OF MORA. 375

deceived, and committed the error of going against an

accomplished fact, in an attempt to recover by force
the executive authority, which was now legitimately
held by Montealegre. He landed in September at
Puntarenas with a few friends, was received with ap
parent enthusiasm, and got together about 300 or 400
men n but believing it safer to increase his force be
;

fore marching to the capital, he tarried behind, thus

allowing the government an opportunity to organize
superior forces, and to issue relentless decrees. The
government s forces assailed Mora on the 28th of
September at La Angostura,
12
and defeated him. He
soon found himself forsaken by men, and though
his
aware that stringent orders for had been
his arrest
issued, he surrendered to his enemies on the 30th,
when he was tried by a drum-head court-martial, and
13
shot three hours after. This judicial murder of this
honorable, just, and progressive man, who had ren
dered such great services in saving national indepen
dence, caused general consternation and displeasure.
His invasion was not approved of, but no one had
imagined that his life could be in peril if he were
captured. Public opinion was pronounced against
such relentless vengeance. Even Nicaragua, which
had grievances against Mora, and had excluded his
supporters from her territory, regretted his untimely
u In
end. Costa Bica his death was attributed to bit-

11
In January, Prudeiicio Blanco and others attempted a revolution in
Guanacaste, now called Moracia, and failed. A decree of outlawry was
issued against them Jan. 20, I860, and their property was made amenable for
the government s expenses. Another insurrection took place in Esparza with
the same result, the govt issuing a decree of similar nature Sept. 16th, and
on the 18th another, suspending the constitution. This last decree was re
voked March 18, 1801. /(/., xvi. 153-4, 188, 218-21; xvii. 9.
12
This place had been heavily intrenched, and a battery mounted in it,
which was protected on both flanks by armed boats in the estuary, etc.
u
Belly, Le Nic., i. 382; El National, Oct. 13, 27, Nov. 10, 18GO; Eco
Hisp.-Am., Oct. 31, 1860; 8. F. Bulletin, Oct. 24, 25, 29, Nov. 14, 27, 1860;
8. F. Herald, Oct. 29, 1860; Harper s Monthly Mag., xxii. 113; Laferrtere, De
Paris a Guatemala, 59-60.
u The Gaceta
Oficial, evidently inspired by President Martinez, forgot past
grievances, only to bear in mind affectionately the promoter of the holy war
for independence. In fact, Mora was in the eyes of both foreigners and natives
the personification of Central American patriotism.
376 POLITICAL EVENTS IN COSTA RICA.

ter personal and sordid animosity. Public opinion

was not at fault. Mora wrote his wife, one hour be
fore his execution, on his faith as a Christian, that
Vicente Aguilar justly owed him upwards of 200,000 ;

and if he ever expected to die in peace with his God,

lie should make restitution of that sum to Mora s

family. Aguilar, as minister of war, signed the orders

for the execution, and was responsible for Mora s
death. These orders included the execution of two
others, namely, General J. M. Cafias, and Manuel
Argliello, a young lawyer. The latter was saved by
General Maximo Blanco, but Caiias was shot two days
after Mora. 15
The penalty
of death was doubtless intended by
Aguilar to be a settlement of accounts with the man
he detested; but it did not satisfy him; he added con-
t/

fiscation, and to the end showed himself relentless in

his animosity to Mora s family and supporters. But
he did not long survive his victims, dying on the 26th
of April, 18G1, of ossification of the heart. After his
death, a milder policy was inaugurated. A general
amnesty, from which were excluded only a few mili
tary men who while in active service had joined re
16
volts, was issued; exiles returned to their coun
try, and regularity in affairs was restored. The gov
ernment gained in popular esteem by a scrupulous
observance of the promises made at the time of its cre
ation, restoring internal peace based on constitutional
However, Mora s
17
liberty and a proper economy.
friends, though disposed to do justice to Montealegre s
administration, never w ouldr
forgive its origin and early
acts. They and their political conferes brought on a
reaction against it. Party excitement became great,
and there was danger of civil war. Two presidential
candidates for the next term, namely, Aniceto Esquivel
15
It will be remembered that Canas served with distinction in the war
against Walker.
10
Apr. 29, 1860. Costa R., Col Lei/., xvi. 172-3; xvii. 87. A
more gen.
one was decreed May 1, 1862.
17
During this administration national industries were developed, and the
country became more prosperous than ever. Belly, Le Nic., i. 383-6.
 JIMENEZ AND CASTRO. 377

