The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1897-01-06
new NATION RECOGNIZED
Envoy From the Greater Central
American Republic Received
THE PRESIDENTS ADDRESS,

Cleveland Welcomes Minister Rodriguez.
Expresses Pleasure on Union of Saliva
dor. Honduras and NIcaragua---Says
That He Hopes Guatemala and Costa
WASHINGTON, D. C. Special. D.-President
Cleveland Wednesday afternoon, in signiA-
cant speech, formally recognized the new
Greater Republic Of Central America, COM
posed of Salvador, Nicaragua and Hon
duras, by receiving in the East Room OF the
Executive Mansion the Envoy OF the Diet OF
the new Government, ]. D. Rodriguez, who
was accompanied by his Secretary of Lega-
tion, Luis F. Corea, and his attache, J. D.
Rodriguez, Jr. Secretary Olney presented
the Central Americans, who wore full even
ing dress. Minister Rodriguez was in Wash
ington ten years ago as agent for Nicaragua
in boundary dispute with Costa Rica,
which the President decided as arbitrator.
The delay In receiving DR.. Rodriguez was
due to desire on the part Of the President
to know what the nature Of the confederacy
was, and whether it was of such character as
to justify the reception OF an envoy to repre-
sent all three republics, and whether the
recognition thus established would In any
way affect the status OF the Nicaragua canal
concession. -..-
DR.. Rodriguez said to the President that
the Greater Republic, in sending him to
Washington, instructed him to give assur-
ances to the United States that the Greater
Republic Of Central America entertains the
same sentiments Of cordial good will toward
this country that had always been held by
the three Governments composing the new
Republic.
The President, in reply, spoke as follows
"Mr. Minister: I take pleasure In recogniz-
ing, in the name Of the United States OF
America, the Greater Republic Of Central
America, constituted pursuant to stiPulations non
OF the treaty of Amapala Of June 20, 1895,
between the republics of Honduras. Nicara-
qua and Salvador and In entering into dip
lomatic relations Herewith. Such reco2ni-
tion Is given and such relations entered upon
in the distinct understanding that the re-
sponsibility of each Of these republics to the
United States Of America remains wholly
unaffected.
"f discern in the articles of association
from which the Diet derives its powers step
toward a closer union OF Central American
States in the interest OF their common de-
fence and general welfare, and I welcome 1t
as the precursor of other steps to be taken
In the same direction, and which 1t Is hoped
may eventually result in the consolidation
OF all the States of Central America as one
Nation for all the purposes OF their foreign
relations and intercourse.
ITO you individually extend a cordial
greeting. both personal and official, and
trust that your renewed residence at the
capital Of this country. where you formerly
held an important mission, will be as agree
able in its personal relations as I believe
it will be useful and profitable for the coun-
tries you represent between each OF which
and the United States has always existed
and 1t is hoped will always exist the closest
ties of friendship" =, -,
The Presidents expressed hope that the
new republic would soon include Costa Rica
and Guatemala, the two richest and most pro-
gresslve Of the Isthmian countries, Is expect
ed to have considerable weight in expediting
their adherence to the new arrangem mt.
The Governments Of both countries are fav-
orably disposed towards the union, but are
prevented by their Constitutions from join
Ing 1t without the full approval OF their Leg
islatures, which will probably be secured in
few months.
The Diet of the new Greater Republic,
which met in Amapala, Salvador, last June,
and remains there year, Will be transferred
to the capital OF one of the ether countries
OF the others for year. It has exclusive
control OF the foreign relations OF Its mem
bers and questions arising between them.
Its Constitution provides for dropping the
word "Greater" from its title when joined by
Guatemala and Costa Rica.
The tie which now binds the three repub-
lies ia as yet slender and weak, but states
men of all three countries look upon 1t as
a link yet to be forged into still stronger
federal union, which it is hoped will en-
brace Costa Rica and Guatemala and re-
establish the union which lasted from 1928
to 1889. The numerous railroa'ls now built
and building through the several States, the
greatly increased facilities OF coast COM
munication by steam navigation, the great
increase in foreign capital invested, and the
growing pressure from Mexico on the north
and Colombia on the south have been max
ing the necessity for the re-establishment
of the union more and more impressive: