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THE CENTRAL AMERICAN 
 
 z 
 
 PEACE CONFERENCE 
 
 HELD AT WASHINGTON, D. C. 
 
 1907 
 
 REPORT OF 
 
 MR. WILLIAM I. BUCHANAN 
 
 REPRESENTING THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 
 
 WASHINGTON 
 
 GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFPrCE 
 1908 
 

 ^^w^r(,H 
 
REPORT 
 
 OF 
 
 THE CENTRAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 HELD AT WASHINGTON, D. C, 1907. 
 
 By Me. William I. Buchanan, 
 Representing the United States of America. 
 
 Sir : I have the honor to submit the following report of the Cen- 
 tral American Peace Conference held at Washington, D. C, Novem- 
 ber 13 to December 20, 1907, between delegates representing the five 
 Central American Republics — Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, 
 Nicaragua, and Salvador. In accordance with the provisions of 
 Article II of the protocol convening the Conference, signed at Wash- 
 ington, September 17, 1907, between the diplomatic representatives 
 of the said Republics, Mexico and the United States were invited 
 to participate in the Conference in a friendly capacity. Mexico 
 designated his excellency the Mexican ambassador at Washington 
 as her representative, while I had the honor to participate as repre- 
 sentative of the United States. 
 
 The Conference grew out of the friendly initiative that was taken 
 during last summer by their Excellencies the Presidents of the 
 United States and of Mexico, in an endeavor to secure an adjustment 
 of the then pending disputes between several of these Republics in 
 some form that would insure permanent peace among them and fos- 
 ter their development. 
 
 As a result of this step a preliminary conference between the diplo- 
 matic representatives of the five Republics was held at the Bureau 
 of American Republics, Washington, D. C, on September 16 and 
 17, 1907. There were also present Hon. A. A. Adee, of the Depart- 
 ment of State, and Sefior Don Jose F. Godoy, Charge d'Affaires of 
 Mexico. At this conference the protocol convening the Conference 
 was agreed to and the time fixed for the first fifteen days of Novem- 
 ber. The text of this protocol — in English — will be found in the 
 minutes which accompany this report as inclosure 1. 
 
 The Conference was called together by the Secretary of State in 
 the following note, dated November 11, 1907: ' 
 
 " Department of State, 
 " Washington, November 11, 1907. 
 " Excellencies : The plenipotentiaries of the five Central American Republics 
 of Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Salvador, appointed by 
 their respective Governments in pursuance of the protocol signed in Washington 
 
 3 
 
4 CENTEAIi AMEEICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 on the 17th day of September, 1907, having arrived in the city of Washington 
 for the purposes of the Conference contemplated in the said protocol, I have the 
 honor to request that the said plenipotentiaries, together with the representa- 
 tives of the United Mexican States and of the United States of America, ap- 
 pointed pursuant to the second article of said protocol, convene in the building 
 of the Bureau of American Eepubllcs in the city of Washington, on the 14th day 
 of November, instant, at half past 2 in the afternoon. 
 
 " I avail myself of this opportimity to offer to your excellencies the assurances 
 of my highest consideration. 
 
 " Blihu Root." 
 To their excellencies the — 
 
 DELEGATES TO THE CENTRAI. AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 COSTA RICA. 
 
 Senor Dr. Don Luis Anderson, Minister 
 for Foreign Affairs. 
 
 Senor Dr. Don J. B. Calvo, Envoy Ex- 
 traordinary and Minister Plenipoten- 
 tiary at Washington. 
 
 GUATEMALA. 
 
 Senor Dr. Don Antonio Batres Juare- 
 gul. 
 
 Senor Don Victor Sanchez Ocana. 
 
 Senor Don Luis Toledo Herrarte, En- 
 voy Extraordinary and Minister 
 Plenipotentiary at Washington. 
 
 HONDURAS. 
 
 Senor Dr. Don Policarpo Bonllla. 
 
 Senor Don E. Constantino Fiallos. 
 
 Senor Dr. Don Angel Ugarte, Envoy 
 Extraordinary and Minister Plenipo- 
 tentiary at Washington. 
 
 NICARAGUA. 
 
 Senor Dr. Don Jose Madriz. 
 
 Senor Don Luis F. Corea, Envoy Ex- 
 traordinary and Minister Plenipoten- 
 tiary at Washington. 
 
 EL SALVADOR. 
 
 Senor Dr. Don Salvador Gallegos. 
 Senor Don Salvador Rodriguez, G. 
 Senor Dr. Don Federico Mejia, Envoy 
 
 Extraordinary and Minister IPlenipo- 
 
 tentiary at Washington. 
 
 To the representatives of — 
 
 MEXICO. 
 
 His Excellency Senor Don Enrique O. 
 Creel, Ambassador at Washington. 
 
 UNITED STATES. 
 
 Hon. William I. Buchanan, Buffalo, 
 
 N. y. 
 
 The secretaries of the different delegations were as follows : 
 
 HONDURAS. 
 
 Sefior Dr. Don Justd Gomez Osorio. 
 Sefior Don Urbano Ugarte. 
 Senor Dr. Don Manuel Ugarte. 
 
 NICARAGUA. 
 
 SeSor Ing. Don Nicolas Veloz. 
 
 EL SALVADOR. 
 
 Senor Don Salvador Galleagos (ft.). 
 
 The Conference was held at the Bureau of American Republics, 
 the entire second floor of the Bureau having been especially fitted and 
 furnished for the purpose of the Conference by the United States. 
 Preliminary meetings of the delegates were held on the 12th and 13th 
 of November for the purpose of agreeing upon rules to govern the 
 Conference and upon its officers. Neither the Mexican representatives 
 nor the undersigned were present during these sessions. 
 
 A copy of the rules agreed iipon to govern the Conference will be 
 found herewith, as Inclosure 2. It will be noted that they are based 
 upon the rules adopted by the Third Pan-American Conference held 
 at Rio de Janeiro in 1906, exceptions being the clause which required 
 all delegations to be present before a vote could be taken, and that by 
 which unanimity was required in voting, without prejudice to the 
 fact that if only three delegations voted affirmatively then the sub- 
 
OENTBAL AMBaiCAN PEACE CONPBBENCE. 5 
 
 ject became obligatory for them and a recommendation to the two 
 which had voted " No." The rules provided that the public should 
 not be admitted to the sessions of the Conferences. 
 
 The strained relations that had for many months existed between 
 several of the Eepublics made the ciuestion of rules one of considerable 
 delicacy, but the good spirit manifested by all the delegates, both at 
 that time and throughout the Conference, overcame these difficulties, 
 and as the Conference proceeded practically made nales almost un- 
 necessary. 
 
 The minutes of the preliminary meetings of the delegates will be 
 found herewith as Inclosure 3. 
 
 The inaugural session of the Conference was a public one, and, was 
 held at 2.30 p. m. on Thursday, November 14, in the conference rooms 
 at the Bureau of American Republics. 
 
 There were present, in addition to the delegates, their secretaries; 
 the representative of Mexico and the representative of the United 
 States; the Secretary of State, Hon. Elihu Root; the Assistant Sec- 
 retary of State, Hon. Robert Bacon; the Third Assistant Secretary 
 of State, Mr. Huntington Wilson ; the secretary of the Mexican em- 
 bassy, Sefior Jose F. Godoy ; the officials of the Bureau of American 
 Republics, and the personnel of the Central American legations. 
 
 The Conference was called to order by the Secretary of State, 
 Hon. Elihu Root, who in an address to the delegates urged them to 
 bring about lasting and durable peace between their several countries, 
 and to make such sure provision for this for the future that a re- 
 turn of the unfortunate conditions that had existed between and 
 among them would be impossible. The Secretary's remarks created 
 an excellent impression among the delegates and were many times 
 thereafter recalled and quoted by them in the discussions that took 
 place. 
 
 The Secretary of Stat« was followed by his excellency, the Mexi- 
 can ambassador, who in an eloquent address assured the delegates 
 of the cordial and deep interest felt by the Mexican Government in 
 the work before the Conference. 
 
 The credentials of the delegates were then examined by a special 
 committee, after which the Conference proceeded to elect Hie Ex- 
 cellency Sefior Dr. Don Luis Anderson, of Costa Rica, president of 
 the Conference, and Sefior Dr. Don Jose Madriz, of Nicaragua, and 
 Senor Dr. Don Salvador Rodriguez, of San Salvador, secretaries of 
 the Conference. 
 
 The Conference then unanimously elected honorary presidents of 
 the Conference their Excellencies Hon. Elihu Root, Secretary of 
 State of the United States, and Licenciado Don Ignacio Mariscal, 
 Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mexico. 
 
 The minutes of the inaugural session, together with a copy of the 
 address delivered at the time by the Secretary of State, the Mexican 
 ambassador, and by Mr. Anderson, will be found herewith as In- 
 closure 4. 
 
 The first regular session of the Conference was held on the fol- 
 lowing day — Friday, November 15 — and with the exception of an 
 adjournment taken on Thanksgiving Day as a mark of courtesy to 
 the United States, informal or formal sessions were daily held 
 thereafter. 
 
6 CENTEAL. AMERICAIT PEACE OONPERBNOE. 
 
 The first session began with the reading of the first article of the 
 diplomatic protocol signed at Washington, September 17, 1907, be- 
 tween the Republics represented in the Conference ; and 
 
 In view of the important bearing this article had on the results 
 attained by the Conference, I deem it well to insert here a trans- 
 lation of its text, as follows: 
 
 Upon receipt of the formal invitation, wUich, it is understood, will be simul- 
 taneously issued to each of the five Republics of Central America, by their 
 Excellencies the Presidents of the United States of America and of the United 
 Mexican States, a conference of the plenipotentiary representatives, which the 
 Governments of the Republics referred to shall appoint for that purpose — that 
 is to say, Costa Rica, Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua — will 
 meet during the first fifteen days of November next, at the city of Washington, 
 to discuss the steps to be taken and the measures to be adopted for the purpose 
 of adjusting any differences which exist between the said Republics or between 
 any of them, and for the purpose of concluding treaty which shall define their 
 general relations. 
 
 It will be noted that two things were to be done by the Conference 
 and in the following order: 
 
 (A) " Discuss the steps to be taken and the measures to be adopted for the 
 purpose of adjusting any differences which exist between the said Republics 
 or between any of them ; " and 
 
 (B) The concluding of "a treaty which shall define their general relations." 
 
 The reading of this article brought before the Conference the 
 important mater of what claims or questions, if any, were then pend- 
 ing between the Republics as an outgrowth of the armed disturbances 
 that had existed during many months between several of them. A 
 pause followed the reading of the article, each delegation apparently 
 waiting for some indication as, to the course events were likely to take. 
 The pause was followed by a declaration made by the chairman of 
 the delegation from Salvador that his country had no claim of any 
 kind to present against either of the other four Republics. This 
 declaration was at once followed, amid the applause of those present, 
 by a similar one made by the chairman of the delegation from each 
 of the remaining four Republics. 
 
 This action on the part of the Republics merits special notice, 
 since .it not only showed the excellent spirit which guided the dele- 
 gates and pointed to wide possibilities for effective work open to 
 the Conference, but beyond this effectively closed the door against 
 the presentation hereafter by either of the Republics of any claim 
 growing out of their armed disturbances in 1907. 
 
 The first provision set out in the protocol having thus been dis- 
 posed of, the Conference adjourned until Monday, the 18th, in order 
 that the different delegations might have time to prepare such 
 projects of treaties and conventions as they might deem properly 
 within the intent of the second provision of the protocol. 
 
 At the second session the president stated that the order of the 
 day would be the presentation of projects covering the general rela- 
 tions of the five Republics, as provided by the last part of the first 
 article of the September 17 protocol. 
 
 The Honduras delegation thereupon presented a project for a 
 union of the five Republics. This at once gave rise to differences of 
 opinion as to the scope of the Conference, which at times seemed 
 likely to affect its usefulness. Indeed, the divergent views brought 
 out by the presentation of the Honduras project were not entirely 
 
OENTEAL AMERICAN. PEACE OONFEEENCE. 7 
 
 dissipated until well on towards the closing session of the Conference. 
 Through the Honduras project the old and several times fruitlessly 
 attempted plan to form a Central American union again became a 
 live subject. It was strongly advocated by the Honduras delegation 
 as being the true solution for the constantly recurring disputes that 
 had held back the development of the Central American Kepublics. 
 The Nicaragua delegation favored the Honduras plan. The delega- 
 tion from Salvador inclined in that direction in principle, but the 
 delegation from Guatemala opposed it. The Costa Kica delegation 
 objected to the consideration of the matter, taking the ground that the 
 project was entirely out of order under the terms of the protocol 
 convening the Conference. 
 
 As a result of the discussion that followed the introduction of the 
 Honduras project as to whether or not the project was within the 
 intent of the article of the protocol which referred to the " general 
 relations of the Central American countries," the Guatemalan dele- 
 gation submitted a motion that the Conference should proceed to 
 draw up the bases for a general treaty of peace, taking the San Jose 
 treaty of September 25, 1906, as a guide. 
 
 In order to find a road out of the difficulty thus before the Confer- 
 ence, both projects were sent to a special- committee for their study 
 and report. This committee consisted of a representative from each 
 of the five delegations. 
 
 The committee submitted two reports at the next session of the 
 Conference. One report strongly favored the Honduras project. 
 This was signed by the members of the committee representing Hon- 
 duras and Nicaragua. The other report as strongly opposed that 
 project and favored the course proposed by Guatemala. This was 
 signed by the members of the committee representing Salvador, Costa 
 Rica and Guatemala. 
 
 The importance that was attached to the subject and its relation 
 to the political future of the five Republics leads me to insert here 
 a translation of both the Honduras and Guatemala projects, together 
 with the two committee reports referred to above. They are as fol- 
 lows: 
 
 " MEMOKANDTJM SUBMITTED BY THE DELEGATION FROM HONDrRAS. 
 
 "According to the protocol signed in Wasliington, September 17 last, between 
 the plenipotentiaries of the five Central American Republics and the declaration 
 made on the 15th of this month :'■ The object of this Conference is reduced to 
 the question of the manner through which a valid and lasting peace can be 
 secured in these countries ; their good relations conserved ; and to the negotia.- 
 tion of a treaty thai will set out their general relations. 
 
 " The delegates from Honduras expressing not only their own sentiments but 
 those of their Government as well, and interpreting those of the great majority 
 of the people of Honduras, find themselves of the belief that to reach the end 
 thus had in view by the Conference the sure and definite means to employ would 
 be the union in the Federal Itepublic of the five nationalities represented here. 
 
 " Every Central American agrees that the union is the absolute destiny of 
 these countries and that some day it will be realized; opinions differ only with 
 regard to the opportune moment to bring this about. This opportunity we see 
 
 ' This refers to the declaration made by the five Republics in the first session 
 of the Conference, that they had no claims to present against each other. 
 
b CENTRAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 In the present Conference, which appears to us to be the most propitious that 
 has occurred in the course of our national lives. 
 
 "The circumstances which have surrounded and now surround the plenipo- 
 tentiaries now assembled here may be again present, but can not be improved 
 in the future. 
 
 " The friendly Intervention of the United States and Mexico gives to the 
 Conference a powerful moral force, which has made Itself felt within and with- 
 out these Republics, carrying the conviction that something of lasting benefit 
 must result from Its work. Nothing would be so transcendental and advan- 
 tageous as the reestablishment of our old federation — this time upon firm and 
 immovable bases. 
 
 " On the other hand, the fact that no claims or differences exist between the 
 Central American Republics, as has been officially declared by the delegations, 
 facilitates and prepares the way to accomplish so noble an aspiration. 
 
 " The president of Nicaragua on his part has given an evidence of self-abne- 
 gation by his offer to retire from his office if this was necessary to bring about 
 the union. He has thus indicated the road that can be taken to overcome 
 obstacles such as that, should they be met with In an effort to carry out such 
 a plausible matter. We, on our part, declare that the president of Honduras 
 has been and is disposed to proceed in an identical manner — that is to say, to 
 put to one side his personality in deference to the general interests of all. 
 
 " The other Central American governments, animated, as we suppose, by 
 the same generous sentiments, would possibly not find it inconvenient to choose 
 the same course; and, in the event they did not, their resolution would only 
 delay the consolidation of the Republics, since at the end of their presidential 
 terms those in power would have to deliver back to the people the power they 
 had received from them. 
 
 " Passing now to a practical form in which our thought may be expressed, we 
 propose the following bases : 
 
 " First. The respective congresses to ratify within three months the treaties 
 signed at this Conference, and to then convoke a constitutional convention which 
 will frame the fundamental law of the Republic, and organize judicial powers 
 for its execution without prejudice to the disposition relative to the election of 
 the legislative and executive bodies in the future. 
 
 " Second. The constitutional convention to come together within three months 
 from the date it is called, and to convoke a regular congress in the form fixed by 
 the constitution. 
 
 " Third. The constitutional convention to provide among its acts that the 
 debts of the respective countries shall be assumed by them. 
 
 " Fourth. Until the Federal Republic is organized a supreme court will be 
 established, with guaranties for its Independence and Impartiality, with power 
 to resolve the differences which may arise between the States and other mat- 
 ters that may be set out in the corresponding treaty .' 
 
 " Fifth. The treaty will stipulate that a general amnesty shall be declared 
 by each Republic to cover nil those under arrest for political offenses or for 
 those connected with such offenses. 
 
 " In the preceding paragraphs we have indicated the criterion by which 
 the Honduras delegation is guided in its wish to obtain a result satisfactory 
 to the Conference ; we Invite you to study these general bases which, if they 
 merit your approval, we can develop in detail for submission to your enlightened 
 consideratiou. 
 