and Julian Volio, were in the field, the former being a

warm friend of the administration, and the latter inde

pendent. Montealegre was the first to suggest a com

promise. There was in Cartago a former minister of
Mora, Jesus Jimenez, who was finally agreed upon by
all parties for the executive office, and was accordingly
elected.
18
He
took possession of the chair on the 7th
of May, Montealegre surrendering it 19with greater
alacrity than he had occupied it in 1859,
Jimenez, during his administration, fully answered
expectations. He maintained peace by pursuing a
just and conciliatory policy. The country kept on
20
its career of progress and prosperity. The next
president duly chosen was the founder of the republic,
21
Jose Maria Castro, for the term from May 8, 1866.
The number of ministers of state having been reduced
to two, the president decreed the organization of a
privy council whose members were to serve without
22
pay. Castro s government was a strictly economical
one. It diminished the number of officials, and sup
pressed the president s guard of honor. The result
was that the treasury was enabled to meet obligations
contracted for the development of education, and of
the interests of the country. 23
During the presidential election in 1868, party agita
tion jeopardized the public peace. The press became
virulent, not sparing even the families of prominent
18
May 1, 1863. Men of all parties voted for him. Costa R., Mem. Min.
Interior, 1803, 1; Id., Col. Ley. xviii, 15-16.
19
Congress afterward decreed that Montealegre s portrait should be placed
in the office of the president. Bdly, Le Nic., i. 386-7; Costa R., Informs Min.
Interior, 1864, 4; Id., Discurso, Dr J. M. Montealegre, 1863, 1.
23
Costa R., Programa Admin., 1863, 1. Jimenez adopted the high-handed
measure of dissolving congress. In a proclamation to the people he stated
that a majority of the members had established a systematic opposition to
his government, and usurped all power in direct violation of the constitution.
Id., Prod, del Presid., Ag. 1, 1863.
21
Ending May 8, 1869. Id., Col. Ley., 1876, 111-12; Nic., Gaceta, Feb. 17,
Apr. 21, May 26, 1866. Castro in his inaugural address used these words:
Quiero que mi patria, ya que no pueda sertemida por su fuerza, sea con-
siderada por su justificacion y cordura. .No tenemos escuadras; tengamos la
. .

simpatia de las naciones. Costa R., Discurso Inaug., Presid. J. M. Castro, 1-3.
22
May 15, 1866. They were 2 for each department, making together 16,
besides the ministers. Costa R., Col. Rey., 1866, 114-16.
23
Nk., Gaceta, May 25, 1867.
378 POLITICAL EVENTS IN COSTA RICA.

men. The government was accused of making no

effort to check such abuses, or to restore harmony.
There would certainly have been a resort to arms but
for the moderation of the two chief officers of the
24
army, generals Lorenzo Salazar and Maximo Blanco.
These officers and others placed themselves at the
head of a pronunciamiento which took place at San
Jose on the 1st of November to depose Castro and sus
pend the constitution of December 27, 1859. Jesus
Jimenez, the first designado, was then called to assume
the executive office, with ample powers to call a con
stituent assembly. He accordingly placed himself at
the head of affairs, and convoked the assembly, to
meet on the 1st of January, summoning the people
also to choose the next president, together with sena
tors and representatives for the next constitutional
25
term to begin May 1, 18 GO.
The new constitution was framed on the 18th of
February, and promulgated in April 18G9, consisting 20
of 149 articles, and containing very liberal principles.
24
Castro s enemies averred that his course was very mysterious, and some
even suspected an intention on his part to retain power in his hands, though
ho supported the candidacy of his minister, Julian Volio. They said that the
barracks assumed a menacing attitude, and Castro was oil the point of decree
ing several military promotions of members of his own family, and concen
trating all the forces of the republic in and about his own residence. It
came to be believed that he intended to nullify Salazar first, and Blanco
next. But the former had in his favor most of the wealthy families, as well
as a large support in Alajuela, Heredia, and Cartago. To make the story
short, Salazar and Blanco concluded to act together. El Quince nal Joaefino,
no. 32, in Slur ami Herald, Dec. 24, 26, 1868. The editor of this publication
was Lorenzo Monttifar. Whatever may be asserted against Castro, he had
proved himself a liberal, enlightened, and upright ruler. His administration
had given conclusive proof that the president valued liberty of the press and
speech as necessary to the existence of a republican government. The coun
try had been enjoying those privileges, and prospering as it had never done
before. U. S. Minuter J. B. Blair, to Sec. Fish, June 23, 1873.
20
The troops and people seemed to acquiesce in the new order of things.
There was no bloodshed. Castro was left perfectly free in his own house.
Nic., Gaceta, Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 18G8; Jan. 23, March 20, 1869; Pan. Star and
2 Nov. 17, 1SC8; Costa R., Col. Ley., xvii. 202-9; U. S. Mess, and Doc.
I<<rald,

(Dept of State, pt ii.), p. xii.; Laferriere, De Paris a Guatem., GO-2.

Art. 5th, after declaring the Roman catholic religion to be that of the
"
6

state, recognizes toleration of other forms of worship; 6th, makes primary

education of both sexes obligatory, free, and to be provided by the nation,
placing it under the direction of the municipal authorities; 17th, declares the
military subordinate to the civil authority, strictly passive, and forbidden to
deliberate on political affairs; 72d, grants eligibility for the position of deputy
to naturalized citizens after four years residence from the date of the certifi-
 REVOLUTION. 379

