The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-10-04
INTERESTING FROM CENTRAL AMERICA

Late intelligence from San Juan, or Grey;
town, is quite interesting. The people of that
place held mass meeting on the 9Th of Sep,
TENDER, for the purpose of organizing Provis,
ional Government, and electing the necessary
officers. After addresses had been made by
Colonel Kinney and others, plan of organiza-
ton was adopted, the preamble to WHICH sets
forth the necessity of constituted authorities
for the protection of life and property, and as
serts the inalienable right Of the people to
adopt measures for their security as commu-
nity and to promote their common interests.
1t was then resolved
lst. That Military and Civil Governor be
chosen by the people, to whom full powers shall
be delegated for the appointment of such subor-
diEate officers, except the Council hereinafter
named, and the establishment of such offices
and wholesome laws and regulations as shall
appear to him best adapted for the promotion
of the general safety and welfare, and the car
rying of such laws and regulations into effect :;
the same to be done with the advice and con-
sent of the Council.
I'd. That Council, to be composed of five
persons, be chosen by the people, whose duty it
shall be to consult with and adyise the Gov
ernor upon all matters connected with the pub.
lie interest, and the consent of majority of
whom shall be necessary to the appointment of
any officer, and the enactment of any law or
regulation.
Sd. That the deliberative meetings of the
Governor and Council shall be open to the
public, unless, in the opinion Of the Governor,
the public good should otherwise demand.
4th That the Council be empowered by the
people to draft Constitution, which, after re-
ceiving the sanction of the Governor, shall be
submitted to them for adoption by ballot.
That tho Provisional pou,
established, shall continue in power until such
time as it may seem fit and expedient to the
people to meet and elect a permanent one I'M
der the new Constitution.
9Th That no taxes shall be levied on the
citizens of San Juan, or Greytown, and its ter
ritorY, without the consent of majority of the
citizens being owners of real estate or personal
property to the amount of $3.50, excepting such
inhabitants as have been residents six months
and upwards.
It'll. That all foreign vessels, excepting mail
steamers, entering the harbor, shall pay the
same port charges as formerly levied in this
port, from and after the lst day of October
next.
Sth. That the former printed Constitution of
Greytowa, or San Juan del Norte, shall be
adopted as basis to govern the action of the
Government.
9Th. That nothing IN the foregoing articles
shall be construed as depriving the people of
their rights to assemble together and discuss
matters relative to the public good, and instruct
the Governor and Council upon any subject af-
fecting the same.
In pursuance of the above resolves, the fol-
lowing officers were elected:
Henry i. Kinney, Civil and Military Gov
eribt.
W Tboyor Soora,orv of tho Governn,ant
J. r. Swift, Captain Of the Port, and Col
lector.
S. T. Haly, Chief Judicial Magistrate.
w. II. Young, Government Attorney.
I. Salter, Postmaster and Recorder of Deeds.
8. e.. Shock, Provost Marspfi.
Thomas S. Codd, Deputy Provost Marshal.
John Jackson, Surveyor.
B. Wark, Constable.
Hr. Thomas Cody, A. M. c. Wood, Benjamin
Moony, Walter Sutherland, oamue. Shepherd,
ir., members of the Council.