 "P. BONILLA. 
 
 " B. O. F1AI.LOS. 
 ■ " Anq6l Ugarte. 
 " Washington, yovemier 18, 1107." 
 
 " MEMORANDUM SUBMITTED BY THE DELEGATION FROM GUATEMAIA. 
 
 " To the Honorable Ventral American Conference of Peace: 
 
 " The delegation from Guatemala, in compliance with Its promise made 
 during the preceding session, has the honor to propose, that for the purpose of 
 the general treaty of peace, friendship, and commerce, the treaty signed at San 
 
 ' Reference is intended to the treaty contemplated to be signed should the pro- 
 posed Honduras plan be adopted by the Conference. 
 
CENTEAL AMEEICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 9 
 
 Jose de Costa Rica on tlie 25th of September of last year between the plenl- 
 Ijotentlaries of four of the Central American Republics shall serve as a basis, 
 making such necessary alterations as may be required at this time and adding 
 such stipulations as may be thought convenient concerning railways, custom- 
 houses, fiscal systems, moneys, or any other subjects that may be helpful toward 
 strengthening good relations between the Republics. The Hague project con- 
 cerning an arbitral court — its most perfect work — should be kept in view. 
 
 " Will the honorable Conference be good enough to accept the respectful 
 homage of this delegation. 
 
 •' Antonio Batres Juarequi. 
 
 " Luis Toledo Herbarte. 
 
 " Victor Sanches, O. 
 " Washington, November 18, 1907." 
 
 HEPOKT MADE BY THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE FAVORING THE 
 
 HONDURAS PROJECT. 
 
 " To the Honorable Gonferenoe: 
 
 " We are members of the committee charged with the study of and to report 
 on the projects presented by the delegations of Honduras and Guatemala. The 
 first proposes the union of the five Republics represented in the Conference in 
 one nation, organized as a federation as the best means to insure the peace of 
 Central America on a stable base of justice and liberty. The second proposes 
 the celebration of a treaty of friendship and peace modeled after the treaty of 
 San Jose of September 25, 1906, with such modifications as may be thought 
 necessary to insure good relations between the Central American States in the 
 future. Having substantially differed from our honorable colleagues on the 
 committee on an essential point, we have thought It convenient to formulate 
 our views in a separate report, as follows: 
 
 " When the committee met at 2 in the afternoon on the 18th instant, SeBor 
 Madriz indicated his belief that notwithstanding the difference and seeming 
 opposition between the two projects, he found in the two a conciliatory form 
 which he would propose to the committee. Given the transcendental character 
 of the Honduras project, he thought it should not be put to one side, as the opin- 
 ion of the majority appears to be. but on the contrary, he thought it should be 
 accepted and put in treaty form, in order that it might be remitted for the vote 
 of the different legislative assemblies. He added that a direct appeal in this 
 manner to the wishes of the people, in order that they might decide the question, 
 would not only be a proper homage to them but would also free the delegates 
 personally and the Conference from the grave responsibility they would assume 
 if, by an error of appreciation as to the actual political conditions in Central 
 Ajnerica, they should put to one side an idea that met the sentiments of the 
 majority of the people of Central America. Further, that this idea would not 
 exclude the conclusion of a treaty of friendship and peace which would take 
 the place of the fact of union "in the event the latter was not approved by the 
 majority of the States. 
 
 "After a short debate, the session of the committee was sijspended until the 
 delegation from Salvador could receive special cable instructions that had been 
 asked for by them. 
 
 " Day before yesterday the undersigned were notified that the committee 
 would continue its work, the next sitting to be yesterday at 9.20. Sefior Gal- 
 legos, of San Salvador, who wae found alone in his apartment, said to us : ' That 
 both he and Senores Batres Juaregui and Calvo regretted they were not in 
 accord with the Honduras project, believing, as they did, that the actual cir- 
 cumstances made it inopportune at this time to advance with any thought of 
 success the idea of a Central American imion, and that in consequence they 
 would be impelled to formulate a report substantially indorsing the Guatemala 
 motion and against the Honduras report.' Senor Gallegos proposed neverthe- 
 less to include our views in t'he same report, but we chose to make a separate 
 report. • 
 
 " Referring now to the cardinal points in the case, we thmk : 
 
 " First. That union will alone insure stable and eflicient peace and order in 
 Central America. 
 
10 CENTRAL AMEEICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 " Second. That an existing and constant sentiment of unity and a conscious- 
 ness of a common destiny are essential characteristics of our political life. 
 
 " Third. That obstacles to union do not originate with the people nor are they 
 insurmountable. 
 
 " Fourth. That the Conference should conclude a convention covering the 
 project submitted by the Honduras delegation and leave the solution of the 
 matter to the legislative assemblies of the Republics. 
 
 " Fifth. That inasmuch as a convention providing for union might not be 
 ratified by a suificient number of the States, it would be advisable for the Con- 
 ference to conclude at the same time a treaty of friendship, peace, arbitration, 
 etc., with the necessary provision for its development and application, as pro- 
 posed by the Guatemala delegation, and that the question of what steps could 
 be taken to guarantee the carrying out of this treaty should be discussed, so 
 that the fate that had befallen many other Central American treaties might not 
 overtake this one. 
 
 " Sixth and lastly. That a committee be named charged with the work of 
 submitting to the consideration of the Conference within the shortest possible 
 time projects for these suggested treaties. 
 
 " P. BONtLLA. 
 
 " Jos]6 Madriz." 
 " Washington, Xorcinher 22, 1907." 
 
 REFOBT OF THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE AGAINST THE 
 HONDURAS PROJECT. 
 
 " To the Honoralile Peace Conference: 
 
 " The undersigned members of the committee named to report on the projects 
 submitted by the Hondurean delegate — Dr. Don Policarpo Bonilla — and by 
 the Guatemala delegation, having in open session of the committee fully dis- 
 cussed them without unfortunately h;iving been able to agree with their 
 colleagues vipon a eonmiou report, have the honor to submit separately their 
 opinion, manifesting, in so far as the project submitted by Doctor Bonilla is con- 
 cerned, that while they consider the political union of Central America as the 
 greatest and noblest aspiration of patriotism, they equally think that the circum- 
 stances and conditions in which the Central American people find themselves 
 at the moment are not propitious to decree national reconstruction, which, in 
 order that it may be duralale and solid, requires that their economic, moral, 
 political, and material elements shall ha\e been harmonized. 
 
 " They do not think therefore that it is opportune to discuss in the present 
 Conference a project for the immediate establishment of a union, but solely 
 those measures which will tend toward preparing in a stable manner for this 
 union, strengthening their means of communication, establishing a coasting 
 ship commerce, linking together the economic and social interests of the people 
 of the Republics, unifj'ing their customs and tax laws, and encouraging the fre- 
 quent meeting of Central American Conferences. The most prosperous devel- 
 opment of the people of the Republics, and a definite union, both have their 
 root in the uniform extension of their separate economic elements, which, creat- 
 ing great material interests, will certainly form an indissoluble link between 
 the Republics, ^^'hen the iron rail destroys distances that now practically sep- 
 arate the rich lands of the Republics, and develops their wealth through the 
 exchange of their products, their people will, through this evolution, reach their 
 aspirations and bridge their necessities. 
 
 " To them we must confide the realization of the ideal of miiting the fl^•e 
 sections of the old Patria, without that precipitancy which might compromise 
 its success. It is not wise to think of passing rapidly to a sincere and pacific 
 union. The steps tnken here toward making peace certiiin in (,'eutral America, 
 toward guaranteeing security for capital and labor, towiu-d improving their 
 elements of production, their social interests, and their initiative in self-govern- 
 ment, will contribute in no small jiart toward this end. The pedagogical insti- 
 tute to be created in Costa Rica will also contribute to this end as' an element 
 of fraternity and a propaganda of the principles of justice, of order, and of 
 union, while the creation of the Central American Bureau, agreed upon at San 
 Jose, will be of transcendental importance. 
 
CENTKAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFEBENCE. 11 
 
 " In the matter of adopting tlie treaty of San Jose as a basis for discussion, 
 as proposed by the Guatemalan delegation, the undersigned think the plan 
 should be adopted. They equally think that first of all a committee should be 
 designated to formulate a project for an obligatory arbitration treaty upon 
 bases that will establish a permanent court of international justice for Central 
 America. 
 
 " Salvadoe Gallegos. 
 
 " Antonio Batres Juaregui. 
 
 "J. B. Calvo." 
 
 Considerable tension was manifested in the Conference as these two 
 reports were read, and a growing purpose on the part of some of the 
 delegations to insist that no discussion of the subject-matter of the 
 report should take place. The view held by these delegates was that 
 quite aside from the question of the merit or demerit of the subject, 
 the matter of a political union of the Republics was a question en- 
 tirely foreign to the purpose for which the Conference was called and 
 one outside the powers of delegates to consider. Costa Rica strongly 
 held this view. Noting in all this the appearance of an element of 
 discord, the suggestion was made by the undersigned, supported by 
 the Mexican representative, that the consideration of both reports be 
 postponed, and that the Conference proceed to prepare projects for 
 several important conventions — outside the scope of either report — 
 notably one covering an international court. This course was adopted. 
 As the Conference proceeded and evidences of its effectiveness began 
 to appear in the drafts of treaties and conventions which embraced 
 the general good of all, the question of union became less acute, and 
 was disposed of to the satisfaction of all during one of the closing 
 sessions by the inclusion in the minutes of the Conference of a written 
 statement of their views presented by Doctor Bonilla, Doctor Madriz, 
 and Sefior Fiallos. (See the minutes of the fifteenth session of the 
 Conference and Inclosure 18 herewith.) 
 
 TREATIES AND CONVENTIONS. 
 
 At the fifth session of the Conference, November 27, the prepara- 
 tion of the several treaties and conventions afterwards concluded be- 
 tween the Republics was begun. Their consideration thereafter oc- 
 cupied the entire attention of the delegates until the close of the 
 Conference on December 20, either in "the formal sessions of the Con- 
 ference or in the many informal meetings of delegates which were 
 held in order that the different points brought up in the tentative 
 drafts for the treaty of peace and the convention creating the new 
 court could be discussed and the committee having each in charge be 
 enabled to keep its work in line with the wishes of the different 
 delegations. 
 
 The different treaties and conventions concluded between the five 
 Republics consist of the following: 
 
 (1) A general treaty of peace and amity (see Inclosure 5). 
 
 (2) A convention additional to the general treaty of peace and 
 amity (see Inclosure 6). 
 
 (3) A convention for the establishment of a Central American 
 court of justice (see Inclosure 7). 
 
 (4) A protocol additional to the convention for the establishment 
 of a Central American court of justice (see Inclosure 8). 
 
12 CENTRAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 n 
 
 An extradition convention (see Inclosure 9). 
 A convention for the establishment of an International Cen- 
 tral American Bureau (see Inclosure 10). 
 
 (7) A convention for the establishment of a Central American 
 pedagogical institute (see Inclosure 11). 
 
 (8) A convention concerning future Central American Confer- 
 ences (see Inclosure 12). 
 
 (9) A convention concerning railway communications (see In- 
 closure 13). 
 
 Of these the general treaty of peace aiid amity, and the convention 
 creating the Central American international court of justice, represent 
 the chief work of the Conference, while the second of these repre- 
 sents an entirely new and important advance in international obhga- 
 tions, and is the realization, in the form of a convention, of the efforts 
 that have been made in the past to find a judicial method by which 
 the peaceful and right settlement of international disputes could be 
 assured. The two imdertakings are to a great measure interdepend- 
 ent, and were so intended. Indeed, this fact in many ways consti- 
 tutes their strength. 
 
 Both the treaty of peace and the convention creating the court run 
 for a similar term of ten years. When the new court begins its func- 
 tions it seems difficult to see how compliance with the terms of both 
 undertakings can be avoided. This appears especially true when the 
 unusual obligation in Article XXVil of the convention creating 
 the court is considered. This states " That on no ground nor in any 
 case will they (the signatory Republics) consider the (present) con- 
 vention as void." It is certain that the intent and purpose of the 
 signatory Republics was to insist that in every possible event the 
 court shall remain as a piece of international machinery that can be 
 relied on to adjust disputes. 
 
 The following are briefly the chief features of the different treaties 
 and conventions: 
 
 THE TREATY OP PEACE AND AMITY. 
 
 {a) Its absolutely obligatory character for a period of ten years. 
 (Articles I and XIX.) 
 
 (h) The declaration (Article II) that any disposition or measure 
 tending to alter the constitutional organization of either of the Re- 
 publics shall be deemed a menace to the peace of all. 
 
 (c) The excellent and in many ways the treaty's most important 
 clause (Article III), making the territory of Honduras neutral in 
 conflicts that arise between the other four Republics, so long as Hon- 
 duras remains neutral. It will be seen by a reference to the map of 
 Central America that the position occupied by Honduras is such that 
 if this neutrality of Honduranean territory is carried out, war be- 
 tween the signatory Republics is practically made impossible. 
 
 (d) Article VI, by the terms of which all Central Americans are 
 mutually recognized as citizens, a principle embodied in several of 
 their constitutions. 
 
 (e) The recognition of the right of asylum on ships and the pro- 
 hibition against taking anyone from such asylum except by due legal 
 process and on an order from a competent judge. 
 
CENTRAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFEEENCE. IS 
 
 (/) The provisions of Articles XVI and XVII, by which political 
 refugees and disturbers are not to be allowed to reside near the fron- 
 tier of either of the five Republics. 
 
 (g) The unusual obligations assumed in Articles I and II of the 
 convention additional to the treaty, by which each Republic binds 
 itself not to recognize in another a Government resulting from a 
 coup d'etat nor to intervene in favor of or against the existing gov- 
 ernment of another Republic in cases of disorder therein. 
 
 (A) The stipulation in Article III of the convention additional to 
 the treaty, by which they agreed to use their efforts to secure con- 
 stitutional reforms that will prohibit the election of a president for 
 a second term. v, 
 
 FOLLOWING ARE THE CHIEF FEATURES OF THE fcONVENTION CREATING A 
 CENTRAL AMERICIN COURT OF JUSTICE. 
 
 (a) Three forms of jurisdiction: The first (Article I) embraces 
 the obligatory submission to the court of all questions arising be- 
 tween them which can not be adjusted by the respective foreign 
 offices of the contracting Republics. The second (Article II), the 
 power to determine cases involving alleged violations of treaties or 
 conventions where denial of justice is alleged by a citizen of one 
 Republic against the Government of another. The third, the power 
 to determine any question mutually submitted by two of the signa- 
 tory Governments, or by one of them and one of its citizens or a citi- 
 zen of another. The court (Article XXII) determines its compe- 
 tency and in considering a case (Article XXI) is to decide questions 
 of fact by its own criterion and questions of law by the principles 
 of international law. 
 
 (&) The court is to consist of five judges, to hold office for five 
 years. The congress of each signatory Republic is to designate one 
 judge and two alternates, who shall take their oath of office before 
 the congress. With the exception of the judge appointed by the 
 country in which the court is to be held, the judges receive an equal 
 salary of $8,060 per annum, to be paid by the treasurer of the court 
 out of a common fund, toward which each Republic is to contribute 
 $10,000 yearly (Articles VI, VII, VIII).' The- court is to be located 
 in Cartago, Costa Rica. 
 
 (c) The judges are prohibited from holding other office or enga- 
 ging in other work. They must elect a president and vice-president 
 from among their number at their first sitting. . A judge is not 
 barred from sitting in a case in which the government that appointed 
 him is a party. 
 
 (d) A defendant country must submit its answer to the demanding 
 country within sixty days. The court may, however, grant an exten- 
 sion of twenty days (Articles XIV, XV, XVI), and can grant rea- 
 sonable delays in order that all facts and evidence may be submitted. 
 
 (e) The court must hand down its decision within thirty days from 
 the date upon which the case has been finally submitted by both 
 parties. 
 
 (f) The decision is final. It must be in writing and must be a 
 majority decision. A dissenting opinion must be in writing and both 
 must be signed by all the judges (Articles XV, XXIII, XXIV). 
 
14 CENTRAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 Provision is made by calling in the alternate judges for cases in which 
 the judges fail to agree. 
 
 {g) Interested parties may be represented before the court by 
 counsel (Article XVII). 
 
 {h) The court may appoint special commissioners to carry out its 
 orders or may apply directly to the executive of a Government or to 
 a tribunal of justice, but in every case the court's orders must reach 
 their destination through the ministry for foreign affairs of the 
 country. 
 
 (^) The signatory Republics bind themselves to faithfully carry 
 out the court's orders (Article XX). 
 
 {f) The most effective authority given the court is the provision 
 made in Article XVIII. By the terms of this article the court can 
 fix the statu quo in which both parties to a controversy submitted for 
 its decision shall remain pending the consideration and decision of the 
 case. This is intended to prevent the purchase of arms or military 
 supplies or the moving or massing of troops by either of two con- 
 tending States. 
 
 {k) The decisions of the court are to be communicated to each of 
 the signatory Republics, which severally bind themselves to aid in 
 eveiy peaceful way to have the decisions of the court faithfully com- 
 plied with in every respect (Article XXV). 
 
 {I) The stipulation in Article XXVII which provides that — 
 
 " on no ground nor in any case will they (the signatory Republics) 
 consider the present convention as void ; and that therefore they will 
 consider it as being always in force during the term of ten years." 
 
 Provision is made for the possible union of two or more of the Re- 
 publics; in that event it is agreed that the court shall be suspended 
 ipse facto, and a conference at once called to adjust the court to the 
 new order. 
 