The ordinary congress met, and declared Jimenez

to be the constitutional president for the next term,
and he was inducted into office with the usual formal
27
ities. But owing to congress having refused to pass
a railroad bill, Jimenez lost his temper, resigned his
office, and
the capital. But the resignation was
left
not accepted, and he was induced to return. Subse
quently, on his representing that the country was
in danger from internal disturbances due to party
violence, that body decreed a suspension of the consti
28
tution. This order of things lasted until the 27th
of April, 1870, on which day sixteen men, among
whom were Tomds and Victor Guardia, Pedro and
Pablo Quiroz, and Prospero Fernandez, captured the
artillery barracks of San Jose by a coup de main.
There were a few killed and wounded, amonj? O the
former being the commander, Colonel A. Biscoubi, a
French officer who distinguished himself in the defence
of San Salvador in 1863. 29
After the capture of the barracks the president was
seized, and kept a prisoner about twenty-four hours.
Bruno Carranza was then proclaimed provisional presi
dent, and assumed the duties on the 28th. Jimenez and
his ministers were detained to answer charges that
would be preferred against them. 30 Jimenez was al
lowed to reside in Cartago under surveillance; but
31
fearing for his life, as he alleged, escaped. The men
cate of naturalization. Costa P., Col. Ley., 1869, 24-59. Art 31st recognized
freedom of the press, and yet it was considerably modified by a press law
issued by the provisional govt. Nic. t Gaceti, May 8, 18G9.
27
Costa Pi., fnforme Gobern., etc., 1869, 12-15, 26-7; Id., Informe Hac., ReL
etc., 1869, 1-2. J. M. Montealegre had been the other candidate. Pan. Star
and Herald, Dec. 19, 1SG8.
28
May 29, 1869. The action of the courts was restored May 31st. But
the president had now unrestricted powers. Costa R. t CoL Ley., 1SG9, 94-5,
100-1, 103. NIC., Gaccta, June 19, 1869.
29
Those men drove to the barracks in an ox cart, covered by grass, and
dashed in. It looks as if there must have been connivance on the part of the
Biscoubi had been, it is understood, invited to join the movement,
guard.
ut refused to lend himself.
39
Among the charges contemplated were that they had appropriated large
sums out of the public treasury for personal purposes, and that upwards of
had been given Eusebio Figueroa to go on a trip of pleasure to Europe,
jj>23,QCO
ai
The ministers were then placed under bonds. Id., June 18, July 9, 1870,
380 POLITICAL EVENTS IN COSTA RICA.

who brought about the overthrow of the oppressive

government
<D
of Jimenez were not left unrewarded. 2 1"

All proscriptive orders which had emanated from it

were revoked, and persons in exile were enabled to
come back.
The people were again summoned to elect a con
stituent assembly to meet on the 8th of August,
which took place; it declared the constitution of
18G9 no longer in force, and temporarily revived
that of December 1859. Carranza resigned on the
same clay that the convention assembled, and Tom as
Guardia s3 was appointed his successor on the 10th.
One of Carranza s last acts, July 30th, was to sus
pend the treaty of friendship with Guatemala of 1848,
because the latter Lad closed diplomatic relations
with Costa liica. 34 It is to be said to the credit of
Carranza s short rule that though clothed with dicta "

3
torial powers they were used very sparingly.
Public tranquillity was constantly menaced, till
finally anumber of assemblages passed resolutions to
rescind the powers conferred on the constituent assem
bly, and granted the authority of a dictator to Tomas
Guard in, whereupon on the 10th of October that body
was dissolved by him. 36 That same day he decreed a
full amnesty to Ex-president Jimenez and his minis
ters Agapito Jimenez and Eusebio Figueroa. He
next, on the 13th, created a council of state with promi-
April 29, 1870, Tomas Guardia was promoted to gen. of division, and
32

Victor Guardia to gen. of brigade. The two Quirozes and Prospero Fernandez
were made colonels. Other officers also rose in rank. Costa If., Col. Ley., xix.
41-4, 50 1.
33
This person was a captain early in 1856, and went as Gen. Cafias aide-
de-camp to the Nic. campaign against Walker. On his return he was made
a maj. As comandante of Alajuela he revolted against Presid. Castro Nov.
], 1868. We have seen how he came to be made a general of division.
34
Gnat, had several times attempted interference in Costa Ricaii affairs,
insisting on the suppression of liberty of the press, and on other violations of
law, allot which had been refused. NIC., Gaccta, Aiig. 27, 1870.
35
Report, Ang. 22, 1870, by Minister Lorenzo Montiifar to the national
constituent assembly. Costa /?., Mem. Pel., 1870, 1.
36
His ministers who countersigned that decree were B. Carazo, Pedro Gar
cia, Lorenzo Montiifar, and in the absence of J. Lizano, sec. of the treasury,
Salvador Gonzalez as under-secretary. Garcia and Carazo were made briga
diers. Garcia resigned Oct. 28th, and was succeeded by Jost Antonio Pinto.
Costa Col. Lei/., xix. 124-0, 150.
R.>
 TOMAS GUARDIA. 381

37
rient political assumed personal command of the
men,
forces, and appointed Rafael Barroeta his substitute.
In May 1871, several prominent citizens were ordered
38
to reside on the GulFo Dulce.
A constituent assembly was convoked on the 12th
39
of August, and met on the 15th of October, which
adopted another fundamental law for the republic on
the 7th of December. It was a most liberal constitu
tion, recognizing all the rights of man. On religion
it
accepted the Roman catholic as the only one to be
supported, but tolerated other forms. Foreigners
were allowed the privilege of trading and other law
ful industries, including navigation of rivers and coasts,
of holding property, marrying, and testating. They
could not be compelled to become citizens, but if they
wished it, one year s residence sufficed to obtain nat
uralization. The government was declared to be pop
ular, representative, alternative, and responsible. It
was divided into three branches; namely, legislative,
40
executive, and judicial.
The national congress
O O installed Mav 1, 1872,
being c/

on the 30th declared Tomds Guardia duly elected

president, and on the same date appointed Jose An
tonio Pinto and Rafael Barroeta first and second vice-

