The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-08-31
A NEW FEDERAL REPUBLIC.

A dispatch in the Journal few days ago
from Managua, Nicaragua, stated that the
members of the convention which had been
engaged there in framing constitution fer
the Greater Republic of Central America,
embracing Salvador, Honduras and Nicara-
qua, had finally signed the constitution, and
seven commissioners had been appointed
and empowered to act as federal govern
ment until the election of 4 President, In
December next who will be inaugurated
March l. 1899. AT the election for President
there will also be elected senator's, repre-
sentatives and federal judges for terms of
four years. beginning March 1, 1899.
The formation of this government, which
is new federal republic on lines very SINH
lar to the government of the United States,
is rather exceptional in Central American
history, in that it has proceeded in per-
fectly orderly manner and without any
trace of revolutionary methods. The move
ment began in 1895, when sentiment in favor
of federation was stimulated by the threat
ened outbreak of hostilities between Mexico
and Guatemala, and the aggressive action
of Great Britain in occupying for time
the Nicaragua port of Corinto. These events
made it apparent that federal union OF
the Central American states would not only
increase their powers Of defense against out
side aggressors, but rebound to the benefit
of their industrial and commercial inter-
ests BY both geographical situation and
racial affinity the Central American repub-
lies are closely allied. A serious obstacle to
their federal union heretofore has been the
personal rivalries and petty jealousies OF
their political leaders. 1t looks now as II
this were measuraby overcome The move
ment began to take shape by the signing
of a treaty at Amapola, Honduras, in June,
1895. by the Presidents of Salvador, Hondu-
ras and Nicaragua. 1t was expected that
Guatemala and Costa Rica would join in
this treaty and in the new federation, but
the dispatches do not make it quite clear
whether they have done so or not. If they
have not already there is little doubt but
they will. Under the new federal constitu-
ton the autonomy of the several states is
preserved and the union has TO do only with
matters affecting foreign relations. 1t pro-
vides for congress composed of an equal
number or representatives, from eacn OF the
states, which shall sit yearly at the capitals
of the different states in succession. This
Congress is to have charge only of foreign
affairs and relations. 1t is to appoint min
listers and consuls, negotiate treaties, and
consider all questions concerning the rela-
tons of the federated states, or any one
of them, with foreign powers 1t cannot
declare war. but if it is impossible to settle
any question peaceably or to have it arbi-
trated upon, the several governments must
be notified, and they may declare war, each
for itself. settle the dispute as they
please. Domestic differences between the
republics are to be sttled by arbitration,
preferably by the United States. The adop-
ton of the federal constitution ought to
contribute materially to the establishment
of stable government in all the Central
American states and TO the development of
their internal resources and foreign COM
merce. For this reason it is an event of
interest to the United States. as also be-
cause it indicates the progress of the Latin
race in America in the principles of repub-
lican government