 (to) Finding it impossible to fully agree upon a more extended 
 scope of the court's jurisdiction than outlined under (a), above, an 
 article was annexed by which a country approving this article would 
 for itself agree to submit to the court internal disputes arising 
 between its executive, legi^ative, and judicial branches. 
 
 This court, which marks such an advance in methods for the peace- 
 ful adjustment of international disputes, is an outgrowth of the 
 efforts made by Secreta]['^,j^f State Root in his instructions to the 
 delegates of the United, ,^"jta,tes to the Second Peace Conference at 
 The Hauge toward endeavoring to secure a " world's international 
 court of justice." 
 
 THE EXTRADITION CONVENTION. 
 
 This differs but little from the extradition convention now in force 
 between Mexico and the United States. Its terms, as regards the 
 definition of crimes and the time within which extradition can take 
 place, were carefully drawn, in order that they might conform to the 
 existing penal legislation of the several Republics. "V\1iile citizens 
 need not be delivered, provision is made that if not delivered they 
 shall be tried by the courts of their own country for the crime with 
 which they are charged. Especial care was taken in drafting the 
 convention to prevent the possibility of its use in political offenses. 
 
CENTBAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 15 
 
 CONVENTION FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CENTRAL AMERICAN BUREAU. 
 
 This convention is based on one of the conventions signed at San 
 Jose de Costa Eica September 25, 1906, between Costa, Kica, Salvador, 
 Guatemala, and Honduras. 
 
 The purpose of the Bureau is to encourage and develop the final 
 union of the Central American Republics through general education, 
 uniformity of civil laws, customs laws, monetary standards, and 
 commerce. 
 
 The Bureau is to be located in the city of Guatemala. It is to pub- 
 lish a regular bulletin and to be equipped with a clerical force suffi- 
 cient to enable it to carry out the above purpose. Its expenses are 
 to be paid by the five Republics in equal parts. 
 
 THE CONVENTION CREATING A CENTRAL AMERICAN PEDAGOGICAL 
 
 INSTITUTE. 
 
 This is also based on one of the San Jose de Costa Rica conven- 
 tions of September, 1906. 
 
 It creates a Central American normal school at San Jose, Costa 
 Rica, the purpose being to bring about a common system of schools 
 and- education in Central America by the development and fitting 
 of Central American teachers, both male and female, in this cen- 
 tral school who will take charge of the schools of each of the five 
 Republics. 
 
 The administration and control of the school is vested in the Costa 
 Rican Government, the other Governments having the right to desig- 
 nate a member of the executive committee which is to manage the 
 school. Each of the Republics can maintain 100 students, 50 of each 
 sex, in the school, and must maintain at least 20 of each sex. 
 
 The cost of the buildings and equipment and of the staff of teach- 
 ers is to be paid in equal parts by the signatory Republics. 
 
 The duration of this convention is fixed at fifteen years. 
 
 The delegates to the Conference looked upon this school as a 
 work of the utmost importance, believing that the greatest good 
 would come to Central America through the education in this manner 
 of teachers who would hereafter difect the schools throughout the 
 different Republics. 
 
 THE CONVEXTION CONCERNING FUTURE CONFERENCES. 
 
 This convention, like the two preceding ones to which reference 
 has been made, has for its object the preparation of the people of 
 Central America for ultimate political union in some form. 
 
 It provides for the designation by each of the signatory countries 
 of one or more commissioners to study the relations borne by the 
 monetary systems of their respective countries to their foreign and 
 internal commerce, and to carefully consider their customs, laws, 
 and regulations, weights and measures, and other economic questions 
 affecting the relations of the Republics toward each other, the object 
 being to have these commissioners endeavor to agree upon uniform 
 measures in each regard, so that these can be considered at a Con- 
 ference of plenipotentiaries to convene in Tegucigalpa on January 
 1, 1909, and thereafter yearly for five years, to consider all economic 
 
16 CENTRAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 matters affecting the relations of the Republics toward each other 
 and toward foreign countries. 
 
 THE CONVENTION ON COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 This convention deals with the project |or a Pan-American Rail- 
 way. It stipulates that the signatory Governments shall designate 
 commissions to study and report suitable measures that can be adopted 
 in each country, so that the work of connecting the several Republics 
 by railway may be carried out. These measures .are to embrace rec- 
 ommendations as to subsidies of land, special privileges, and guar- 
 anties that might be given by each Republic to secure the building 
 of railways that will unite Central America from south to north with 
 Mexico and the United States. The interesting and valuable report 
 of the committee which drew up the draft of this convention will be 
 found herewith as Inclosure 13-a. 
 
 THE CLOSING DATS OF THE CONrERENCE. 
 
 At the last session, held on December 16, the following motion, pre- 
 sented by the Nicaraguan delegation, was unanimously approved : 
 
 " That the Conference solicit an audience with His Excellency the 
 '■ President of the United States, in order that the Conference in 
 " a body might thank him for the great services he had rendered iri 
 " the interest of order in Central America and for the generous hos- 
 " pitality that had been extended the delegates. 
 
 " That with the same object the delegates should call on the Secre- 
 " tary of State, Hon. Elihu Root. 
 
 " That a special committee be named to visit the City of Mexico, 
 " and in a similar manner express the thanks of the Conference to 
 " His Excellency the President, General Don Porfirio Diaz, and to his 
 " Minister for Foreign Affairs, Seiior Don Ignacio Mariscal. 
 
 " Further, that there be included in the minutes of the closing 
 " session of the Conference a vote of thanks on the part of the Con- 
 " ference to his excellency, the Mexican Ambassador, Seiior Don 
 " Enrique C. Creel, representing Mexico in the Conference, and to 
 " Mr. William I. Buchanan, representing the United States of Amer- 
 " ica in the Conference, for their efficient cooperation in the work of 
 " the Conference. 
 
 In response to the above, the President informed the Conference 
 that he would be glad to receive the delegates on such day as might 
 best suit their convenience. At the close of the final business session 
 of the Conference, which took place on the morning of December 20, 
 the delegates in a body called on the President and on the Secretary 
 of State to inform them that the work of the Conference had been 
 happily concluded and to express to each in accordance with the 
 resolution of the Conference the deep sense of obligation felt by the 
 delegates for the aid and encouragement they had received through 
 the interest and good will that had been shown by the President in 
 their work and for the constant and more than helpful efforts that 
 had been daily extended them by the Secretary of State. 
 
 The President in response to the words of the president of the 
 Conference assured the delegates of the satisfaction with which the 
 
CENTEAL AMEBICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 17 
 
 Government of the United States had followed the excellent work 
 done by the Conference in the interest of the peace and development 
 of Central America, and of his deep and cordial interest in the future 
 of their several Republics and his confident belief that the results 
 of the Conference would be for the lasting and permanent good of 
 each of the Republics. 
 
 In addressing the Secretary of State when received by him. at the 
 Department the delegates were most cordial in their references to 
 his efforts to bring about a successful termination of the work of the 
 Conference, and especially so in their allusions to the kindly and 
 constant help that had been given by the Assistant Secretary, Hon. 
 Robert Bacon, in the lengthy negotiations that preceded the Con- 
 ference. 
 
 At the last session the Conference designated Dr. Don Policarpo- 
 Bonilla, of Honduras, and Dr. Jose Madriz, of Nicaragua, as the 
 special committee of the Conference to visit Mexico to express to 
 President Porfirio Diaz and to the Mexican minister for foreign 
 affairs the thanks and acknowledgements of the delegates for the 
 assistance extended by the Mexican Government. 
 
 In this connection I desire to make especial mention of the excel- 
 lent services rendered by his excellency the Mexican ambassador, 
 Sefiior Don Enrique Creel, th^ representative of his Government in the 
 Conference. His sincere interest in the work, his tact and prudence, 
 coupled with his genial personality, made him a dominant factor in 
 bringing about much of the excellent work done by the Conference. 
 
 KECOMMENDATION Or AMNESTY. 
 
 At its session on December 2 the Conference unanimously adopted a 
 motion presented by Doctor Ugarte of the Honduras delegation, at 
 the close of an eloquent address (a translation of which will be found 
 herewith. as Inclosure 14), that the Conference simultaneously address 
 each of. the Central American Republics, urging them in keeping with 
 the Central American spirit of concord represented by the Conference 
 then in session, to grant full amnesty for all political offenses and for 
 common offenses connected with those of a political character. 
 
 This resolution was transmitted by the president of the Conference 
 by cable on December 20 to each of the Central American presidents 
 in the following form : 
 
 The Central American Peace Conference on happily closing its work to-day, 
 has unanimously agreed to recommend to the Governments of Central America 
 that they concede full amnesty for all political offenses and for offenseB con- 
 nected with these. 
 
 In communicating to your excellency this generous appeal we confide in your 
 high sentiments in our hope that you will be good enough to thus crown our 
 work with a measure that will be a token of reconciliation and fraternity and 
 a worthy beginning of an era of concord for our Central American family. 
 
 To this cablegram the following cable replies were received : 
 
 FKOM THE PRESIDENT OF NICARAGUA. 
 
 " Pleased to hear of happy termination of Central American Peace Con- 
 ference. In accordance with high sentiments that animate the honorable dele- 
 gates, my Government has already granted amnesty for political offenses. I 
 congratulate the honorable delegates. 
 
 " J. S. Zelata." 
 
 37200—08 2 
 
18 CENTRAL, AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 FROM THE PRESIDENT OF SALVADOB'. 
 
 " Im;pressed with the pleasing appeal of the Conference. I have the honor 
 to' advise you that vrith respect to Salvador, the Government has decreed arfl- 
 nesty since the latter part of November. 
 
 " President FiouEboa." 
 
 FROM THE PRESIDENT OP COSTA RICA. 
 
 " I applaud the generous appeal of the Conference. In Costa Rica amnesty" 
 is unnecessary, because no on.e is at present suffering on account of political 
 offenses or others connected therewith, or otherwise it would be pleasing to 
 me to comply with the request of the Conference. 
 
 " Gonzalez Viqubz." 
 
 FROM THE PRESIDENT OF HONDURAS. 
 
 " General amnesty decreed, according to Conference's desire. 
 
 ' Davila." 
 
 THE FORMAL CLOSING SESSION. 
 
 The formal closing of the Conference took place at. 3 p. m., on 
 December 20, all of the delegates being present, together with the 
 representatives in the Conference of the Mexican and the United 
 States Governments and the secretaries of the different delegations. 
 
 The Secretary of State presided, as he had done at the opening 
 session. The Assistant Secretary of State, Mr. Bacon; the Third 
 Assistant Secretary of State, Mr. Wilson ; the first and second secre- 
 taries of the Mexican embassj', Senores Godoy and Alvarez; the 
 Director and Secretary of the Bureau of the American Republics, 
 Mr. Barrett and Senior Yanes, and Mr. Wm. E. Curtis, a former 
 director of the Bureau of the American Republics, were among those 
 who witnessed the closing of the Conference. 
 
 The address made by the president of the Conference, Dr. Don 
 Luis Anderson, the remarks made by the Mexican ambassador, and 
 the address made by Secretarj' Root on declaring the Conference 
 closed will be found herewith as inclosures 15, 16, and 17, respec- 
 tively. 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 The delegates at the close of their work expressed themselves as 
 most appreciative of the conveniences afforded them by the Depart- 
 ment of State and the Bureau of the American Republics for the 
 meetings of the Conference and were especially complimentary of 
 the services rendered the Conference in the work of translation and 
 in connection with the clerical force furnished delegates by Mr. 
 W. T. S. Doyle, representing the Department of State. 
 
 In concluding this report I desire to express my deep thanks for 
 the honor conferred by my designation as the representative of the 
 United States in the Conference. 
 
 WiLLiAJi I. Buchanan. 
 
 Buffalo, N. Y., March 'BO, 1908. 
 
 Hon. Elihu Root, Secretary _of State, 
 
 Washington, D. G. 
 
[IncloBure No. 1.] 
 
 MINTITES OF THE PRELIMINARY CENTRAL AMERICAN PEACE CON'FER- 
 ENCE, SEPTEMBER, 1907. 
 
 [Translation.] 
 
 PRBLIMINAET CONFEEENCE. 
 
 First session. 
 
 At half past 4 in tbe afternoon of the 11th of September, 1907, the diplomatic 
 representatives of the five Republics of Central America met in the city of 
 "Washington, that is to say : Don Joaquin B. Oalvo for Costa Rica, Don Fedfirico 
 Mejia for Salvador, Dr. Luis Toledo Herrarte for Guatemala, Dr. Angel Ugarte 
 for Honduras, and Dr. Luis Felipe Oorea for Nicaragua, there being also pres- 
 ent Mr. Alvey A. Adee, Acting Secretary of State of the United States of 
 America, and Mr. Jose F. Godoy, charge d'affaires of the United Mexican 
 States. The session opened and was conducted as follows : 
 
 First: Secretary Adee, in a brief and able address, stated the object of the 
 Invitation extended to the representatives of Central America to enable them, 
 under the hospitality of the Department of State, to discuss the question of the 
 peace of those Republics, expressing the good will and the desire of the Amer- 
 ican Government Of aiding as far as possible in the accomplishment of so 
 beneficial a purpose. 
 
 Second : Minister Godoy, in the name of his Government, adhered entirely 
 to the sentiments expressed by Mr. Adee. 
 
 Third: The nomination of ofiicers was then considered, and Ministers Galvo 
 and Ugarte were elected president and secretary, respectively. 
 
 Fourth: The president, Mr. Calvo, made a short exposition of the object 
 of the prelimina:ry conference, which is to discuss a protocol to fix the place, 
 date, and general bases for a conference of Central American plenipotentiaries, 
 who should consider the means for preserving peace and good relations be- 
 tween those Republics. 
 
 Fifth : Mr. Corea stated, that he had not been empowered by his Government 
 to discuss the points referred to, but that nevertheless he would remain at 
 the meeting in his personal character and would ask instructions with a view 
 to taking part officially in the future. 
 
 Sixth: Mr. Toledo Harrarte said that he had precise instructions in regard 
 to the fixing of the date and place of the Conference, but not for discussing 
 or voting upon a protocol for that purpose. He added also that he would re- 
 main at the session and would ask the instructions which he lacked. 
 
 Seventh. Mr. Ugarte stated that he had full powers from his Government, 
 and expressed the belief that the idea of the Conference was accepted in whole 
 . by the Central American Governments, since it was spoken of in the telegrams 
 from the Presidents of the United States and Mexico, which were accepted un- 
 conditionally by those Republics, and that in discharging his mission he would 
 meet the hopes and desires of his Government clearly defined in favor of peace. 
 Messrs. Calvo and Mejia stated that they had full powers and instructions. 
 
 Eighth. The place for the Conference was then voted upon, and, by the vote 
 of Ministers Calvo. Mejia, Toledo Herrarte, and Ugarte, the city of Washington 
 was selected. 
 
 Ninth. The date for the meeting of the Conference being under discussion, It 
 was settled by the same votes that it should open from the 1st to the 15th of 
 November of the present year. 
 
 Tenth. After the general reading of the proposed protocol, which is inserted 
 below, it was discussed in detail, and was approved by the ministers of Costa 
 Rica, Salvador, and Honduras, In their official character, and in their personal 
 
 19 
 
20 CENTRAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 character by the ministers of Guatemala and Nicaragua, pending the receipt 
 of their respective instructions. The text of the protocol is as follows : 
 
 " We, the representatives of the five Republics of Central America, having 
 met in the city of Washington on the initiative of their Excellencies the Presi- 
 dents of the United States of America and -of the United Mexican States, to 
 settle upon the means of preserving the good relations between the said Repub- 
 lics and of obtaining an enduring peace in those countries ; and with the purpose 
 of fixing upon the bases for bringing to a realization these ends, being duly 
 authorized by our respective Governments, have agreed to the following : 
 
 "Abxiole I. Upon receipt of the formal invitation which, as is understood, will 
 be issued simultaneously to each one of the five Republics of Central America, 
 by their Excellencies the Presidents of the United States of America and of the 
 United Mexican States, a Conference of the plenipotentiary representatives, 
 which the governments of the Republics referred to shall appoint for that pur- 
 pose — that is to say, Costa Rica, Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nica- 
 ragua — will meet in the first fifteen days of November next, in the city of 
 Washington, to discuss the steps to be taken and the measures to be adopted 
 for the purpose of adjusting any differences which exist between the said Re- 
 publics or between any of them, and for the purpose of concluding a treaty 
 which shall define their general relations. 
 
 "Abticue II. Their Excellencies the Presidents of the Republics of Central 
 America will invite their Excellencies the Presidents of the United States of 
 America and of the United Mexican States to appoint, if agreeable to them, 
 their respective representatives who, in a purely friendly character, shall lend 
 their good and impartial offices toward the realization of the purposes of the 
 Conference. 
 
 "Aeticlb III. While the Conference is in session and discharging the high 
 mission intrusted to It, the five Central American Republics — that is to say, 
 Costa Rica, Salvador, Guatemala. Honduras, and Nicaragua — agree to main- 
 tain among themselves peace' and good relations, and they assume, respectively, 
 the obligation not to commit, nor to permit to be committed, any act that can dis- 
 turb the mutual tranquillity. To such end, all display of arms on the respective 
 frontiers shall cease and the maritime forces shall be withdrawn to their juris- 
 dictional waters. 
 
 "Article IV. If, unfortunately, any unforeseen question should arise between 
 any of the said Republics while the Conference Is in session, and if it c^n not be 
 settled by amicable diplomatic course, it is mutually agreed that the Interested 
 parties shall submit the difference to the friendly advice of His Excellency the 
 President of the United States of America, or of the United Mexican States, or 
 of both Presidents conjointly, according to the case, and in conformity with the 
 agreement to this effect which may be reached." 
 