37
Vicente Herrera, Aniceto Esquivel, Jesus Salazar, Carlos Sancho, and
Rafael Barroeta. Id., 127-31.
38
For supposed revolutionary schemes. It wa,s even alleged that there
was a plot to murder Guardia. Costa R., Gac. Ofic., May 12, 1871; iV-., Gac.,
May39 27, June 3, 1871.
Excluding the president, his ministers, and the bishop from being
electors. Costa R., Col. Let/., xx. 118-22.
40
The legislative consisted of a chamber of deputies chosen for four years.
During recess it was to be represented near the executive by a collision per-
manente of five deputies. All citizens able to read and write, and possessing
property to the value of 8500, or an occupation yielding ^200 a year, could be
chosen deputies, excepting the president, his ministers, members of the supreme
court, and governors. Deputies could accept no offices except ministerial or
diplomatic, and then they must resign the elections. The executive was
vested in a president for four years, who must be a native, thirty years and
upwards, and could not be reflected for the next immediate term. He was
allowed a council of state, composed of his ministers, the members of the
comision permanente, and others that he might invite to join the delibera
tions. The judicial authority was vested in a supreme court, whose members
must be natives of the country, and such other courts as might be established
by law. Id., xx. 171-206; Ei Porvenir de Nic., Jan. 14, 1872; Nic., Gacekt,
Jan. 13, 1872.
382 POLITICAL EVENTS IN COSTA RICA.

president respectively. The same body June 20th

granted Guardia leave of absence, with permission to
visit foreign countries for the benefit of his health,
and authorized the government to appropriate out of
the treasury a sum not exceeding $25,000 for his
travelling expenses. Jose A. Pinto had charge of the
41
executive in his absence. Guardia reassurned his
office on the 26th of January, 1873.
The policy Guardia s government had pursued
toward Guatemala, Salvador, and Nicaragua caused
these three powers to prepare for any emergency
which might arise. They accordingly entered into
a treaty of alliance on the 26th of August, 1873. 42
Minister Montufar had been the only one to endeavor
to check Guardia s hare-brained plans; but he was de
spatched to Europe with the intent of dismissing him
in his absence. Costa Rica, on the 24th of October,
addressed a circular to other governments remonstrat
43
ing against that treaty. Her government implied
that the treaty had been prompted by private animos
44
ity, which the others indignantly denied.
This state of affairs created much alarm in Costa
Rica, as well as elsewhere in Central America, and
Guardia, professing to give way to the demands of
public opinion, which pointed to him as the sole pro
moter of war, temporarily resigned the executive
41
Guardia went to Europe, where he was treated with marked considera
tion. CostaIt., Col. Ley., xxi. 48-51; xxii. 0. During his absence there was
no harmony between the acting president and the chief of the forces, Victor
Guardia, nor between the latter and the commandant of artillery. Nk., Sem.a-
nalNic., Oct. 17, 1872.
i2
Guardia was accused of affording aid to the supporters of retrogression
against the liberal governments existing in those states; and of openly per
mitting an expedition to sail on the Sherman to commit hostilities against the
other Cent. Am. states. El Porcenlr de NIC. Aug. 10, 1873; Aguirre, liecortcs
,

de un Period., 5-6. Circular of Nic. Foreign Min., Sept. 5, 1876, in Salv.,

Gaccti Ojic., Oct. 26, 1876.
*3
As an open infringement of previous conventions, international law, and
Costa Rica s rights. U. S. Gov. Doc., H. Ex. Doc., Cong. 43, Sess. 2, i. 113,
116.
4
*A. H. Rivas, foreign minister of Nic., Nov. llth, in doing so, added
that they were guarding their interests against Costa Rica s insidious pro
jects, in gathering large quantities of war material to favor disgruntled Njca-
raguans, which his govt well knew, though not officially. Nic., Gaceta,
Nov.
15, 1873; Id., Informe Min. Ddgadillo, 1-14; Nic., Mem. Golem., 1875, 6-7.
 MORE PRESIDENTS. 383

office into the hands of the first designado, Salva

45
dor Gonzalez, on the 21st of November. Gonzalez
formed a new cabinet, with Jose M. Castro as minis
ter of foreign affairs, and fixed upon a policy that
would secure public confidence at home arid peace
with the other states. 46 Gonzalez and his ministers
had believed in Guardia s sincerity, hut they soon dis
covered that he had been playing a hypocritical role.
Pretending indignation at what he called lowering the
47
country honor, and trailing its flag in the dust, he
s
resumed the presidential office on the 1st of Decem
ber, and the next day placed it in charge of Rafael
48
Barroeta, who held it till the 28th of February,
1874, when Guardia resumedit. The latter was again
granted a leave of absence May 19, 1875, and was
absent several months. 49
Some further correspondence passed between the
governments of Costa Rica and Nicaragua, resulting
from an abortive attempt at revolution in Guanacaste,
when the insurgents, being defeated, escaped into
Nicaragua. A
force of Costa Ricans landed from a
steamer, killed some persons and arrested others in
territory claimed to be within the neutral district,
under the boundary treaty of 1858, which both parties
had bound themselves to respect till the question of
50
limits should be finally settled. Congress, in March
1876, authorized the executive to station troops in
ic., Gaceta, App., Dec.3, 1873; Nic., Semanal Nic., Nov. 29, 1873.
*6
It passed a decree on the 29th of November to check all violations of
neutrality, and in a note to the other governments expressed itself in terms
of conciliation, tantamount to a withdrawal of the circular of Oct. 24th. Id. ,

suppl., Dec. 2, 13, 1873; El Porvemr de Nic. f Dec. I 1873; Nic., Semanal
1

Nic., Dec. 11, 1873.

