The evening tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 189?-190?, 1897-05-28
COSTA RICA'S BOOM.
MESSAGE or THE PRESIDENT GIVES
EVIDENCE or GREAT THRIFT.

Reference Made tn the Greater Republic
Of Central America-Happy Conclusion
of the boundary Line Controversy with
Colombia--An Era of General Prosperity.
The recent message of the president
of the republic of Costa Rica to the ma
tonal congress of that country speaks
of the encouragements which have
characterized the year and says the
largely satisfactory solution arrived at
in questions engaging the governments
attention has contributed 60 an extraor-
dinary and unforeseen extent, SO as TO
distinguish as prosperous year in their
history the fiscal period just ended
The message speaks of the establish-
ment of the Greater Republic Of Central
America, composed of the states of Sal
vador, Honduras and Nicaragua, and
says it constitutes an act Of sufficient sig
nifcance in the political march Of Cen
trail America. The union is regarded by
the president as guarantee Of peace to
Central America. Costa Rica has not
yet joined the compact, the government
regarding it unnecessary for the pres
ent, at least, for reasons which are set
forth.
Reference is made to the Central
American exposition, promoted by Qua
temala, to which Costa Rioa has con-
tributed. Costa Rica has also received
the idea proposed by Guatemala to or
ganize in that republic a judicial con-
gress to engage in the study of the va
ried legislation Of the sister republics
in order to obtain, as far as possible,
uniformity in their respective codes, the
adoption Of single monetary system
and system Of weights and measures,
and Of law for public instruction.
The hope is expressed for a satisfac-
tory solution to both Nicaragua and
Costa Rica of the boundary line differ
ences between the two countries. A
joint commission is about to make sur
vey and is to have the assistance Of
Civil Engineer f. p Alexander of
South Carolina, who was appointed by
President Cleveland at the request of
the governments interested. He will act
as an arbitrator OH disputed points.
The president feiicitously refers to
the negotiation of the arbitration treaty
with Colombia for the settlement of the
boundary line question with that coun-
try. This treaty has been ratified by
the congresses of both countries inter-
ested, and ratifications will soon be ex-
changed in Washington BY the legations
Of both republics. The national econo-
my il one of tho subjects to which the
executive power has devoted very spe-
cial attention. and after q study of the
conditions Of the country he issued the
decree reformatory Of the monetary sys-
tenn, adopting in practice tho gold stand
ard, which is now the money of Costa
Rica.
The message also states that bank
ing law will soon be promulgated
which, consulting tho public interests,
will endeavor TO overcome the objec-
tions attributed TO plurality Of issues
The arrangement for the settlement
Of the foreign debt having been effected,
the government has OH deposit funds
sufficient TO meet, when due, the inter-
est on the first coupon.
The state of the public finances is sat-
isfactory to tho extent Of the govern
ment's abilities, it is said, without es-
tablishing now imposts or resorting to
the public credit, and figures are given
showing that there was an aggregate
amount of $l,27o,000 approximately
subject to the order of the treasury on
March 81 last.
The president recommends the
amendment Of the tariff laws and Of
the procedure under the fiscal law relat-
ing to the crime OF smuggling and says
the attention of the government has been
directed to the construction of the Pacific
railroad, which will soon complete the
interoceanic al rail route across Costa
Rica.
Boat That VIII Not Sink.