 Eleventh. The session adjourned at 6 o'clock In the afternoon. 
 
 Signed at Washington on the 11th of September, 1907. 
 
 J. B. Calvo, President. 
 
 F. MbjIa. 
 
 Ltjis Toledo Herrarte. 
 
 Ltjis F. Cobea. 
 
 Ang£;l Ugarte, Secretary. 
 
 second session. 
 
 The second session was opened In the city of Washington at 4 o'clock in the . 
 afternoon of the 16th of September, 1907, there being present, as In the previ- 
 ous session, the diplomatic representatives of the five Republics of Central 
 America — Messrs. Calvo, Mejia, Toledo Herrarte, Ugarte, and Corea, and Mr. 
 Adee, Acting Secretary of State of the United States, and Mr. Godoy, charge 
 d'affaires of the United Mexican States. 
 
 First : The minutes of the previous session were read and approved. 
 
 Second: The representatives of Guatemala and Nicarauga stated they had 
 received from their Governments the necessary powers to sign the protocol In- 
 serted in the foregohig minutes, and, after the reading of this document, solemn 
 signature was given to the seven copies which had been made for the represent- 
 atives of Central America and Secretary Adee and Mr. Godoy, who, in the name 
 of their respective Governments, attended the preliminary conference. 
 
 Third: It was agreed by acclamation to give to their Excellencies the Presi- 
 dents of the United States of America and of the United Mexican States the 
 
CENTBAL AMEBIOAN PEACE COITFERBNOE. 21 
 
 most sincere thanks for their laudable and disinterested efforts on behalf of the 
 peace of Central America, giving due recognition to His Excellency President 
 Roosevelt for the good -will he has shown in consenting that the Peace Confer- 
 ence be held in Washington ; and to His Excellency President Diaz for the gen- 
 erous offers of the same nature, and, as regards Mexico, which he has been 
 pleased to make. 
 
 Fourth : It was agreed to preserve in a special book the minutes of the ses- 
 sions of the preliminary conference which, signed by all the representatives of 
 Central America, should be presented to the delegates who, by designation of 
 their respective Governments, shall constitute the forthcoming Central American 
 Peace Conference. 
 
 Fifth : The work of the preliminary conference being terminated, the session 
 adjourned at 6 o'clock in the afternoon. 
 
 Signed at Washington the J7th of September, 1907. 
 
 J. B. Calvo, 
 
 President. 
 Ang^il Ugaete, 
 
 Secretary. 
 
 F. MEjiA. 
 
 Litis Toledo Herrarte. 
 
 Luis F. Coeea. 
 
 [Inclosure No. 2.] 
 CENTRAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 RULES OP PROCEDURE. 
 
 Article I. The Conference shall have for a basis in its deliberations and reso- 
 lutions Article I of the protocol of September 17, 1907, signed in Washington by 
 the ministers plenipotentiary of Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, 
 and Salvador. 
 
 Article II. The Secretary of State of the United States of America, or the 
 person he shall designate, shall open the first session of the Conference. 
 
 The representatives of Their Excellencies the President of the United States 
 of America and of the United Mexican States, appointed in accordance with 
 Article II of the protocol, shall occupy places of honor in the Conference. 
 
 Article III. There shall be a president and two secretaries of the Conference, 
 elected by a vote of absolute majority of the delegations. 
 
 The numerical order of the delegations shall be determined by lot for the pur- 
 pose of establishing the precedence of their seating and the turn in which each 
 shall fill the vacancy which may be In the presidency. 
 
 The delegation which has the right of filling the presidency at any session 
 shall designate the delegate who shaU discharge the duties of vice-president. 
 
 Article IV. The functions of the president are: 
 
 1. To direct the sessions of the Conference and to bring up for discussion, in 
 their turn, the matters included in the order of the day. 
 
 2. To see that each matter submitted to the Conference is referred to a com- 
 mittee, unless it be agreed by a vote of majority to take it into immediate 
 consideration. 
 
 3. To give the floor to delegates in the order in which they ask it. 
 
 4. To decide questions of order which arise in the discussions; provided, 
 however, that if any delegation shall request it, the decision given shall be put 
 to vote by the Conference. 
 
 5. To call for a vote and to announce to the Conference the result of the vote. 
 
 6. To acquaint the Conference, through the secretaries, and at the conclusion 
 of each session, with the subjects which are to come up in the next session; but 
 the Conference may make such changes as may seem proper, whether in respect 
 to the hour of meeting or the order in which the pending questions are to be 
 discussed. 
 
 7. To direct the secretary, when the minutes have been approved, to give an 
 account to the Conference of the matters which have arisen since the previous 
 session. 
 
2-2 CENTRAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFEBENCE. 
 
 8. To take any necessary measures to maintain order and to have the rules 
 strictly carried out. 
 Article V. The functions of the secretaries are : 
 
 1. To organize the oflBce with the necessary employees. 
 
 2. To receive, distribute, and answer the official correspondence in accordance 
 with the directions of the Conference. 
 
 3. To keep, or cause to be kept, reports of the sessions, and to superintend 
 their printing and distribution to the delegations. 
 
 4. To distribute to the committees the subjects upon which they are to make 
 recommendations, and to put at the disposal of said committees everything 
 necessary for the discharge of their work. 
 
 5. To draw up the order of the day, in accordance with the instructions of 
 the president. 
 
 Abticle VI. The Conference shall meet on the days and at the hours named 
 by the president. 
 
 Aeticle VII. For a quorum, it is necessary that all of the delegations shall be 
 represented at the session by some of its members. 
 
 Abticle VIII. When the session is called to order, the minutes of the previous 
 session shall be read by the secretary, unless the reading Is dispensed with. Note 
 shall be made of the remarks which any delegate may make regarding the 
 minutes, and the Conference shall then proceed to approve them. 
 
 Abticle IX. The order of the day being brought up by the president, the 
 Conference shall discuss it first generally, and those matters which are approved 
 shall be then discussed in detail, the discussion including each of the articles of 
 which the project is composed. 
 
 Article X. By a vote of four of the delegations, the Conference may dispense 
 with the usual procedure and take into immediate consideration any matter, dis- • 
 cussing it generally or in detail. 
 
 Article XI. The amendments proposed to the proposals in debate shall be re- 
 ferred to a committee, when the Conference so agrees, and shall be voted upon 
 before the article or proposal whose text it is proposed to alter. 
 
 Article XII. The delegation of each Republic shall have one vote. The vote 
 shall be taken by affirmative or negative sign, unless any delegate shall ask that 
 it be by roll call or by ballot. 
 
 In the last case, each delegation shall deposit in a ballot box a paper contain- 
 ing the name of the State it represents and the vote it gives. The secretary shall 
 read the ballots aloud and so count the votes. 
 
 Article XIII. The Confei-ence shall not vote upon any motion or proposition 
 except when all of the delegations are represented at a session. 
 
 Article XIY. The resolutions of the Conference shall be adopted unanimously, 
 except in the instances provided for in these rules ; provided, however, that those 
 resolutions upon which three or more delegations are in accord shall be consid- 
 ered as obligatory upon them, and as a recommendation for the others. 
 
 Article XV. No delegation shall speak more than three times upon the same 
 subject, nor more than twenty minutes each time. Any delegate, however, has 
 the right to the floor for as much as five minutes, for a question of order, to 
 reply to personal allusions, or to explain his vote, and the author of a project 
 may speak once again, but not to exceed twenty minutes. 
 
 Article XVI. Any delegate may submit to the Conference his opinion upon the 
 matter or point under discussion, and request that it be included in the minutes 
 of the session at which it is presented. 
 
 Article XVII. The deliberations of the Conference shall be secret, and there- 
 fore access to the Conference Hall shall only be had by the secretaries of the 
 delegation, the Director of the International Bureau of the American Republics, 
 and the employees of the Conference. 
 
 Article XVIII. The secretary, at the close of each session, shall draft a state- 
 ment for the press, which shall contain a brief account of what has taken place 
 in the session and the text of the resolutions adopted or definitely rejected. The 
 delegates who desire to do so may furnish the secretaries with a brief rSsumfi of 
 their discourses, and in such case the statement furnished to the press shall 
 refer to the rgsumg, and it shnll be added thereto. 
 
 The secretary shall keep a book to preserve copies of the statements or ex- 
 tracts given to the press. 
 
 Article XIX. The recommendation of the committees, and the projects and 
 antecedents to which they refer shall be printed in Spanish and English. 
 
 Article XX. The minutes approved by the Conference shall be signed by the 
 president and secretaries, and shall be printed in Spanish and English, double 
 
OENTEAL AMERICAN PEACE CONrERENOE. SB 
 
 column pages, and in sufficient number for the use of the delegations. The 
 original minutes and other documents of the Conference shall be deposited in the 
 archives of the international Bureau of American Republics. 
 
 Abtioi/B XXI. At the next to the last session, the written or printed copy of 
 the minutes, in Spanish and English, shall be discussed and approved, and the 
 paper shall include the resolutions and recommendations discussed in the Con- 
 ference and approved during the sessions. The original copy of the minutes 
 shall be signed by all the delegations. 
 
 Article 35X11. These rules of procedure may be amended by four votes. 
 
 [Inclosure No. 3.] 
 
 MINUTES OF THE CENTRAl AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE (Preliminary 
 sessions). NOVEMBER, 1907. 
 
 [Translation.] 
 
 Pbepakatoby Meetings. 
 
 First preparatory session. 
 
 By virtue of the provisions of the protocol signed on the 17th of September, 
 1907, in the city of Washington, there gathered in the office of the Ipternational 
 Bureau of American Republics, at 3.45 p. m. of the 12th of November, 1907, 
 the delegates of Costa Rica, Dr. Luis Anderson and Don Joaquin B. Calvo; 
 of Guatemala, Dr. Antonio Batres Jiuregui, Don Victor Sanchez Ocafia, and 
 Dr. Luis Toledo Herrarte ; of Honduras, Doctor Policarpo Bonilla, Don B. Con- 
 stantino Fiallos, and Doctor Angel XJgarte; of Nicaragua, Dr. Luis Felipe 
 Corea ; and of Salvador, Dr. Salvador Gallegos, Dr. Salvador Rodriguez 6., 
 and Don Federico Mejia, proceeding in the following manner : 
 
 First-: JXr. MejIa proposed that Messrs. Cairo and ITgarte, who were chosen 
 president and secretary at the preliminary Conference, should continue pro- 
 visionally to exercise those offices. 
 
 Second : The programme of work was discussed, and Doctor Gallegos sub- 
 mitted a draft of rules as a basis for discussion. 
 
 Third : It was agreed that a committee composed of the delegates Anderson, 
 Batres, Bonilla, Corea, and Gallegos, should draw up, in the form of articles, 
 the draft of rules above referred to. 
 
 Fourth: Mr. Corea suggested that a programme covering the worli of the 
 Conference should be made up, and it was decided that this matter should be 
 included in the redaction of the rules. 
 
 Fifth : The session took recess for an hour. 
 
 Sixth: The session being called to order, the project presented by the com- 
 mittee was read and it was agreed to discuss it at the next session. 
 
 Seventh : The session adjourned at 7 p. m. 
 
 J. B. Calvo, 
 
 President. 
 ANGfiL XJgarte, 
 
 Secretary. 
 Seoo^ul preparatory session. ' 
 
 Convened at 3 p. m. of the 13th of November, 1907, in the reception room of 
 the International Bureau of American Republics, the same delegates who were 
 at the previous session, and also Doctor iladriz, delegate for Nicaragua, began 
 business as follows: 
 
 First : The minutes of the previous session were read and approved. 
 
 Second : Then took place the reading and discussion of the draft of rules sub- 
 mitted by the committee, articles 1 and 2 being approved. 
 
 Third. In the discussion of article 3 Delegate Toledo Herrarte moved that 
 it be modified so as to provide that the five delegations should alternate in the 
 presidency. Delegates XJgarte and Anderson objected to the motion, and it was 
 rejected by four votes. With regard to the same article motion was made by 
 Delegate Corea that two secretaries be elected instead of one, and this was 
 approved. 
 
24 CENTRAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFEEENCB. 
 
 Fourth : Article 4 was approved, and article 5 was suppressed as unneces- 
 sary, upon motion of Delegate TJgarte. 
 
 Fifth : Articles 6, 7, 8, and 9 were approved with slight verbal modifications. 
 
 Sixth : Article 10 being read, it was approved with the modification " four " 
 in place of "two-thirds," upon motion of Delegate Mejia. 
 
 Seventh: Articles 11 and 12 were amended, giving them greater clearness, 
 upon motion of Delegate Bonilla. 
 
 Eighth: Article 13 was approved. 
 
 Ninth: Articles 14 and 15 were read, and the delegates, not being able to 
 agree in regard to them, suspended discussion, on motion of Delegate Bonilla. 
 The committee on rules reconsidered them, and the following form was sub- 
 stituted : 
 
 "The resolutions of the Conference shall be adopted unanimously, except 
 In the instances provided for in these rules: Provided, however. That those 
 resolutions upon which three or more delegations are in accord shall be con- 
 sidered as obligatory upon them and as a recommendation for the others." 
 
 Tenth : Article 16 was approved. 
 
 Eleventh : Article 17 was modified, on motion of Delegate Anderson, omitting 
 therefrom ideas which were deemed unnecessary. 
 
 Twelfth : Article 18 was approved, and a further article was added, as 
 follows : 
 
 " Each delegate may submit to the Conference his opinion upon the matter or 
 point under discussion, and request that it be included in the minutes of the 
 session at which it is presented." 
 
 Thirteenth: Article 20 was suppressed. Articles 21, 22, and 23 were ap- 
 proved, with some amendments proposed by Delegates Bonilla and Madriz, and 
 the rules were concluded as follows •} 
 
 Fourteenth: The, selection of president of the Conference was thereupon pro- 
 ceeded with, and Delegate Anderson was chosen for this post by four votes, the 
 Costa Rican delegation having voted for Doctor Gallegos. 
 
 Fifteenth : On motion of Delegate Oallegos, lots were cast for the precedence 
 of the delegations, in conformity with Article III of the rules, resulting in the 
 following order : Nicaragua, Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. 
 
 Sixteenth : Delegate Rodriguez was chosen for secretary by five votes, and 
 likewise Delegate Madriz by three votes. 
 
 Seventeenth : A committee was named, composed of Delegates Batres, Bonilla, 
 and Corea, to accompany the Secretary of State to the place of the Conference; 
 another committee, composed of Delegates Mejia and Sanchez Ocana, to ac- 
 company Ambassador Creel : and another, composed of Delegates Fiallos and 
 Madriz, to accompany Mr. Buchanan. 
 
 Eighteenth : A committee was appointed, composed of Delegates Calvo and 
 tJgarte, to receive, at the door of the reception room of the Conference, the 
 Secretary of State, Ambassador Creel, and Mr. Buchanan. 
 
 Nineteenth : The delegates to the Conference voted, by acclamation, expres- 
 sion of thanks to Delegates Calvo and TJgarte, president and secretary, respec- 
 tively, of the preparatory sessions, for the services they had given in those capac- 
 ities; and 
 
 Twentieth : The session adjourned at 8.30 p. m. 
 
 J. B. Calvo, 
 
 President. 
 AwGfe TJgabte, 
 
 Secretary. 
 
 [Inclosure No. 4.] 
 (INATJGTIRAL SESSION.) 
 
 At 2.30 in the afternoon on the 14th of November, 1907, in the city of Wash- 
 ington, the delegates of the five Central American Republics assembled at the 
 Central American Peace Conference, as follows: The Hon. Luis Anderson and 
 Don Joaquin Bernardo Calvo, for Costa Rica ; Drs. Don Jos6 Madriz and Don 
 Luis Felipe Corea, for Nicaragua ; Dr. Don Salvador Gallegos, Dr. Don Salvador 
 Rodriguez G., and Don Federico MejIa, for Salvador ; the Hon. Antonio Batres 
 Jfi/Uregui, Dr. Don Luis Toledo Herrarte, and Don Victor Sanchez Ocana, for 
 Guatemala ; and Dr. Don Policarpo Bonilla, Dr. Don Angel TJgarte, and Don H. 
 
 ' For rules see page 21. 
 
OENTEAIi AMEEIOAN PEACE CONPEEENCE. 25 
 
 Constantino Fiallos, for Honduras. There were also present His Excellency 
 Mr. Elihu Root, Secretary of State of the United States of America ; His Excel- 
 lency Enrique C. Creel, the Ambassador of the United Mexican States and the 
 Representative of the Government of Mexico at the Conference ; His Excellency 
 Robert Bacon, Assistant Secretary of State of the United States of America; 
 His Excellency William I. Buchanan, the Representative of the Government of 
 the United States of America at the Conference, and Mr. Jos6 F. Godoy, secre- 
 tary of embassy of Mexico. 
 
 The session commenced as follows: 
 
 First : Delegate Calvo, as president of the preliminary Conference, Introduced 
 Secretary Root, vs^ho tooli the chair and declared the Peace Conference opened. 
 
 Second: Secretary Root delivered a brief address, greeting the members in 
 the name of the Government of the United States, and expressing his desire 
 that the Conference should bring about the permanent peace of Central America. 
 The ambassador of Mexico then read an address, in which he expressed the 
 fraternal attitude of his Government toward Central America and its good 
 wishes for the successful outcome of the Conference. In the name of the 
 Conference, Mr. Anderson replied to both addresses. 
 