47
As stated in his organ, El Costaricense, no. 17, suppl.
48
A number of persons who had
promoted the new policy, particularly
some members of the cabinet, for their credulity and good intentions became
the victims of Guardia s wrath, and were banished from their homes. Gon
zalez had been let down easy, as
having declined to continue in charge of the
executive. Costa R., Pap. Sueltos, nos. 11, 12; Id., Col Ley., xxii. 194, 197,
200; 1874, 34-5, 53; Nic., Gaceta, Dec. 20, 1873; Nic., Semanal Nic., Dec. 11,
20, 1873.
49
He resumed control of the govt Nov. 4-5, 1875. Costa R., Col Ley.,
xxiii. 75-0, 275.
69
Costa R., Pap. Sueltos, nos. 13, 14; Id., Informe Gobern., 1875, app. 16-
21; Nic., Correspond, sobre Red., 3-17; Nic., Mem. Presid., 1875, 5-6.
384 POLITICAL EVENTS IN COSTA RICA.

Guanacaste, on the frontier of Nicaragua, and defend

the country s honor, if assailed. He was also to
arrange, if possible, the troubles with that republic.
Guardia visited the frontier, where General Maximo
Jerez and a number of officers also went via Punta-
51
renas.
On March
a general amnesty was issued
the 27th of
to all which implied that the gov
political offenders,
ernment was confident the public peace would not be
52
disturbed.
Congress declared, May 3d, that Aniceto Esquivel
had been constitutionally chosen president of the re
public/ and on the 9th appointed Tom as Guardia and
03

Vicente Herrera first and second designados in the

order named. On the 8th Guardia took the chief
command of the forces; and as the constitution did
not allow of his reelection to the presidential chair, lie
could re-occupy it at pleasure by virtue of his position
as iirst designado. 54
51
El Cnxtarirrme, March 24th, said that the mission of Jerez was from Bar
rios, president ot (
uat., to iuardia.
i ( The QuincenalJoseJlno, March 2;ith, gave
it as a certainty that Nic. would
propose the withdrawal of both forces from
the frontier as a conciliatory measure. The whole trouble arose from the
boundary dispute. Pan. tif fraud Herald, Apr. 4, 1870.
&
*Coat<iIl., Jlawtjc, 1*7(5, 2; Id., Col. xxiv. 24-5.
Lc>/.,
53
He assumed the office on the 8th, and formed his cabinet with Juan R.
Mata, S. Lizano, M. Carazo 1 eralta, and B. Morales. Id., 00-8; 1*1., Dixcurxo
. .
/Vr.svV., 187(5, 1-4; S;di\, Gnnt-i OJic., May 22, 187u.
.

oi
JIe had been declared a benemerito, and given a vote of thanks. Costa
./ ., Col.
Ley., xxiv. (52. Guardia s administration during the pa^t six years
was highly extolled in the (laceta Ofinal of San Jose. It "said that his surren-
dor of power proved the falsity of the charge that he had intended holding it
for life. We shall see how much this statement was worth. It claimed for
him that he had at all times blended leniency with firmness, which facts fail
to establish. He was equally credited with increasing the revenues by his
successful measures to repress smuggling; with protecting industry and labor;
endeavoring to provide the country with a railroad between the two oceans;
improving the morale of the country; spreading public education; promoting
political and commercial relations with other countries; forwarding public
works; and lastly, vigorously defending Costa Rica s rights against Nicara
gua s pretensions. Salv., Gaceta Ofic., May 22, 1876. On the other hand, we
a/e told that Costa Rica s revenues were squandered in keeping 2,000 men on
the frontier as a menace to Nicaragua. Stir and Herald, June 1, 187o.
P<u>.

Guardia has been justly called a tyrant, because of his arbitrary acts andvio-
1 itions of the constitution. Electoral and parliamentary freedom, under his
rale, was a farce; results at elections being what his will dictated, and con
gress being mostly made up of his immediate friends and a number of puppets.
There were some honorable exceptions, like that of Zacarias Garcia, who, for
acting as a real representative of the people, was imprisoned without protest
 MORE REVOLUTIONS. 385

Esquivel inaugurated his administration under favor

able circumstances. He pledged himself to pursue a
conciliatory policy, at home and abroad, though never
failing to uphold the rights of Costa Bicans in foreign
lands. Discord, however, b roke out, and the oppo
nents of Guardia vented their hostility by the press.
A revolt, with bloodshed, occurred in Cartago, July
29th, and 30th, to depose Esquivel, 55 which movement
proved successful. Vicente Herrera, second desig-
6
nado, was called to occupy the executive seat/ The
new ruler made Saturnino Lizano his minister-gen
eral, closed diplomatic and commercial relations with
57
Nicaragua, and on the llth of August established
on the part of his colleagues. The independence of the three powers, per
sonal rights, freedom of the press, and other constitutional guaranties, were
repeatedly trampled upon by Guardia, by his favorite, Pedro Quiroz, and by
other satellites. Justices of the supreme court and numerous other promi
nent citizens were either imprisoned, banished, or mulcted in heavy sums of
money, without any form of trial having preceded. Jose M. Castro, chief
justice, and Salvador Jimenez, justice of the supreme court, were by Guardia s
autocratic command made to live for a time on the Pacific coast. Even his
brother, Victor Guardia, was harshly treated for showing an independent
spirit; and his brother-in-law, Leon Fernandez, was several months kept in
irons for some mysterious offence that was never brought to trial, and after
ward transferred to a horrible dungeon in Limon, where he was cruelly treated
until he succeeded in. effecting his escape. Other infringements of the laws
are also mentioned, and not a few cases of brutality, even the use of the lash
on respectable citizens, which Guardia and his myrmidons were challenged to
contradict to the face of Costa Ricans. Aguirre, J. M., Rccortes .
Corresp.
. .

