The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1897-07-30
Q OBJECTION TO MERRY
a Subject About Which the State Depart
n1ent Has Little to Say.
WHY CENTRAL AMERICANS DISLIKE HIM.
The Greater Republic objects to IIins
because Of Elis Pronounced Wow.
In Regard TO sho Nicaragunn Canal
Powers OF tho New Government
OF tho Allied Republics.
Washington, Inlv %. IS,

washington, July 29, 1887.
The officials Of the State Depart
ment are very reticent upon : the
subject of the objection which has been
lodged against the reception Of Captain
w. l.. Merry, of San Francisco, as
United States minister to Nicaragua,
Costa Rica and Salvador, to succeed
Lewis Baker. The matter is now engag-
ing the attention Of the officials, and it
Is expected that within a few days such
representations will be made on our
part to the countries concerned as may
induce them to abandon their objection
as not well founded. It Is gathered
that the objection Is preferred by one
OF the three countries 10 which Mr..
Merry is accredited, and that one Of the
other two has supported 1t altogether
as matter Of courtesy toward u com
rade In the league which forms the
Greater Republic of Central America.
1t Is possible that the objection to tho
selection Of Captain Merry 1t not SO
much on account Of the manner in
which he has been credited to the three
countries Of Central America, inst cad
or the Greater Republic OF Central
America, as because OF his pronounced
views on the Nicaragua canal. Captain
Merry was pushed by the California
delegation for the position because he
was an enthusiastic supporter Of the
canal project and because Of his wide
knowledge of the subject.
When 1t was published that he was
likely to be appointed the son Of ]. d.
Rodriguez, Minister of the Greater Re-
public OF Central America, made a pro-
test to the Department Of State against
his appointment. The reason given was
that he would not be accepatble to all
the countries forming the new govern
ment. Some old questions were called
UP. and 1T was stated that the present
President Of one of the States objected
to Merry. This was all cleared up and
cable was received from the President
credited with making the objection, say
ing that Captain Merry would be quite
acceptable as minister and he would be
glad to welcome him. The nomination
OF Merry was then sent in and he was
confirmed. but 1t appears that his en-.
thustastlc support OF the canal project
has made him unaccept able to Rodrl-
Euez who Is opposed to the canal as re-
ported In the bill before the last Con-
gress. 1t will be remembered that
letter of his was published while the
bill was under discussion, taking decided
grounds against the canal
Captain Merry presented n paper to
the Trans-Mississlppi Congress at Salt
Lake City on July 18th, this year TAX
ing most emphatic position In favor
OF the construction Of the canal
In connection with the organization
Of the Central American States n very
interesting report has been received
from William Meyers Little, consul at
Legucigalpa. Honduras, enclosing a
copy Of the treaty that has been signed
by the representatives of the five Cen
trail American States or Republic Of
Guatemala. Costa Rlca, Nicaragua,
Honduras and Salvador This treaty
was signed by all the Republics June
18th, and Is expected to go into effect
september 18th, If ratified by that time
The union Is named the Republic of Cen
trail America, and the countries forming
1t will now take the names Of States.
Last year when the Republics of Hon
duras. Nicaragua and Salvador formed
themselves into the Greater Republic
Of Central America" provision was
made for the admission of Guatamala
and Costa Rica, which has now been ac-
complished. The treaty is similar to
that made last year, except that its
provisions are extended and consdera-
Die legislation Is enacted In 1T for the
government Of the new Republic. The
Republic has the power to nominate
diplomatic and consular officers, and to
receive foreign ENJOYS and give exc
quatur to foreign consuls, to issue pass
Poi 10 " llllHlSlerS ana ENJOYS OF for
eign nations. and to withdraw exeuua.
tur OF consuls. One section of the
treaty provides that 1.-The diplomatic
and consular representation shall here
after he in the name Of the Republic
OF Central America" but 1T is under
stood that when a State may need on
Its account, diplomatic or consular rep
resentation. 1t shall be provided with
the parsonage 1t may indicate.
The government Of the new Republic
Is vested in n chief OF States, who is
to be elected, taken from each of the
States IN their alphabetical order, and
who shall hold office for one year. A
council composed Of two representatives
from each State. with the chiefs of
States shall constitute the government
Alliances OF defense and preservation
for all the States are provided, and the
expense OF government and Of war are
to be assessed by the council.
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