 Third : Delegate Ugarte, secretary ad interim, read the protocol of the 17th 
 of September, which is to serve as the basis for the work of the Conference, 
 and the minutes of the preliminary sessions held by the plenipotentiaries of 
 Central America. The reading of one of the minutes of the preliminary ses- 
 sions of the Conference was dispensed with. 
 
 Fourth: Mr. Root named Messrs. JosS Madriz and Salvador Rodriguez G. 
 secretaries ad interim of the Conference. 
 
 Fifth : The secretary read the list of members of the delegations in the order 
 in which they appear in the diplomatic list of the Department of State at 
 Washington. 
 
 Sixth : The communication from the Department of State of the 11th instant 
 was then read, which convened the delegates of the five Republics to a meeting 
 in this city In the International Bureau of American Republics at 2.30 o'clock 
 this afternoon. 
 
 Seventh: On motion of the Secretary of State, a committee was appointed, 
 composed of Messrs. Calvo, Toledo Herrarte, Fiallos, Corea, and Mejia, to 
 examine the credentials of the delegates. 
 
 Eighth: The committee on credentials reported that all the credentials were 
 in due form. 
 
 Ninth : On the motion of the Secretary of State, steps were taken to elect a 
 president of the Conference. Delegate Luis Anderson was elected by four 
 votes — Costa Rica having voted for Dr. Salvador Gallegos. The Secretary of 
 State announced the result of the election and turned over the chair to Mr. 
 Anderson. 
 
 Tenth : The president invited the Conference to choose permanent secretaries. 
 Delegate Madriz was elected by 4 votes and Delegate Rodriguez G. unani- 
 mously. Doctor Fiallos received the vote of the delegation of Nicaragua. 
 
 Eleventh: It was then proceeded to elect honorary presidents of the Con- 
 ference, and His Excellency Elihu Root, the Secretary of State of the United 
 States of America, and His Excellency Don Ignacio Mariscal, secretary of 
 state of the United Mexican States, were elected by acclamation. 
 
 Twelfth : The president appointed a permanent committee on rules, composed 
 of Messrs. GaUegos, Batres Jauregui, and Bonilla. 
 
 The session adjourned at 4.20 p. m. 
 
 Luis Andeeson, F. MejIa, 
 
 Antonio Bathes Jaukegui, J. B. Calvo, 
 
 VICTOR SANCHEZ O., LUIS TOLEDO HeBEABTB, 
 
 Ang£l Ugarte, E. Constantino Fiallos, 
 
 PoLicARPO Bonilla, Luis F. Corea, 
 
 JoBt Madriz, Salvador Rodriguez G., 
 
 Salvador Gallegos, Delegates to the Peace Conference. 
 
26 CENTRAL, AMERICAN PEACE CONFEEENCE. 
 
 [Inclosure No. 4a.] 
 
 ADDRESS OF THE HON. ELIHU ROOT, SECRETARY OF STATE OF THE 
 UNITED STATES, WHEN CALLING THE CONFERENCE TO ORDER ON NO- 
 VEMBER 14, 1907. 
 
 Mr. Ambassador and Gentlemen of the Five Centbal American Republics : 
 Usage devolves upon me as the head of the foreign oflBce of the country in 
 which you are assembled to call this meeting together ; to call it to order and to 
 preside during the formation of your organization. I wish to express to you, 
 at the outset, the high appreciation of the Government of the United States of 
 the compliment which you pay to us in selecting the city of Washington as the 
 field of your labors in behalf of the rule of peace and order and brothertiood 
 among the peoples of Central America. It is most gratifying to the people of the 
 United States that you should feel that you will find here an atmosphere favor- 
 able to the development of the ideas of peace and unity, of progress and mutual 
 helpfulness, in place of war and revolution and the retardation of the principles 
 of liberty and justice. 
 
 So far as a sincere and friendly desire for success in your labors may furnish 
 a favorable atmosphere, you certainly will have it here. The people of the 
 United States are sincere believers in the principles that you are seeking to 
 apply to the conduct of your international affairs in Central America. They 
 sincerely desire the trivimph and the control of the principles of liberty and 
 order everywhere in the world. They especially desire that the blessings which 
 follow the control of those principles may be enjoyed by all the people of our 
 sister Kepublics on the Westerri Hemisphei-e, and we further believe that it will 
 be, from the most selfish point pt view, for our interests to have peaceful, pros- 
 perous, and progressive Kepublics in Central America. 
 
 The people of the United Mexican States and of the United States of America 
 are now enjoying great benefits from the mutual Interchange of commerce and 
 friendly intercourse between the two countries of Mexico and the United States. 
 Prosperity, the increase of wealth, the success of enterprise — all the results that 
 co.me from the intelligent use of wealth — are being enjoyed by the people of both 
 countries, through the friendly intercourse that utilizes for the people of each 
 country the prosperity of the other. We in the United States should be most 
 happy if the States of Central America might move with greater rapidity along 
 the pathway of such prosperity, of such progress, to the end that we may share, 
 through commerce and friendly intercourse, in your new prosperity and aid you 
 by our prosperity. 
 
 We can not fail, gentlemen, to be admonished by the many failures which 
 have been made by the people of Central America to establish agreement 
 among themselves which would be lasting, that the task you have before you is 
 no easy one. The trial has often been made and the agreements which have 
 been elaborated, signed, ratified, seem to have been written in water. Yet I 
 can not resist the impression that we have at last come to the threshold of a 
 happier day for Central America. Time is necessary to political development. 
 I have great confidence in the judgment that in the long course of time, through 
 successive steps of failure, through the accompanying education of your people, 
 through the encouraging examples which now, more than ever before, surround 
 you, success will be attained in securing unity and progress In other countries 
 of the New Hemisphere. Through the combination of all these, you are at a 
 point in your history where it is possible for you to take a forward step that 
 will remain. 
 
 It would ill become me to attempt to propose or suggest the steps which you 
 should take, but I will venture to observe that the all-important thing for you 
 to accomplish is that while you enter into agreements which will, I am sure, be 
 framed in consonance with the most peaceful aspirations and the most rigid 
 sense of justice, you shall devise also some practical methods under which It 
 will be possible to secure the performance of those agreements. The mere 
 declaration of general principles, the mere agreement upon lines of policy and 
 of conduct are of little value, unless there be practical and definite methods 
 provided by which the responsibility for failing to keep the agreement may 
 be fixed upon some definite person, and the public sentiment of Central America 
 brought to bear to prevent the violation. The declaration that a man is en- 
 titled to his liberty would be of little value with us in this country were It not 
 for the writ of habeas corpus that makes it the duty of a specific judge, when 
 applied to, to inquire into the cause of his detention and set him at liberty if he 
 
CENTEAl, AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 27 
 
 is unjustly detained. The provision whicli declares that a man should not be 
 deprived of his property virithout due process of law would be of little value 
 were it not for the practical provision which imposes on specific officers the duty 
 of nullifying every attempt to take away a man's property without due process 
 of law. 
 
 To find practical definite methods by which you shall make it somebody]s 
 duty to see that the great principles you declare are not violated, by which if 
 an attempt be made to violate them the responsibility may be fixed upon the 
 guilty individual — those, in my judgment, are the problems to which you should 
 specifically and most earnestly address yourselves. 
 
 I have confidence in your success, because I have confidence in your sincerity 
 of purpose, and because I believe that your people have developed to the point 
 where they are ready to receive and to utilize such results as you inay work out. 
 Why should you not live in peace and harmony? You are one people in fact, 
 your citizenship is interchangeable — your race, your religion, your customs, 
 your laws, your lineage, your consanguinity and lineage, your social relations, 
 your sympathies, your aspirations, and your hopes for the future are the same. 
 It can be nothing but the ambition of individuals who care more for their self- 
 ish purposes than for the good of their country that can prevent the people 
 of the Central American States from living together in peace and harmony. 
 
 It is my most earnest hope, it is the hope of the American Government and 
 people, that from this Conference may come the specific and practical measures 
 which will enable the people of Central America to march on with equal step 
 abreast of the most progressive nations of modern civilization, to fulfill their 
 great destinies in that brotherhood which nature has intended them to preserve 
 and to exile forever from that land of beauty and of wealth incalculable the 
 fraternal strife which has hitherto held you back in the development of your 
 civilization. 
 
 [Inclosiire No. 4b.] 
 
 ADDRESS OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE MEXICAN AMBASSADOR, DON ENRIOUE 
 C. CREEL, AT THE INAUGURAL SESSION OF THE CONFERENCE. 
 
 Gentlemen of the Central American Delegations : Allow me to bid you all, 
 in the name of the people and the Government of Mexico, which I have the 
 honor to represent on this solemn occasion, the heartiest welcome, and to express 
 my most sincere good wishes for your personal welfare and for the success of 
 the missions your i-espective governments have intrusted into your hands. 
 
 You come to Washington, gentlemen, on such a far-reaching, noble, and lofty 
 errand, to perform a work of such lasting results, that I do not hesitate to say 
 that if heretofore you have been known in Central America as distinguished 
 jurists, diplomats of experience, and ardent patriots, your names will hence- 
 forth be a household word in the entire American Continent, as they can not 
 remain confined within the frontiers of any one particular region, and will 
 symbolize, whenever pronounced, the greatest of blessings that a people, that 
 mankind, may enjoy. Your names will spell, peace, holy peace, and its follower, 
 liberty, to which is due the greatness of the country which at this moment gives 
 you such affectionate hospitality. 
 
 The Mexican Republic is bound to the Central American countries by common 
 bjood ties, historical traditions, language, geographical proximity, community of 
 interests, and similarity of political institutions, and General Porfirio Diaz saw 
 with particular pleasure the opportunity offered him to cooperate in helping the 
 five sister republics to lay the foundations of a peace to which they are entitled, 
 and that will undoubtedly bring them such great benefits as Mexico has secured. 
 The joint suggestion, signed by the chief executive of my country and the emi- 
 nent statesman now President of the United States of America, has brought 
 you here, under the roof of the International Bureau of the American Republics, 
 which is, if I may so express it, the common home of all the nations on this 
 continent. 
 
 For many years what was formerly Spanish-America has been enjoying peace, 
 achieving material progress, and successfully striving to practically establish 
 the institutions we inherited from our forefathers. The revolutionary germs 
 seem to exist (and with particular vigor) only in the most central portion of the 
 continent, where the two portions of America which are destined to live In a 
 close fraternal union meet. Why should it be strange, then, that the countries 
 
28 CENTRAL AMEKICAN" PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 nearest to yours extend their friendly mediation, and in case of necessity their 
 frank assistance, that you may come to a mutual understanding and weld 
 together the link of common love, tendencies, and interests, which will be the 
 basis of your future prosperity? 
 
 Neither the- United States nor Mexico craves territorial expansion, nor is 
 either desirous of intervening in your affairs, nor do they ask aught but to see 
 you peaceable, strong, and prosperous countries. Mexico and the United States 
 are convtuced that such will be the result obtained by your energy, patriotism, 
 and good will, after honest deliberations, latent upon securing peace for the 
 five Central American Republics on the basis of eternal justice. 
 
 Peace has always been the greatest boon to mankind. But when population 
 and elements of wealth increase, and the level of civilization becomes higher, 
 and the principles of justice and respect for property become more solid ; when 
 a higher estimate is put upon the life of man, it is then that tranquillity becomes 
 more valuable in the world, its rule controls as a supreme necessity, as the 
 greatest of all blessings, the mainspring of patriotism, and the unmovable basis 
 of national autonomy. 
 
 The world moves on. The various manifestations of progress reach every- 
 where; earthly civilization becomes universal, demanding that each and every 
 people in the world share in its benefits. When civilization finds no barriers 
 nor suitable surroundings, it directs to that spot all its energies and its life- 
 giving elements of wealth. But when war, disorder, and extermination block 
 the way and oppose the great force of civilization, then conditions become dan- 
 gerous both at home and abroad ; thence proceed retrogression and the elements 
 of International difficulties. 
 
 The peoples of to-day can not dwell in isolation, linked as life is to the com- 
 mon cause of human progress, and it is only in the midst of peace that the 
 preservation of national integrity can be conceived. When that support is 
 wanting, autonomy is in danger, and the wrongs and the damage done may be 
 Irreparable. 
 
 The present tendency of civilized countries Is clearly toward peace, as shown 
 by The Hague tribunal; by the several peace and arbitration congresses and 
 conferences organized or to be organized in advanced nations : as advocated by 
 the public press in ^all countries, irrespective of political parties or religious 
 creed ; as taught in schools and universities. Peace is the yearning cry of 
 humanity. No mistake could be greater, no blindness darker, than to oppose 
 those tendencies. Any and all sacrifices seem small when made to obtain a 
 solid, unmolested, firm peace. 
 
 This Is not all, however. Before long America will witness a great event — 
 the opening of the Panama Canal. This gigantic undertaking will mark the 
 commencement of a new era for Pan-American progress. This great work 
 will facilitate the means of communication and at the same time will bring 
 together in closer bonds the nations of this hemisphere, giving greater impulse 
 to their international commerce. To achieve this it will be necessary to make 
 great improvements to ports, to undertake expensive sanitary works, to build 
 many railway lines, banks, commercial houses, and to consolidate both the in-' 
 ternal and foreign public credit. 
 
 And in order to enjoy all these benefits we need peace in America; a peace 
 to be uninterrupted in every one of the nations of this hemisphere. To disturb 
 that peace would be* more dangerous then than it is at present. This Is the 
 right moment to build the proper foundations and to secure among you all that 
 harmony in which the North, Central, and South Americans are so deeply 
 Interested. 
 
 Tou possess admirable elements of life, sources of unexplored riches, im- 
 mense tracts of uncultivated lands, a coast line of incomparable value. All 
 you need is that men work instead of killing one another; capital to flow to 
 your countries at your request, instead of shunning your countries for fear 
 of wars. 
 
 If my judgment of your affairs is not erroneous, your disputes turn upon 
 issues which are simple and, above all, susceptible of pacific adjustment. 
 Boundary questions, questions of wrongs to citizens, territorial Invasion, and 
 many others, which can not be prevented between adjoining countries, may be 
 easily and peaceably settled according to such general rules as you may adopt 
 at this Conference; and civil or foreign wars will only come when, unfortu- 
 nately, great calamities must come; and then as often as wars now occur In 
 the civilized countries of the world, and not as frequently as tbey now fall upon 
 the savage hordes of uncivilized countries. 
 
CENTRAL AMEBIOAN PEACE CONPEEENOE. 29 
 
 To attain these conditions it is necessary not to seek to gain advantages, nor 
 to claim predominance ovgr one another, nor redress of wrongs, nor yet lose 
 control of one's temper. The object of this Conference is nobler and loftier. It 
 is to seek in good faith the means of doing justice. Your clear intelligence 
 and patriotism will surely find it, and when found it must be embodied in a 
 treaty of very long duration. This is what the world expects of the high rep- 
 resentation of your respective Governments; this is what Mexico and the 
 United States of America expect, because they will, in perfect good faith, seal 
 that treaty as a moral guaranty of an honest and steadfast purpose, as a token 
 of love for peace, and as an evidence of confraternity, sympathy, and justice to 
 the countries you represent. 
 
 Moreover, the Conference has a significance and teaching of the highest 
 interest to humanity, because it is a further step in the peaceful solution of 
 international difficulties by means of reason and justice, through a perfect un- 
 derstanding and a just analysis of the facts, through the quiet and tranquil 
 justice of illustrious jurists and statesmen, and because it draws us nearer the 
 creation of tribunals which, exalting their mission, do justice as between the 
 nations as they now do it between individuals of society. 
 
 Your own countries, the civilization of America, and the peace of the whole 
 world expect much of you gentlemen. Your knowledge of the character and 
 historical conditions of your charming countries will serve you in aiding you 
 to advance now at a single step more than you could possibly do in a number 
 of years under present conditions. 
 
 In such a work, as fine as it is, worthy of the efforts of good patriots and 
 men of rank, you may always count on the good will of the Mexican Govern- 
 ment. 
 
 Gentlemen, may the treaty of Washington carry in its very soul the lofty 
 Ideals of the Latin race to which we belong, and may its form be as solid and 
 strong as the great American people identified with us in this common work of 
 order, civilization, and progress. May this be as perpetual a treaty as will 
 always be the unchangeable good faith and love of peace of the two Republics, 
 your friends, who have Invited you to take up this humanitarian task. 
 
 [Inclosure No. 4c.] 
 
 ADDRESS OF HIS EZCELLEITCY SENOR DON LUIS ANDERSON, DELEGATE 
 AND MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS- OF COSTA RICA AT THE IN- 
 ATTGURAL SESSION OF THE CONFERENCE ON NOVEMBER 14, 1907, 
 REPLYING ON BEHALF OF THE DELEGATES TO THE CONFERENCE TO 
 THE ADDRESSES MADE BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE AND THE 
 MEXICAN AMBASSADOR. 
 
 YouE Excellencies : Your words move us deeply and will reecho among our 
 brothers in Central America as the good news that calls us to a better life, as 
 the smiling promise of an era of peace, justice, and prosperity which will allow 
 the Central American Republics to play the part in human progress that modern 
 civilization has reserved for each member of the great family of nations; and 
 to start again, strengthened by the bitter experiences of a tempestuous past, 
 but at the same time encouraged by the consciousness of their proper destinies. 
 
 The solemn inauguration of this Central American Peace Conference by the 
 honorable Secretary of State, on which occasion we have also listened to the 
 eloquent, wise, and kind words of his excellency the ambassador of the United 
 Mexican States, which jointly constitute a symbol of American confraternity, 
 marks In the history of our people the epoch that separates the past from the 
 future, the time when war and revolution will sink, never to rise, to give way 
 to peace, progress, and tranquillity. It is the beginning of an era to which the 
 spirit of the century urgently calls us. 
 
