New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-04-07
CENTRAL AMERICAN REPOLUTION.
SENIOR BATREs's DEFENCE OF BARRlos.
NOT INFLUENCED BY PERSONAL AMDlTIoN-FAvoE-
ABLE To THE NICARAGUA CANAL PROJECT
fnvr eel Pr To- THY |

nor INFLUENCED BY PERSONAL AMBITIoN-FAvOE-
ABLE To THE NICARAGUA CANAL PROJECT.
[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.
WASHINGTON, April 6.-Senor Batres, the
Guatamaan Minister. who reached Washington several
days ago said to-day: AT last It is becoming apparent
that the greater part OF all that has been alleged
by the enemies OF the union Of the Central American
States false and absurd. Some newspapers have as
serted that General Barros has attempted TO force the
union from motives Of personal ambition, ana yet MS
proclamation shows the contrary to be the TACT Tor III
that proclamation pledges himself not TO accept the
Presidency of the United Republics. 1t is
fact that the constitution Of each OF the five
Central American republics contains an article
which proydes that these five States shall constitute
single nationality when union shall have been pro-
claimed and sustained How, then, can 1t be truhully
asserted that General Barros has assumed the role of
dictator
II has further been alleged and persstently main
tanned that one OF the principal objects Of Barrios is
the Illustration OF the Nicaragua Canal project
This allegation is without foundation In fact
Barros has always favored the canal project and has
been an advocate Of the treaty negotiated be-
tween Nicaragua and the United States for the success
full carrying of this enterprise This fact is esab
ished by the Presidents OF the respective
States OF Central America These letters were written
in June last, and copies will be presented TO the
state Department here. They not only commend the
canal project but urge the negotiation or treaty win
the United States to insure the RAPID completion OF the
work have copies of those letters. The first is
ply letters from President Cardvas OF Nicaragua, In
which Cardvas solicited the opinion and advice OF Bar
rios on the proposition of the United States Government
to build the Nicaragua Canal The reply OF General
Barrios is dated June 81. 1884, and In II he says
"'Now that the Government of the United States pro-
poses this enterprise and 10 construct with
its funds the canal, the case Is different and In my
Judgment 1t should be resolved promptly. nave e1-
slider II not only acceptable, but advantageous Tor
Nicaragua and for all Central America.
am unlike the many Central Americans who con-
dangerous for the integrity and independence OF
Central America the Intervention of North America In
To- fear such peril not only because the American peo
pie ana have been given 70 conquest but
because firmly believe that neither the Independence
the integrity OF the Republic Is mperled by Tie
progress, civilization industry, commerce, etc, which
would be brought to us by North American ingress
Beyond these fears, which consider puerile there re-
mains nothing but the evident cxpedency that the work
of the canal should be executed by the United states
Government which certainly will only bring advantages
to the whole of Central america. an glad that you
hold the same opinions that do and II VIII serve To
advance the object, and desire II, Will contribute
TO assist negotiation which conceive to be acceptable
and beneficial
- Upon the same day General Barros wrote letters Of
iaport 10 the Presidents OF Honduras and salvador
aud on June 26 five days thereafter TO the President
of Costa Rica To the President Of Honduras Barrtos
Il believe it is vain TO hope that "a work
of this magnitude can be constructed by private
companies, and unless the offer OF the United States In
at accepted all hope must he at relHquished
OF seeing realized the construction Of the Nicaragua
Canal
These letters clearly show that General Barrios was
earnestly in favor OF the treaty between the United
States and Nicaragua and OF the consruc-
The letters also show that the allegation that Barros Is
governed by French influences In his efforts TO unite the
Central American Republics is without the slightest
Official copies OF the letters mentioned submitted
by Senior Batres to-day TO Secretary Bayard.