Hist. Polit., 1-21. Ihis is a lotter dated and published at Panama May 1,
1876, and addressed to Francisco Chavez C., editor of ElCostaricenxe, Guardia s
press organ, whom he handles without gloves for his defence of Guardia s
acts and abuse of Guardia s
opponents. The writer had been one of the vic
tims of both, and was evidently well posted on the history of Guardia s rule.
Mailing allowance for exaggeration in some instances, the conclusion to be
arrived at is that Guardia acted like an autocrat who would brook no opposi
tion. It does not appear, however, that he was sanguinary.
oa
The people took no part. It was a result of the abuse by the salaried
press of the government, of the violation of pledges, and the tacit authoriza
tion of crimes against good and loyal servants of the country. Salv., Gac. Ofic.,
Aug. 20, 1876. Nepotism M as also probably a cause. Esquivel s min. of
r

pub. works, and the superintendent of the railroad were brothers-in-law of

his. Incompetency, mismanagement, and waste were said to prevail. Pan.
Star and Herald, June 1, Aug. 18, 1876. The government of Nic. attributed
E.squivel s downfall mainly to his friendly policy toward her, which did not
suit Guardia. Circular of Nic. Foreign Min., Sept. 5, 1875, in Salv., Gaceta
O/c., Oct 26, 1876.
uG
He represented himself as free from political animosities, and promised to
maintain order, and to push the work of the railroad. He created a council
of state of five members, one of whom was Victor Guardia. El Costa rice n-^c,
Aug. 4, 10, 1876; Costa R., Col. Ley., xxiv. 145.
1)7
Because her govt had refused him recognition. Costa R., Informe Rcl. t .

HIST. CENT. AM., VOL. III. 25

386 POLITICAL EVENTS IN COSTA RICA.

censorship of the press as a necessity for the preser

vation of order.
Herrera s administration was noted for its iillber-
58
ality toward foreigners, and for religious bigotry.
The press was gagged; capitalists and merchants
were heavily mulcted on the pretext of their being
malecontents men of reputation and standing were
;

driven from their homes upon the reports of paid

spies and other outrages were committed.
;

Arevolutionary movement on the llth of Septem

ber, 1877, forced Herrera to surrender the executive
59
office to Tomds Guardia, who assumed the duties,
the municipal governments recognizing him as provis
60
ional president with unlimited powers. On the 24th
he called on the people to choose a constituent assem
bly to meet on the 23d of December. The same day
he created a gran consejo nacional, delegating the
choice of the majority of its members to the munici
palities. That body, under its constitution, had de
volved upon it several important duties.
61
general A
amnesty law for political offences was decreed October
15th, and on the 17th the gran consejo nacional issued
a ley de garantias, declaring life, liberty, and property
1
877, 1-3. Guardia had been appointed plenipotentiary to G-uat. and Salv. He
visited Guat. first, and arrived at San Salvador Aug. 3d. In presenting his
credentials he said that he had been instructed to pave the way for the fusion
of the positive interests of Cent. Am. The real object of his mission seems,
however, to have been to enlist the two governments in his projects of war
against Nic. Both failed him. Salv., Gac. Ofic., Aug. 5, 15, Dec. 7, 1876;
Feb. 25, 1877; Pan. Star and Herald, Jan. 17, 1877; Nic., Mem. Pel, 1879, p.
iii.-iv. 23-5. Relations with Nic. were not restored till June 30, 1878. Costa
7?., Col Ley., xxiv. 168-9; xxv. 97-8.
58
Almost his first act was to dismiss from the educational establishments
the able teachers who had been brought out at great expense, replacing them
with Jesuits. For he was rewarded with an autograph letter from
this act
the pope. He removed the competentforeigners from the management of the
railroad on the plea of economy, employing in their places inefficient, because
inexperienced, natives; the result being deterioration of rolling stock, and
general mismanagement. He forbade cutting rubber on the waste lands, and
imposed a duty of 3 cents per lb. He tried to force Great Britain to recall
one of her consular agents. Pan. Star and Herald, Jan. 20, 1877.
59
He pretended to temporarily do so on the plea of ill health.
60
He chose Pedro Quirdz and Rafael Barroeta his substitutes. Costa R. ,

Informe Gobern., 1878, 2.