 Civilization can not allow that In the family of nations there be one which 
 does not work for or contribute to the common benefit the full extent of its 
 energies and of the wealth with which nature has endowed It, because all 
 nations are united in human progress. 
 
 Admirably situated between two continents, with extensive coast lines on 
 both oceans, with an exceedingly rich soil, suitable for all kinds of products, 
 with mountains full of gold and silver — in fine, with such wealth that It would 
 
30 CENTRAL AMERICAlir PEACE CONEEEENCE. 
 
 seem nature took pride in scattering over those lands all its wealth with a 
 prodigal hand — Central America is in duty bound to render to civilization, 
 through universal interchange, all the benefits that its privileged situation 
 demands ; and, nevertheless, I lament to say this — ^we are backward in fulfilling 
 this duty, because the futile strifes in which some of the Republics have con- 
 sumed their energies have separated us from the ideals our forefathers con- 
 templated when they, regardless of sacrifice, gave us our country and liberty. 
 
 It was a divine inspiration which led the Presidents of our sisters of the 
 north, when Central American soil was threatened to be dyed with the blood of 
 brothers, to raise their friendly voices bidding the fratricidal arm to stop and 
 calling us to Washington to undertake, in a brotherly conference, the work of 
 peace, which elevates and dignifies nations and leads them along the road to 
 civilization and happiness. Through this generous and humanitarian action 
 Presidents Roosevelt and Diaz have won new laurels, have written a new page 
 of glory in the history of their respective countries, but above all have won for 
 themselves a place in the heart of each one of the citizens of the five Central 
 American countries. The names of Roosevelt and Diaz will always be remem- 
 bered with gratitude by the humble citizens of those countries, those whose 
 hands are hardened by toil and whose faces are tanned by the tropical sun, who 
 will be the most directly benefited by a stable peace, because the simple peasant, 
 who is compelled to exchange the plow for the sword, goes to war but does not 
 love war. 
 
 Our peoples are not warlike, and the only part they have played in the several 
 wars which from independence to our day have stained the Central American 
 soil with blood is that of dying with heroism and self-denial for a cause which 
 they have not understood- The Central American wars have never been wars 
 between nations, but wars between Governments. 
 
 The disturbances which have taken place in some of the Central American 
 Republics, and their tremendous resultant calamities, are above all the outcome 
 of abuse, or rather forgetfulness of liberty, the protecting goddess of nations, 
 under whose radiant guidance nations become great, rith, and strong. For lib- 
 erty is a jealous goddess, more jealous even than the God of Israel, and pim- 
 Ishes with an implacable hand the countries which do not properly worship her 
 and produces misery and anarqhy, which are more terrible even than all the 
 biblical plagues. 
 
 If, in the Washington Conference, we turn our eyes toward liberty : if we 
 make provision necessary in order that our countries, free from past errors, 
 may enter anew upon a life of real democratic solidarity; if we bring it about 
 that the Governments of our five countries do not remain indefinitely in power 
 but are both in their origin and in their acts a free expression of the will of the 
 people ; in fine, if we succeed in establishing that the rights of man, the noblest 
 inheritance of the human race, which are embodied in all our constitutions but 
 sometimes sadly forgotten, become really effective, become something like the 
 backbone of our institutions and of our social and political organization — in 
 short, if we enter in all sincerity into a constitutional life, we shall have done 
 great good to our countries, and the generous hope of Presidents Roosevelt and 
 Diaz will be realized. 
 
 Let us direct our efforts to the end that respect for the liberty of individuals 
 and of States shall be a reality. Let us admit and guarantee the government of 
 the people and for the people in each one of the Central American nations, and 
 then peace will be assured and the road to our happiness and perfection will be 
 clear. 
 
 I believe I interpret thie sentiment and the patriotic feelings of each one of the 
 delegates when I say that we feel sure that we vvill reach that goal, and, there- 
 fore, our gratitude to those who have aided us in this praiseworthy work will 
 be sincere. Which one of our nations will show so little of patriotism as to re- 
 fuse to ratify such effective means of procuring us happiness? 
 
[Inclosure No. 5.] 
 
 TRATADO GENERAL DE PAZ Y 
 AMISTAS. 
 
 Los Gobiernos de las Republicas 
 de Costa Rica, Guatemala, Hon- 
 duras, Niearagtia y el Salvador, 
 deseando establecer las bases que 
 fijen las relaciones generales de 
 dichos paises, ban tenido a bien 
 celebrar un Tratado General de 
 Paz y Amistad, que Uene aquel fin, 
 y al efecto ban nombrado Dele- 
 gados : 
 
 Costa Rica: a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Sefiores Licenciado Don Luis 
 Anderson y Don Joaquin B. 
 Calvo ; 
 
 Guatemala: a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Senores Licenciado Don An- 
 tonio Batres Jauregui, Doctor 
 Don Luis Toledo Herrarte y Don 
 Victor Sanchez Ocana ; 
 
 HoNDtTRAs: a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Seiiores Doctor Don Poli- 
 carpo Bonilla, Doctor Don Angel 
 Ugarte y Don E. Constantino 
 Fiallos ; 
 
 NicAEAGTTA : a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Senores Doctores Don Jose 
 Madriz y Don Luis F. Corea ; y 
 
 EL Salvador : a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Senores Doctor Don Salvador 
 Gallegos, Doctor Don Salvador 
 Rodrigttez Gonzalez y Don Fe- 
 derico Mejia. 
 
 En virtud de la invitacion hecha 
 conforme al Articulo II del Pro- 
 tocolo firmado en Washington el 
 17 de Setiembre de 1907 por los 
 Representantes Plenipotenciarios 
 de las cinco Republicas Centro 
 americanas, estuvieron presentes 
 en todas las deliberaciones los Ex- 
 celentisimos Seiiores Represen- 
 
 GEWERAL TREATY OF PEACE AND 
 AUITY. 
 
 The Governments of the Re- 
 publics of Costa Rica, Guatemala, 
 Honduras, Nicaragua, aiid Sal- 
 vador, being desirous of establish- 
 ing the foundations which fix the 
 general relations of said countries, 
 have seen fit to conclude a general 
 Treaty of Peace and Amity which 
 will attain said end, and for that 
 purpose have named as Delegates : 
 
 CosTA Rica: Their Excellencies 
 Doctor Don Luis Anderson and 
 Don Joaquin B. Calvo ; 
 
 Guatemala : Their Excellencies 
 Doctor Don Antonio Batres Jau- 
 regui, Doctor Don Luis Toledo 
 Herrarte, and Don Victor San- 
 chez Ocaiia. 
 
 Honduras: Their Excellencies 
 Doctor Don Policarpo Bonilla, 
 Doctor Don Angel Ugarte, and 
 Don E. Constantino Fiallos; 
 
 / 
 , Nicaragua: Their Excellencies 
 Doctors Don Jose Madriz and 
 Don Luis F. Corea ; and 
 
 Salvador : Their Excellencies 
 Doctor Don Salvador Gallegos, 
 Doctor Don Salvador Rodriguez 
 Gonzalez, and Don Federico 
 Mejia. 
 
 By virtue of the invitation sent 
 in accordance with Article II of 
 the protocol signed at Washing- 
 ton on September 17, 1907, by the 
 Plenipotentiary Representatives 
 of the five Central American Re- 
 publics, their excellencies, the 
 Representative of the Government 
 of the United Mexican States, 
 
 31 
 
32 
 
 CENTRAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 tante del Gobierno de los Esta- 
 dos Unidos Mexicanos, Embaja- 
 dor Don Enrique C. Creel, y Re- 
 presentante del Gobierno de los 
 Estados Unidos de America, Mr. 
 "Wfilliam I. Buchanan. 
 
 Los Delegados, reunidos en la 
 Conferencia de Paz Centroame- 
 ricana en Washington, despues de 
 haberse comunicado sus respecti- 
 vos plenos poderes, que encontra- 
 ron en buena forma, han conve- 
 nido en Uevar a ef ecto el proposito 
 indicado de la manera siguiente: 
 
 Articulo I. 
 
 Ambassador Don Enrique C. 
 Creel, and the Representative of 
 the Government of the United 
 States of America, Mr. William 
 I. Buchanan, were present at all 
 the deliberations. 
 
 The Delegates, assembled in the 
 Central American Peace Confer- 
 ence at Washington, after having 
 communicated to one another 
 their respective full powers, which 
 they found to be in due form, 
 have agreed to carry out the said 
 purpose in the following manner: 
 
 Article I. 
 
 Las Repiiblicas de Centre 
 America consideran como el pri- 
 mordial de sus deberes, en • sus 
 relaciones mutuas, el manteni- 
 miento de la paz; y se obligan a 
 observar siempre la mas completa 
 armonia y a resolver todo 
 desacuerdo 6 dificultad que pueda 
 sobrevenir entre ellas, de cual- 
 quiera naturaleza que sea, por 
 medio de la Corte de Justicia Cen- 
 troamericana, creada por la Con- 
 vencion que han concluido al 
 ef ecto en esta f echa. 
 
 ARTICtlLO II. 
 
 Deseando asegurar en las Re- 
 piiblicas de Centro America los 
 beneficios que se derivan de la 
 practica de las instituciones y con- 
 tribuir al propio tiempo a afirmar 
 su estabilidad y los prestigios de 
 que deben rodearse, declara que se 
 considera amenazante a la paz de 
 dichas Repiiblicas, toda disposi- 
 cion 6 medida que tienda a alterar 
 en cualquiera de ellas el orden 
 constitucional. 
 
 Aeticttlo III. 
 
 Atendiendo a la posicion geo- 
 grafica central de Honduras y a las 
 facilidades que esta circunstancia 
 
 The Republics of Central 
 America consider as one of their 
 first duties, in their mutual rela- 
 tions, the maintenance of peace; 
 and they bind themselves to al- 
 ways observe the most complete 
 harmony, and decide every differ- 
 ence or difficulty that may arise 
 amongst them, of whatsoever na- 
 ture it may be, by means of the 
 Central American Court of Jus- 
 tice, created by the Convention 
 which they have concluded for 
 that purpose on this date. 
 
 Article II. 
 
 Desiring to secure in the Re- 
 publics of Central America the 
 benefits which are derived from 
 the maintenance of their institu- 
 tions, and to contribute at the 
 same time in strengthening their 
 stability and the prestige with 
 which they ought to be sur- 
 rounded, it is declared that every 
 disposition or measure which may 
 tend to alter the constitutional 
 organization in any of them is to 
 be deemed a menace to the peace 
 of said Republics. 
 
 Article III. 
 
 Taking into account the central 
 geographical position of Hon- 
 duras and the facilities which ow- 
 
CENTEAI, AMERICAN PEACE CONFEEENOE. 
 
 33 
 
 ha dado para que su territorio 
 haya sido con la mayor frecuencia 
 el teatro de las contiendas centro- 
 americanas, Honduras declara 
 desde ahora su absoluta neutra- 
 lidad en cualquier eyento de con- 
 flicto entre las otras Repiiblicas; 
 y estas, a su vez, si se observare 
 tal neutralidad, se obligan a res- 
 petarla y a no violar en ningiin 
 caso el territorio hondureno. 
 
 Aeticulo IV. 
 
 Atendiendo a las ventajas que 
 deben obtenerse de la creacion de 
 Institutos Centroamericanos para 
 el fomento de sus mas vitales in- 
 tereses, ademas del Institute 
 Pedagogico y de la Oficina Inter- 
 nacional Centroamericana que 
 ban de establecerse segiin las Con- 
 venciones celebradas al ef ecto por 
 esta Conferencia, se recomienda 
 especialmente a los Gobiernos la 
 creacion de una Escuela practica 
 de Agricultura en la Eepublica de 
 el Salvador, una de Mineria y 
 Mecanica en la de Honduras y 
 otra de Artes y Oficios en la de 
 Nicaragua. 
 
 Aeticulo V. 
 
 Para cultivar las relaciones en- 
 tre los Estados, las Partes contra- 
 tantes se obligan a acreditar ante 
 cada una de las otras, una Lega- 
 cion permanente. 
 
 Aeticulo VI. 
 
 Los ciudadanos de una de las 
 Partes contratantes, residentes en 
 el territorio de cualquiera de las 
 otras, gozaran de los mismos 
 derechos civiles de que gozan los 
 nacionales, y se consideraran como 
 ciudadanos en el pais de su regi- 
 dencia, si reunen las condiciones 
 que exijen las correspondientes 
 
 37200—08 3 
 
 ing to this circumstance have 
 made its territory most often 
 the theater of Central American 
 conflicts, Honduras declares from 
 now on its absolute neutrality in 
 event of any conflict between the 
 other Republics; and the latter, 
 in their turn, provided such neu- 
 trality be observed, bind them- 
 selves to respect it and in no case 
 to violate the Honduranean terri- 
 tory. 
 
 Aeticle IV. 
 
 Bearing in mind the advantages 
 which must be gained from the 
 creation of Central American in- 
 stitutions for the development of 
 their most vital interests, besides 
 the Pedagogical Institute and the 
 International Central American 
 Bureau which are to be estab- 
 lished according to the Conven- 
 tions concluded to that end by 
 this Conference, the creation of a 
 practical Agricultural School in 
 the Republic of Salvador, one 
 of Mines and Mechanics in that of 
 Honduras, and another of Arts 
 and Trades in that of Nicaragua, 
 is especially recommended to the 
 Governments. 
 
 Article V. 
 
 In order to cultivate the rela- 
 tions between the States, the con- 
 tracting Parties obligate them- 
 selves each to accredit to the 
 others a permanent Legation. 
 
 Article VI. 
 
 The citizens of one of the con- 
 tracting Parties, residing in the 
 territory of any of the others, 
 shall enjoy the same civil rights 
 as are enjoyed by nationals, and 
 shall be considered as citizens in 
 the country of their residence if 
 they fulfil the conditions which 
 the respective constituent laws 
 
34 
 
 CENTEAL AMERICAN" PEACE CONFEEENCE. 
 
 leyes constitutivas. Los no natu- 
 ralizados estaran exentos del ser- 
 vicio militar obligatorio, per mar 
 6 per tierra, y de todo emprestito 
 forzoso 6 requerimiento militar, 
 y no se les obligara por ningun 
 motivo a pagar mas contribu- 
 ciones 6 tasas ordinarias 6 extra- 
 ordinarias que aqueUas que pagan 
 los naturales. 
 
 Abticulo VII. 
 
 Los individuos que hayan ad- 
 quirido un tftulo profesional en 
 alguna de las Republicas contra- 
 tantes podran ejercer en cualquie- 
 ra de las otras, sin especial gra- 
 vamen, sus profesiones, con arre- 
 glo a las respectivas leyes; sin 
 mas requisitos que los de presentar 
 el titulo 6 diploma correspon- 
 diente debidamente autenticado, 
 y justificar, en caso necesario, la 
 identidad de la persona y obtener 
 el pase del Poder Ejecutivo donde 
 asi lo requiera la ley. 
 
 Tambien seran validos los estu- 
 dios cientificos hechos en las 
 Universidades, Escuelas Faculta- 
 tivas e Institutos de Segunda 
 Ensenanza de cualquiera de los 
 paises contratantes, previa la au- 
 tenticacion de los documentos que 
 acrediten dichos estudios y la 
 comprobacion de la identidad de 
 la persona. 
 
 Aetictjlo VIII. 
 
 Los ciudadanos de los paises 
 signatarios que residan en el te- 
 rritorio de los otros gozaran del 
 derecho de propiedad literaria, 
 artistica 6 industrial en los mis- 
 raos terminos y sujetos a los 
 mismos requisitos que los natu- 
 rales. 
 
 Akticiilo IX. 
 
 Las naves inercantes de los 
 paises signatarios se considera- 
 
 provide. Those that are not nat- 
 uralized shall be exempt from 
 obligatory military service, either 
 on sea or land, and from every 
 forced loan or military requisi- 
 tion, and they shall not be obliged 
 on any account to pay greater 
 contributions or ordinary or ex- 
 traordinary imposts than those 
 Avhich natives pay. 
 
 Aeticu! VII. 
 
 The individuals who have ac- 
 quired a professional degree in 
 any of the contracting Republics, 
 may, without special exaction, 
 practice their professions, in ac- 
 cordance with the respective laws, 
 in any one of the others, without 
 other requirements than those of 
 presenting the respective degree 
 or diploma properly authenti- 
 cated and of proving, in case of 
 necessity, their personal identity 
 and of obtaining a permit from 
 the Executive Power where the 
 law so requires. 
 
 In like manner shall validity 
 attach to the scientific studies 
 pursued in the universities, pro- 
 fessional schools, and the schools 
 of higher education of any one of 
 the contracting countries, pro- 
 vided the documents which evi- 
 dence such studies have been au- 
 thenticated, and the identity of 
 the person proved. 
 
 Aetici/E VIII. 
 
 Citizens of the signatory coun- 
 tries who reside in the territory of 
 the others shall enjoy the right of 
 literary, artistic or industrial 
 property in the same manner and 
 subject to the same requirements 
 as natives. 
 
 Aeticle IX. 
 
 The merchant ships of the sig- 
 natory countries shall be consid- 
 
OENTKAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 35 
 
 rd,n en los mares, costas y puer-' 
 tos de los indicados paises como 
 naves nacionales; gozaran de las 
 mismas exenciones, franquicias y 
 concesiones que estas y no paga- 
 ran ottos derechos ni tendran 
 otros gravamenes que los que 
 paguen y tengan impuestos las 
 embarcaciones del pais respectivo. 
 
 Aeticxilo X. 
 
 Los Gobiernos de las Eepublicas 
 Contratantes se comprometen a 
 respetar la inviolabilidad del 
 derecho de asilo a bordo de los 
 buques mercantes de cualquie- 
 ra nacionalidad surtos en sus 
 puertos. En consecuencia, no 
 podra extraerse de dichas embar- 
 caciones sino a los reos de delitos 
 comunes, por orden de Juez com- 
 petente y con las formalidades 
 legales. A los perseguidos por 
 delitos politicos, 6 delitos comunes 
 conexos con los politicos, solo 
 podra extraerseles en el caso de 
 que se hayan embarcado en un 
 puerto del Estado que los recla- 
 ma, mientras permanezcan en sus 
 aguas jurisdiccionales y cumplien- 
 dose los requisites exigidos ante- 
 riormente para los casos de delitos 
 comunes. 
 
 Aetictilo XI. 
 
 Los Agentes diplomaticos y 
 consulares de las Republicas con- 
 tratantes en las ciudades, plazas y 
 puertos extranjeros prestaran a 
 las personas, buques y demas pro- 
 pi edades de los ciudadanos de 
 cualquiera de ellas, la misma pro- 
 teccion que a las personas, buques 
 y demas propiedades de sus com- 
 patriotas, sin exigir por sus servi- 
 cios otros 6 mayores derechos que 
 los acostumbrados respecto de sus 
 nacionales. 
 
 ered upon the sea, along the 
 costs, and in the ports of said 
 countries as national vessels ; they 
 shall enjoy the same exemptions, 
 immunities and concessions as the 
 latter, and shall not pay other 
 dues nor be subject to further 
 taxes than those imposed upon 
 and paid by the vessels of the 
 country. 
 
 Article X. 
 
 The Governments of the con- 
 tracting Republics bind them- 
 selves to respect the inviolability 
 of the right of asylum aboard the 
 merchant vessels of whatsoever 
 nationality anchored in their 
 ports. Therefore, only persons 
 accused of common crimes can be 
 taken from them after due legal 
 procedure and by order of the 
 competent judge. Those prose- 
 cuted on account of political 
 crimes oi* common crimes in con- 
 nection with political ones, can 
 only be taken therefrom in case 
 they have embarked in a port of 
 the State which claims them, dur- 
 ing their stay in its jurisdictional 
 waters, and after the requirements 
 hereinbefore set forth in the case 
 of common crimes have been ful- 
 filled. 
 
 Article XI. 
 
 The Diplomatic and Consular 
 Agents of the contracting Repub- 
 lics in foreign cities, towns and 
 ports shall afford to the persons, 
 vessels and other property of the 
 citizens of any one of them, the 
 same protection as to the persons, 
 ships and other properties of their 
 compatriots, without demanding 
 for their services other or higher 
 charges than those usually made 
 with respect to their nationals. 
 
36 
 
 CENTRAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 AETicULO XII. 
 
 En el deseo. de fqmentar el 
 comercio entre las Eepiiblicas 
 contratantes, sus respectivos Go- 
 biernos se pondran de acuerdo 
 para el establecimiento de naves 
 nacionales j mercantes que hagan 
 el comercio de eabotaje y para los 
 arreglos y subvenciones que deban 
 acordarse a las Companias de va- 
 pores que hagan el trafico entre 
 los puertos nacionales y los del- 
 exterior. 
 
 Ahtictjlo XIII. 
 
 Habra entre las Partes contra- 
 tantes un canje completo y regu- 
 lar de toda clase de publicaciones 
 oficiales. 
 
 Aeticulo XIV. 
 
 Los instrumentos piiblicos otor- 
 gados en una de las Eepiiblicas 
 contratantes seran validos en las 
 otras, siempre que esten debida- 
 mente autenticados y que en su 
 celebracion se hayan observado las 
 leyes de la Eepiiblica de donde 
 proceden. 
 
 Aeticulo XV. 
 
 Las autoridades judiciales de 
 las Eepublicas contratantes da- 
 ran curso a las requisitorias en 
 materia civil, comercial 6 crimi- 
 nal, concemientes a citaciones, in- 
 terrogatorios y demas actos de 
 procedimiento 6 instruccion. 
 
 Los demas actos judiciales, en 
 materia civil 6 comercial, proce- 
 dentes de accion personal, ten- 
 dran en el territorio de cual- 
 quiera de las Partes contratan- 
 tes igual fuerza que los de los tri- 
 bunals locales, y se ejecutaran 
 del mismo modo, siempre que se 
 declaren previamente ejecutoria- 
 
 Abticle XII. 
 
 In the desire of promoting com- 
 merce between the contracting Re- 
 publics, their respective Govern- 
 ments shall agree upon tlie estab- 
 lishment of national merchant 
 marines engaged in coastwise com- 
 merce and the arrangements to be 
 made with and the subsidies to be 
 granted to steamship companies 
 engaged in the trade between na- 
 tional and foreign ports. 
 
 Aeticle XIII. 
 
 There shall be a complete and 
 regular exchange of every class 
 of official publications between 
 the contracting Parties. 
 
 Aeticle XIV. 
 
 Public instruments executed ia 
 one of the contracting Republics 
 shall be valid in the others, pro- 
 vided they shall have been prop- 
 erly authenticated and in their 
 execution the laws of the Repub- 
 lic whence they issue shall have 
 been observed. 
 
 Aeticle XV. 
 
 The judicial authorities of the 
 contracting Republics shall carry 
 out the judicial commissions and 
 warrants in civil, commercial or 
 criminal matters, with regard to 
 citations, interrogatories and 
 other acts of procedure or judi- 
 cial function. 
 
 Other judicial acts, in civil or 
 commercial matters, arising out 
 of a personal suit, shall have in 
 the territory of any one of the 
 contracting Parties equal force 
 with those of the local tribunals 
 and shall be executed in the same 
 manner, provided always that 
 they shall first have been declared 
 
CENTRAL AMBEIOAN PEACE CONEBBBNCE. 
 
 37 
 
 dos por el Tribuaal Supremo de 
 la Eepiiblica en donde han de 
 tener ejecuci6n, lo cual se verifi- 
 carA si Uenaren las condiciones 
 esenciales que exije su respect! va 
 l^gislacion y conforme a las leyes 
 seiialadas en cada pais para la 
 ejecucion de las sentencias. 
 
 Aeticijlo XVI. 
 
 Deseando prevenir una de las 
 causas mas frecuentes de trastor- 
 nos en las Eepiiblicas, los Go- 
 biernos contratantes no permiti- 
 ran ciue los cabecillas 6 jefes 
 principales de las emigraciones 
 politicas, ni sus agentes, residan 
 en los departamentos fronterizos 
 a los paises cuya paz pudieran 
 perturbar. 
 
 Los que estuvieren actualmente 
 establecidos de una manera fija 
 en un departamento fronterizo 
 podran permanecer en el lugar 
 de su residencia bajo la inmediata 
 yigilancia del Gobierno asilador; 
 pero desde el momento en que Ue- 
 garen a constituir peligro para 
 el orden seran incluidos en la 
 regla del incise precedente. 
 
 AETICtlXO XVII. 
 
 Toda persona, cualquiera que 
 sea su nacionalidad, que, dentro 
 del territorio de una de las Partes 
 contratantes iniciare 6 fomentare 
 trabajos revolucionarios contra 
 alguna de las otras, sera inmedia- 
 ta,mente concentrada a la capital 
 de la Eepiiblica, donde se las so- 
 metera a juicio con arreglo a la 
 ley. 
 
 Aeticulo XVIII. 
 
 En cuanto a la Oficina de las 
 Eepiiblicas Centroamericanas que 
 se establecera en Guatemala y 
 respecto al Institute Pedagogico 
 
 executory by the Supreme Tri- 
 bunal of the Eepublic wherein 
 they are to be executed, which 
 shall be done if they meet the es- 
 sential requirements of their re- 
 spective legislation and they shall 
 be carried out in accordance with 
 the laws enacted in each country 
 for the execution of judgments. 
 
 Article XVI. 
 
 Desiring to prevent one of the 
 most frequent causes of disturb- 
 ances in the Eepublics, the con- 
 tracting Governments shall not 
 permit the leaders or principal 
 chiefs of political refugees, nor 
 their agents, to reside in the de- 
 partments bordering on the coun- 
 tries whose peace they might dis- 
 turb. 
 
 Those who may have estab- 
 lished their permanent residence 
 in a frontier department may re- 
 main in the place of their resi- 
 dence under the immediate sur- 
 veillance of the Government af- 
 fording them an asylum, but 
 from the moment when they be- 
 come a menace to public order 
 they shall be included in the rule 
 of the preceding paragraph. 
 
 Article XVII. 
 
 Every person, no matter what 
 his nationality, who, within the 
 territory of one of the contracting 
 Parties, shall initiate or foster 
 revolutionary movements against 
 any of the others, shall be imme- 
 diately brought to the capital of 
 the Eepublic, where he shall be 
 submitted to trial according to 
 law. 
 
 Article XVIII. 
 
 With respect to the Bureau of 
 Central American Eepublics 
 which shall be established in 
 Guatemala, and with respect to 
 
38 
 
 OENTBAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFEBENCE, 
 
 que ha de crearse en Costa Eica, 
 se observaran las Convenciones 
 celebrados al efecto, asi como 
 tambien regiran las que se refieren 
 a Extradicion, Comunicaciones y 
 Conferencias Anuales para unifi- 
 car los intereses Centroameri- 
 canos. 
 
 the Pedagogical Institute which 
 is to be created in Costa Eica, the 
 Conventions celebrated to that 
 end, shall be observed, and those 
 that refer to Extradition, Com- 
 munications, and Aimual Confer- 
 ences, shall remain in full force 
 for the unification of Central 
 American interests. 
 
 Aetiotjlo XIX. 
 
 El presente Tratado permane- 
 cera en vigor por el termino de 
 diez anos contados desde el dia 
 del canje de las ratificaciones. 
 Sin embargo, si un ano antes de 
 expirar dicho termino no se hu- 
 biere hecho por alguna de las 
 Partes contratantes notificacion 
 especial a las otras sobre la in- 
 tencion de terminarlo, continuara 
 rigiendo hasta un ano despues de 
 que se haya hecho le referida 
 notificaci6n.- 
 
 Abticlb XIX. 
 
 The present Treaty shall re- 
 main in force for the term of ten 
 years counted from the day of the 
 exchange of ratifications. Never- 
 theless, if one year before the ex- 
 piration of said term, none of the 
 contracting Parties shall have 
 given special notice to the others 
 concerning its intention to ter- 
 minate it, it shall remain in force 
 until one year after such notifica- 
 tion shall have been made. 
 
 Aetictilo XX. 
 
 Estando resumidas 6 conve- 
 nientemente modificadas en este 
 Tratado las estipula clones de los 
 celebrados anteriormente entre 
 los paises contratantes, se declara 
 que todos quedan sin efecto y de- 
 rogados por el actual, cuando sea 
 definitivamente aprobado y can- 
 jeado. 
 
 Akticulo XXI. 
 
 El canje de las ratificaciones 
 del presente Tratado asi como el 
 de las otras Convenciones con- 
 cluidas en esta fecha, se hara por 
 medio de comunicaciones que 
 dirijan los Gobiernos al de Costa 
 Eica, para que este lo haga saber 
 A los demas Estados contratantes. 
 El Gobierno de Costa Eica les 
 comunicara tambien la ratifica- 
 ci6n, si la otorgare. 
 
 Aeticle XX. 
 
 The stipulations of the Treaties 
 heretofore concluded among the 
 contracting Countries, being com- 
 prised or suitably modified in 
 this, it is declared that all stipu- 
 lations remain void and revoked 
 by the present, after final ap- 
 proval and exchange of ratifica- 
 tions. 
 
 Article XXI. 
 
 The exchange of ratifications 
 of the present Treaty, as well as 
 that of the other Conventions of 
 this date, shall be made by means 
 of communications which are to 
 be addressed by the Governments 
 to that of Costa Eica, in order 
 that the latter shall notify the 
 other contracting States. The 
 Government of Costa Eica shall 
 also communicate its ratification 
 if it effects it. 
 
CENTBAL AMBEICAN PEACE CONEEEENCB. 39 
 
 Firmada en la ciudad de Wash- Signed at the city of Washing- 
 ington, a los veinte dias del mes ton on the twentieth day of De- 
 de Diciembre de mil novecientos cember, one thousand nine hun- 
 siete. dred and seven. 
 
 Ltjis Anderson 
 
 J. B. Calvo 
 
 Antonio Batres Jaueegui 
 
 Luis Tooido Herkaete 
 
 Victor Sanchez O. 
 
 Policarpo Bonilla 
 
 Angel Ugaete 
 
 E. Constantino Fiallos 
 Jose Madriz 
 
 Luis F. Corea 
 Salvador Gallegos 
 Salvador Eodriguez G. 
 
 F. Mejia. 
 
[Inclosure No. 6.] 
 
 CONVENCION ADICIONAL AL TRA- 
 TADO GENERAL. 
 
 Los Gobiernos cle las Repiibli- 
 cas de Costa Rica, Guatemala, 
 Honduras, Nicaragua y el Salva- 
 dor, han tenido a bien una Con- 
 vencion Adicional al Tratado 
 General, y al efecto han nom- 
 brado Delegados : 
 
 Costa Rica: a lo? Excelentisi- 
 mos Sefiores Licenciado Don Luis 
 Anderson v Don Joaquin B. 
 Calvo; 
 
 GtiATEMAL A : li los Exceleutisi- 
 mos Sefiores Licenciado Don An- 
 tonio Batres Jauregui. Doctor 
 Don Luis Toledo Herrarte y Don 
 Victor Sanchez Ocaiia ; 
 
 HoxDUEAS : a los Excelentisimos 
 Sefiores Doctor Don Policarpo 
 Bonilla, Doctor Don Angel Ugarte 
 y Don E. Constantino Fiallos; 
 
 Nicaragua: a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Sefiores Doctores Don Jose 
 Madriz y Don Luis F. Corea ; y 
 
 EL, Sal\'adok : a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Sefiores Doctor Don Salva- 
 dor GallegoSj Doctor Dort Salva- 
 dor Rodriguez Gonzales y Don 
 Federico Mejia. 
 
 En virtud de la invitacion 
 hecha conforme al Articulo II del 
 Protocolo firmado en Washing- 
 ton el 17 de Setiembre de 1907 
 por los Representantes Plenipo- 
 tenciarios de las cinco Repiibli- 
 cas Centroaniericanas, estuvieron 
 presentes en todas las delibera- 
 ciones los Excelentisimos Se 
 nores Representante del Gobiemo 
 de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos, 
 40 
 
 ADDITIONAL CONVENTION TO 
 THE GENERA! TREATY. 
 
 The Governments of the Re- 
 publics of Costa Rica, Guatemala, 
 Honduras, Nicaragua, and Salva- 
 dor, have seen fit to conclude a 
 Convention additional to the Gen- 
 eral Treaty, and to that end have 
 named as Delegates : 
 
 Costa Rica : Their Excellencies 
 Doctor Don Luis Anderson and 
 Don Joaquin B. Calvo; 
 
 Guate3iala: Their Excellen- 
 cies Doctor Don Antonio Batres 
 Jauregui, Doctor Don Luis To- 
 ledo Herrarte, and Don Victor 
 Sanchez Ocafia; 
 
 Honduras : Their Excellencies 
 Doctor Don Policarpo Bonilla, 
 .Doctor Don Angel Ugarte, and 
 Don E. Constantino Fiallos; 
 
 Nicaragua : Their Excellen- 
 cies Doctors Don Jose Madriz 
 and Don Luis F. Corea; and 
 
 Salvador : Their Excellencies 
 Doctor Don Salvador Gallegos, 
 Doctor Don Salvador Rodriguez 
 Gonzalez, and Don Federico 
 Mejia. 
 
 By virtue of the invitation sent 
 in accordance with Article II of 
 the protocol signed at Washing- 
 ton on September 17, 1907, by the 
 Plenipotentiary Representatives 
 of the five Central Ajnerican Re- 
 publics, their excellencies, the 
 Representative of the Govern- 
 ment of the United Mexican 
 States, Ambassador Don Enrique 
 C. Creel, and the Representative 
 
CENTBAL AMEBICAN PEACE CONrEKENCE. 
 
 41 
 
 Embajador Don Enrique C.Creel, 
 y Represent ante del Gobierno de 
 los Estados Unidos de America, 
 Mr. William I. Buchanan. 
 
 Los Delegados, reunidos en la 
 Conferencia de Paz Centro- 
 americana en Washington, des- 
 pues de haberse comunicado sus 
 respectivos plenos poderes, que 
 encontraron en buena forma, lian 
 convenido en Uevar a efecto el 
 proposito indicado de la manera 
 siguiente : 
 
 of the Government of the United 
 States of America, Mr. William 
 I. Buchanan, were present at all 
 the deliberations. 
 
 The Delegates assembled in the 
 Central American Peace Confer- 
 ence at Washington, after having 
 communicated to one another 
 their respective full powers, 
 which they found to be in due 
 form, have agreed to carry out 
 the said purpose in the following 
 manner : 
 
 Aeticulo I. 
 
 Article I. 
 
 Los Gobiernos de las Altas 
 Partes Contratantes no recono- 
 ceran a ninguno que surja en 
 cualquiera de las cinco Republi- 
 cas por consecuencia de un golpe 
 de Estado, 6 de una revolucion 
 contra un Gobierno reconocido, 
 mientras la representacion del 
 pueblo, libremente electa, no haya 
 reorganizado el pais en forma 
 constitucional. 
 
 Aeticulo II. 
 