C1
Appointing members of the supreme court, enacting laws, and discharg
ing the functions of a consultive council. Id., 1878, 1-2; Salv., Diario Ofic.,
Sept. 25, Oct. 11, 1878.
 ARBITRARY RULE. 387

62
inviolable. This law was in force only about three
months.
Costa Rica was not, it seemed, to be free from
actual or impending trouble. Guatemala refused to
Guardia s government, and the latter closed
recognize
relations with her as long as Barrios should be her
63
ruler. Early in the following January rumors came
that the republic would soon be invaded by a party of
men who had in Nicaragua organized a government,
and purposed establishing it in Costa Rica by force of
arms, if necessary. The invasion took place through
Limon, under the leadership of Federico Mora, who
called himself provisional president. In consequence
of this the law of guaranties, and the elections for
the constituent assembly, were suspended, and a de
cree issued for the punishment of the invaders when
64
taken. The attempt
to overthrow Guardia failed,
Mora being defeated at El Zapote and Matina, and
fleeing to Nicaragua. The campaign lasted only eight
65
days. Quiet having been restored for a time, an
66
amnesty was granted to political offenders.
Very little worth mentioning occurred in 1879, ex
cept that in October Costa Rica suspended relations
with Salvador. Guardia on the 10th of July, 1880,
restored the law of guaranties, and repeated those of
January 21 and February 1, 1878, appointing August
1st for the election of deputies, and the 29th of the
same month for the instalment of the constituent as
sembly. This body met on the appointed day, 67 but
had been in session only about three weeks, when from
the liberal views introduced and discussed,, and likely

62
Promulgated the 18th by Guardia. Costa R., Col. Ley., xxv. 186-7, 210-
11, 217-19, 228-30; Id., Col. Disp. Leyis., 1878, 16-17.
63
Decree of Dec. 19, 1877. U. S. Gov. Doc., H. Ex. Doc., 45th Cong.,
3d Sess., i. 76-9. Relations with Hond. were also interrupted in 1878. Costa
R., Informe Min. ReL, 1879, 2; Id., Col. Ley., xxv. 237.
04
Costa R., Col Disp. Legis., 1878, 19-20, 25-6; Id., Prod., Jan. 24, 1878;
Id.. Informe Gobern., 1878, 2-3; Id., Inf. Guerra y Marina, 1878, 2.
65
Finally Mora was forbidden by the Nicaraguan government to reside
within the eastern and southern departments. Nic., Mem. ReL, 1879, p. iv.
66
Sept. 12, 1878. Salv., Diario Ofic., Oct. 11, 1878.
67
Costa R., Instal Asambka Legis., 1880, 7 f.
888 POLITICAL EVENTS IN COSTA RICA,

to be incorporated in the new constitution, it became

apparent that Guardia would not be the popular choice
for the next presidential term. The last day s pro
68
ceedings were an indication of the doom of despotism.
Guardia and his satellites, alarmed at their impend
ing downfall, resolved that their safety lay in dissolv
ing the assembly, suspending the law of guaranties,
and imposing on the people anew the dictatorship.
This was done at once on the pretext of suppressing
an imaginary revolution. The military being all pow
erful, Guardia on the 28th of September revived the
gran consejo nacional to meet at San Jose on the IGth
of October. He continued his usual arbitrary prac
tices of imprisoning and exiling such persons as made
themselves obnoxious to him. In 1881 he revisited 6<J

Europe, and in his absence Salvador Lara acted as

president. constituent assembly was A
convoked,
which adopted a constitution containing very liberal
clauses, on the 7th of December. This constitution
Guardia suspended on his return to power, early in
1882, but restored with amendments by his decree of
April Guardia s health had not been much
2f>th.

benefited by his journey to Europe, and death over

took him at Alajuela in the evening of July 6, 1882.
The highest honors were paid to his remains, such as
were never seen in Central America before or after
70
the independence. They were buried in San Jose.
Saturnine Lizano had charge of the executive office
until the 20th of July, when he surrendered it to the
designado General Prospero Fernandez, who being
subsequently elected president was inducted into office
on the 10th of August. 71 The new administration
68
Abolition of capital punishment adopted; also the following clauses:
l.iws to have no retroactive effect; all persons, not convicted of crime, were
tree, and to have the privilege of entering and leaving the republic; right of
congregating unarmed to discuss public affairs, and the conduct of officials, of
petitioning individually or collectively, and of expressing political opinions,
together with freedom of the press fully recognized. Pan. Star and Herald,
Oct. l(i, 1880.
G9
Free expressions of opinion were an open road to persecution. Id., Nov.
<>,
1880.
7J
(W// 7?., JTonorcx Fun., 1882, 1-50; Pan. Star and Herald, July 20, 1882.
71
Fernandez was born in San Jose July 18, 1834. He received a portion
 CHURCH AFFAIRS. 389

soon restored diplomatic intercourse with Guate

72
mala, Salvador, and Honduras.
The relations of the government with the church
became strained in 1883. Early that year a decree
was issued forbidding the entry of members of the
society of Jesus into the republic, though a few
who had charge of a college at Cartago were allowed
to remain. The clergy began an agitation, and had
to be advised by the government, and the bishop as
73
well, to moderate their zeal. But the trouble did
not end. The old struggle between the civil and
ecclesiastical powers was revived. Bishop Thiel, with
the aid of the Jesuits, attempted to interfere with and
to place himself above the government, which, on its
part, under the authority conferred by congress, re
solved to uphold its supreme authority at all hazards.
Hence a decree of July 18, 1884, expelling the bishop
and the Jesuits from the country. 74 Other important
measures affecting the clergy were also adopted at
75
this time. The bishop was recalled in the following
year.
The republic was at peace, when a measure of the
legislative assembly of Guatemala came to create
a great alarm. I refer to the decree of February
28, 1885, declaring the union of Central America in
the form of a single republic, to carry out which

of his education in Guat., and at 18 years of age entered the Costa Rican
army. In 1854 he was a sub-lieutenant, and in 1856 served in Nic. against
Walker. In 1860 he fought against the invaders under Ex-presid. Mora at
Angostura. In 1870 he was one of the few men that captured the artillery
barracks, thereby causing the overthrow of Presid. Jimenez. During Guar-
dia s rule he held several positions of trust and rose to gen. of division. His
wife was named Cristina Guardia. Costa R., Boletin Ofic., March 14, 1885; Id.,
Gaceta, April 30, 1885.
72
Aug. 11, 1882, a gen. amnesty for political offences to date was decreed.
73
A sort of compromise was agreed to; a few officials were removed, and
the Quincenal Joseftno, Montufar s journal, ceased publication. Pan. Star
and Herald, Feb. 24, 1883.
74
They were embarked the 19th at Limon; and the fact was telegraphed
the same day to the other Cent. Am. governments by Sec. of State Castro.
El Guatemalteco, July 30, 1884; Costa R., fnforme Rel, 1885, 17, 89-91; Pan.
Star and Herald, Sept. 18, 1885.
73
July 19th, cemeteries were secularized. July 22d, religious orders
were suppressed. All these executive decrees were countersigned by Minis
ter Bernardo Soto, who later became
president. Costa JR., Gaceta, June 9, 1885.
390 POLITICAL EVENTS IN COSTA RICA.

scheme President Barrios assumed military command

over Central America. The news of this was re
ceived by President Fernandez from Barrios himself
76
in a telegram on the 7th of March. The national
congress was then summoned to meet on Sunday the
8th, and the president called on the people to prepare
for the defence of Costa Bican independence. The
call was responded to with much enthusiasm. Con
gress clothed the executive with extraordinary pow
77
ers. But fate had decreed that Fernandez should be
saved the vexation of spirit and anxiety which the
situation must have caused him. He died suddenly in
Atenas between 3 and 4 o clock in the morning of
March 12th. Fernandez was greatly esteemed both
as a private and public man. His funeral took place
from the presidential mansion on the next day, with
the honors due his position as the national chief
78
magistrate.
The first designado, General and Licentiate Ber
nardo Soto, immediately assumed the duties of presi
79
dent, as well as of commander of the forces, and at
once called to form his cabinet Jose M. Castro, Mauro
80
Fernandez, and Santiago de la Guardia. Prepara
tions for war were continued, and other nations ad-
76
The federation plan had been opposed in 1883 by Costa Rica refusing to
accredit delegates. GW
R., Gaceta, Feb. 3, 1885; U. S. Gov. Doc., II. Ex.
Doc., Cong. 48, Sess. 1, pt 1, 54.
Costa R. Gaceta, March 9-12, 1885.
"

78
Further honors to his memory at a later date. Aug. 3, 1885, it was
ordered that his bust should be placed in the public square of San Jose. Id.,
March 13, 14, Aug. 5, 1885; La Extrella de Pan., March 28, 1885; El Uni
versal (Pan.), March 17, 1885; Pan. Star and Herald, March 23, Sept. 9,
1885.
79
Soto is a native of Alajuela, Feb. 12, 1854; his parents being Gen.
Apolinar de J. Soto, and Joaquina Alfaro. He was educated in Costa Rica,
and in 1877 was admitted to the bar, and practised the legal profession till
1880, when he travelled in the U. S. On his return he was made governor
of the province of Alajuela, in which position he exerted himself for the ad
vancement of the province. He did not complete his term, having to make
a visit to Europe. On his return in April 1882, he was again appointed gov
ernor of Alajuela, and in August of the same year the executive called him to
fill a
position in his cabinet as minister of government, police, and public
works. Apr. 19, 1885, he married Pacifica, a daughter of Ex-president Fer
nandez; and May 15th, congress declared him a benemorito, and gen. of
uivision. Costa R., Gaceta, May 16, June 9, 1885.
80
The first named was given the portfolio of foreign affairs. Id., March
13, 14, 1885.
 PEACE AND WAK 391

vised Costa Rica s disapproval of Guatemala s

of
81
action. Peace was proclaimed on the 19th of April,
and the president on the 30th called congress to meet
on the 8th of May, when he would surrender the
extraordinary powers it had clothed him with.
General Fadrique Gutierrez attempted a revolution
in August, which failed. He was taken prisoner, tried
82
by court-martial, and cashiered.
81
Circular of March 17, 1885. It also explained the motives prompting
Costa R., Salv., and Nic. to resist Barrios projects. Id., Manif. del Gob.,
1885-6. Costa R. sent a contingent of troops to Nic., Hond., and Salv.
Her troops, however, had no opportunity to fight. Presid. Soto tendered his
resignation on the 5th of June, but it was not accepted, and extraordinary
powers were conferred on him for sixty days. Id., Gaceta, May 22, 23. June
6, 1885.
82
He was also deprived of his political rights, por el delito de conspira-
cion para rebelion, cometido en servicio activo de las armas. Costa ^., Gaceta.
Nov. 27, 1885.