 The Governments of the High 
 Contracting Parties shall not 
 recognize any other Government 
 which may come into power in 
 any of the five Republics as a 
 consequence of a couf d''etat, or 
 of a revolution against the recog- 
 nized Government, so long as 
 the freely elected representatives 
 of the people thereof, have not- 
 constitutionally reorganized the 
 country. 
 
 Aeticle II. 
 
 Ningun Gobierno de Centre 
 America podra, en caso de guerra 
 civil, intervenir en favor ni en 
 contra del Gobierno del pais 
 donde la contienda tuviera lugar. 
 
 No Government of Central 
 America shall in case of civil war 
 intervene in favor of or against 
 the Government of the country 
 where the struggle takes place. • 
 
 Aeticulo III. 
 
 Se recomienda a los Gobiernos 
 de Centro America procurar, por 
 los medios que esten a su alcance, 
 en primer termino la reforma cons- 
 titucional en el sentido de pro- 
 hibir la reelecion de Presidente 
 de la Repiiblica, donde tal pro- 
 hibicion no exista, y en segundo, 
 la adopcion de todas las disposi- 
 ciones necesarias para rodear de 
 completa garantia el principio de 
 alternabilidad en el poder. 
 
 Aeticle III. 
 
 The Governments of Central 
 America, in the first place', are 
 recommended to endeavor to 
 bring about, by the means at their 
 command, a constitutional reform 
 in the sense of prohibiting the 
 reelection of the President of a 
 Republic, where such prohibition 
 does not exist, secondly to adopt 
 all measures necessary to effect a 
 complete guarantee of the princi- 
 ple of alternation in power. 
 
42 CENTBAL AMEKICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 Firmada en la ciudad de Wash- Signed at the city of Washing- 
 ington, A los veinte dias de Di- ton on the twentieth day of De- 
 ciembre de mil novecientos siete. cember, one thousand nine hun- 
 dred and seven. 
 
 Luis Anderson 
 
 J. B. Calvo 
 
 Antonio Batees jAUBEGin 
 
 Litis Toledo Heeearte 
 
 Victor Sanchez O. 
 
 policarpo bonilla 
 
 Angel Ugaete 
 
 E. Constantino Fiallos 
 Jose Madeiz 
 
 Luis F. Coeea 
 Salvadoe Gallegos 
 Salvadoe Rodriguez G. 
 
 F. Mejia. 
 
[Inclosure No. 7.] 
 
 CONVENCION PARA EL ESTABIE- 
 CIMIENTO DE UNA CORTE DE 
 JITSTICIA GENTROAMERICANA. 
 
 Los Gobiernos de las Eeplbli- 
 cas de Costa Eica, Guatemala, 
 Honduras, Nicara^a y el Salva- 
 dor, con el prop6sito de garanti- 
 zar eficazmente sus derechos y 
 mantener inalterables la paz y 
 armonia de sus relaciones, sin 
 tener que recurrir en ningiin caso 
 al empleo de la fuerza, han con- 
 venido en celebrar una Conven- 
 cion para constituir un Tribunal 
 de Justicia encargado de realizar 
 tan altos fines, y al efecto han 
 nombrado Delegados: 
 
 OosTA Eica: a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Senores Licenciado Don Luis 
 Anderson y Don Joaquin B. 
 Calvo ; 
 
 Guatemala : a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Senores Licenciado Don 
 Antonio Batres Jauregui, Doctor 
 Don Luis Toledo Herrarte y Don 
 Victor Sanchez Ocana ; 
 
 Honduras: a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Senores Doctor Don Poli- 
 carpo Bonilla, Doctor Don Angel 
 Ugarte y Don E. Constantino 
 Fiallos ; 
 
 Nicaragua: a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Senores Doctores Don Jose 
 Madriz y Don Luis F. Corea ; y 
 
 EL Salvador : a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Senores Doctor Don Salva- 
 dor Gallegos, Doctor Don Salva- 
 dor Eodriguez Gonzalez y Don 
 I'ederico Mejia. 
 
 En virtud de la invitacion 
 hecha conforme al Articulo II del 
 Protocolo firmado en Washington 
 el 17 de Setiembre de 1907 por los 
 
 CONVENTION FOR THE ESTABLISH- 
 MENT OF A CENTRAL AMERICAN 
 COURT OF JUSTICE. 
 
 The Governments of the Ee- 
 publics of Costa Eica, Guatemala, 
 Honduras, Nicaragua and Salva- 
 dor, for, the purpose of effica- 
 ciously guaranteeing their rights 
 and maintaining peace and har- 
 mony inalterably in their rela- 
 tions, without being obliged to 
 resort in any case to the employ- 
 ment of force, have agreed to con- 
 clude a Convention for the con- 
 stitution of a Court of Justice 
 charged with accomplishing such 
 high aims, and, to that end, have 
 named as Delegates : 
 
 Costa Eica. — Their Excellen- 
 cies Doctor Don Luis Anderson 
 and Don Joaquin B. Calvo; 
 
 Guatemala. — Their Excellen- 
 cies Doctor Don Antonio Batres 
 Jauregui, Doctor Don Luis To- 
 ledo Herrarte, and Don Victor 
 Sanchez Ocaiia ; 
 
 Honduras. — Their Excellen- 
 cies Doctor Don Policarpo Bo- 
 nilla, Doctor Don Angel Ugarte, 
 and Don E. Constantino Fiallos ; 
 
 Nicaragua. — Their Excellen- 
 cies Doctors Don Jose Madriz and 
 Don Luis F. Corea ; and 
 
 Salvador. — Their Excellencies 
 Doctor Don Salvador Gallegos, 
 Doctor Don Salvador Eodriguez 
 Gonzalez, and Don Federico Me- 
 jia. 
 
 By virtue of the invitation sent 
 in accordance with Article II of 
 the Protocol signed at Washing- 
 ton on September 17, 1907, by the 
 
 43 
 
44 
 
 CENTKAL AMERICAN PEACE CONEEEENCli. 
 
 Representantes Plenipotenciarios 
 de las cinco Eepiiblicas Centro- 
 americanas, estuvieron presentes 
 en todas las deliberaciones los Ex- 
 celentisimos Seiiores Represen- 
 tante del Gobierno de los Estados 
 Unidos Mexican OS, Embajador 
 Don Enrique C. Creel, y Repre- 
 sentante del Gobierno de los Esta- 
 dos Unidos de America, Mr. Wil- 
 liam I. Buchanan. 
 
 Los Delegados, reunidos en la 
 Conferencia de Paz Centroame- 
 ricana en Washington, despues de 
 haberse comunicado sus respecti- 
 vos plenos poder'es, que encontra- 
 ron en buena forma, han conve- 
 nido en Uevar a efecto el pro- 
 posito indicado de la manera 
 siguiente : 
 
 Aeticulo I. 
 
 Plenipotentiary Representatives 
 of the five Central American Re- 
 publics, their excellencies, the 
 Representative of the Govern- 
 ment of the United Mexican 
 States, Ambassador Don Enrique 
 C. Creel, and the Representative 
 of the Government of the United 
 States of America, Mr. William 
 I. Buchanan, were present at all 
 the deliberations. 
 
 The Delegates, assembled in the 
 Central American Peace Confer- 
 ence at Washington, after having 
 communicated to one another their 
 respective full powers, which they 
 found to be in due form, have 
 agreed to carry out the said pur- 
 pose in the following manner : 
 
 Article I. 
 
 Las Altas Partes Contratantes 
 convienen por la presente en con- 
 stituir y sostener un Tribunal 
 permanente que se denominara 
 " Corte de Justicia Centroameri- 
 cana ", la cual se comprometen a 
 someter todas las controversias 6 
 cuestiones que entre ellas puedan 
 sobrevenir, de cualquiera natu- 
 raleza que sean y cualquiera que 
 sea su origen, en el caso de que 
 las respectivas Cancillerias no hu- 
 bieren podido llegar a un aveni- 
 miento. 
 
 Aetictjlo II. 
 
 Esta Corte conocera asimismo 
 de las cuestiones que inicien los 
 particulares de un pais centro- 
 americano contra alguno de los 
 otros Gobiernos contratantes, por 
 violacion de tratados 6 conven- 
 ciones, y en los demas casos de 
 caracter internacional, sea que su 
 propio Gobierno apoye 6 no 
 dicha reclamacion; y con tal que 
 se hubieren agotado los recursos 
 que las leyes del respectivo pais 
 concedieren contra tal violacion, 
 
 The High Contracting Parties 
 agree by the present Convention 
 to constitute and maintain a per- 
 manent tribunal which shall be 
 called the " Central American 
 Court of Justice ", to which they 
 bind themselves to submit all con- 
 troversies or questions which may 
 arise among them, of whatsoever 
 nature and no matter what their 
 origin may be, in case the respec- 
 tive Departments of Foreign Af- 
 fairs should not have been able 
 to reach an understanding. 
 
 Article II. 
 
 This Court shall also take cog- 
 nizance of the questions which 
 individuals of one Central Amer- 
 ican country may raise against 
 any of the other contracting Gov- 
 ernments, because of the violation 
 of treaties or conventions, and 
 other cases of an international 
 character; no matter whether 
 their own Government supports 
 said claim or not; and provided 
 that the remedies which the laws 
 of the respective country provide 
 
CENTRAL AMBBIOAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 45 
 
 6 se demonstrare denegacion de 
 jnsticia. 
 
 AETICtTLO III.* 
 
 Tambien conocera de los casos 
 que de comiin acuerdo le sometie- 
 ren los Grobiernos contratantes, ya 
 sea que ocurran entre d6s 6 mds 
 de ellos 6 entre alguno de dichos 
 Gobiernos y particulares. 
 
 Artioulo IV. 
 
 Podra igualmente conocer la 
 Corte de las cuestiones inter- 
 nacionales, que por convencion 
 especial hayan dispuesto some- 
 terle alguno de los Gobiernos Cen- 
 troamericanos y el de una nacion 
 extranjera. 
 
 Aeticulo -V. 
 
 La Corte de Justicia Centro- 
 americana tendrd su asiento en la 
 Ciudad de Cartago, de la Repu- 
 blica de Costa Rica; pero podra 
 trasladar accidentalmente su resi- 
 dencia a otro punto de Centro 
 America, cuando, por razones de 
 salubridad, de garantia para el 
 ejercicio de sus funciones, 6 de 
 seguridad personal de sus miem- 
 bros, lo juzgare conveniente. 
 
 AETICT7X.O VI. 
 
 La Corte de Justicia Centro- 
 americana se organizara con cinco 
 Magistrados, nombrados uno por 
 cada Eepublica y escogidos entre 
 los jurisconsultos que tengan las 
 condiciones que las leyes de cada 
 pais exijan para el ejercicio de la 
 
 * El texto de este artlculo fu6 corre- 
 gldo en virtud de un Protocolo adi- 
 cional que en ]a misma fecha se fli'm6, 
 de modo que el verdadero texto es el 
 que se encuentra en la pSgina 24. 
 
 against such violation shall have 
 been exhausted or that denial of 
 justice shall have been shown. 
 
 Article III.* 
 
 It shall also take cognizance of 
 the cases which by common ac- 
 cord the contracting Governments 
 may submit to it, no matter 
 whether they arise between two 
 or more of them or between one 
 of said Governments and individ- 
 uals. 
 
 Article IV. 
 
 The Court can likewise take 
 cognizance of the international 
 questions which by special agree- 
 ment any one of the Central 
 American Governments and a 
 foreign Government may have 
 determined to submit to it. 
 
 Article V. 
 
 The Central American Court 
 of Justice shall sit at the City of 
 Cartago in the Republic of Costa 
 Rica, but it may temporarily 
 transfer its residence to another 
 point in Central America when- 
 ever it deems it expedient for rea- 
 sons of health, or in order to in- 
 sure the exercise of its functions, 
 or of the personal safety of its 
 members. 
 
 Aeticle VI. 
 
 The Central American Court 
 of Justice shall consist of five 
 Justices, one being appointed by 
 each Republic and selected from 
 among the jurists who possess the 
 qualifications which the laws of 
 each country prescribe for the ex- 
 
 *Tlie text of this article was cor- 
 rected by an additional Protocol of the 
 same date, so that the true text will be 
 found on p. 24. 
 
46 
 
 CENTEALi AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 Alta Magistratura, y gocen de la 
 mas elevada consideracion, tanto 
 por sus condiciones morales, como 
 por su competencia profesional. 
 
 Las vacantes seran Uenadas por 
 Magistrados suplentes, nombra- 
 dos al propio tiempo y del mismo 
 modo que los propietarios y de- 
 beran reunir identicas condiciones 
 a las de estos. 
 
 La concurrencia de los cinco 
 Magistrados que componen el 
 Tribunal es indispensable para 
 que haya quorum legal en las 
 resoluciones de la Corte. 
 
 Aeticulo VII. 
 
 El Poder Legislative de cada 
 una de las cinco Repiiblicas con- 
 tratantes nombrara sus respec- 
 tivos Magistrados, un propietario 
 y dos suplentes. 
 
 El sueldo de cada Magistrado 
 sera el de ocho mil pesos anua- 
 les, en oro americano, que se les 
 pagara por la Tesoreria de la 
 Corte. El sueldo del Magistrado 
 del lugar donde la Corte resida 
 sera seiialado por el respective 
 Gobierno. Ademas, cada Estado 
 contribuira con dos mil pesos oro 
 anuales para los gastos ordinaries 
 y extraordinaries del Tribunal. 
 Los Gobiemes de las Kepublicas 
 contratantes se ebligan a consig- 
 nar las partidas respectivas en sus 
 presupuestos de erogaciones y a 
 remitir por trimestres adelanta- 
 des a la Tesoreria de la Corte la 
 parte que per tales servicios les 
 corresponda. 
 
 Akticiilo VIII. 
 
 Les Magistrados propietarios y 
 suplentes seran nombrados para 
 un periodo de cince anes, que se 
 contara desde el dia en que temen 
 posesion de sus cargos, y pueden 
 ser reelectos. 
 
 ercise of high judicial office, and 
 who enjoy the highest considera- 
 tion, both because of their moral 
 character and their professional 
 ability. 
 
 Vacancies shall be filled by sub- 
 stitute Justices, named at the 
 same time and in the same man- 
 ner as the regular Justices and 
 who shall unite the same quali- 
 fications as the latter. 
 
 The attendance of the five jus- 
 tices who constitute the Tribunal 
 is indispensable in order to make 
 a legal quorum in the decisions of 
 the Court. 
 
 Artici^ VII. 
 
 The Legislative Power of each 
 one of the five contracting Repub- 
 lics shall appoint their respective 
 Justices, one regular and two sub- 
 stitutes. 
 
 The salary of each Justice shall 
 be eight thousand dollars, gold, 
 per annum, which shall be paid 
 them by the Treasury of the 
 Court. The salary of the Jus- 
 tice of the country where the 
 Court resides shall be fixed by the 
 Government thereof. Further- 
 more each State shall contribute 
 two thousand dollars, gold, an- 
 nually toward the ordinary and 
 extraordinary expenses of the 
 Tribunal. The Governments of 
 the contracting Eepublics bind 
 themselves to include their re- 
 spective contributions in their es- 
 timates of expenses and to remit 
 quarterly in advance to the Treas- 
 ury of the Court the share they 
 may have to bear on account of 
 such services. 
 
 Article VIII. 
 
 The regular and substitute Jus- 
 tices shall be appointed for a term 
 of five years, which shall be 
 counted from the day on which 
 they assume the duties of their 
 office, and they may be reelected. 
 
CENTBAL AMEBICAN PEACE CONFEEENOE. 
 
 47 
 
 En caso de fallecimiento, re- 
 nuncia 6 incapacidad permanente 
 de cualquiera de ellos, se proce- 
 dera a su reemplazo por la respec- 
 tiva Legislatura, y el Magistrado 
 electo continuara el periodo de su 
 predecesor. 
 
 Aetictjlo IX. 
 
 Los Magistrados propietarios y 
 suplentes prestaran el juramento 
 6 la protesta de Ley ante la auto- 
 ridad que los hubiere nombrado, 
 y desde este momento gozaran de 
 las inmunidades y prerrogativas 
 que por la presente Convencion se 
 les confiere. Los Propietarios 
 gozaran tambien, desde entonces, 
 del sueldo asignado en el Articulo 
 VII. 
 
 Aeticulo X. 
 
 Mientras permanezcan en el 
 pais de su nombramiento, los 
 Magistrados propietarios y su- 
 plentes gozaran de la inmunidad 
 personal que las respectivas leyes 
 otorguen a los Magistrados de la 
 Suprema Corte de Justicia, y en 
 las otras Repiiblicas contratantes 
 tendran los privilegios e inmuni- 
 dades de los Agentes Diplomati- 
 cos. 
 
 Articulo XI. 
 
 El cargo de Magistrado en fun- 
 ciones es incompatible con el ejer- 
 cicio de su profesion y con el des- 
 empeiio de cargos piiblicos. La 
 misma incompatibilidad se esta- 
 blece para los Magistrados su- 
 plentes por el tiempo que ejerzan 
 efectivamente sus funciones. 
 
 Articulo XII. 
 
 En su primera sesion anual, la 
 Corte elegira entre los Magistra- 
 dos de su seno.un Presidente y un 
 Vice-Presidente ; organizara el 
 personal de su oficina, con la de- 
 
 In case of death, resignation or 
 permanent incapacity of any of 
 them, the vacancy shall be filled 
 by the respective Legislature, and 
 the Justice elected snail complete 
 the term of his predecessor. 
 
 Article IX. 
 
 The regular and substitute Jus- 
 tices shall take oath or make af- 
 firmation prescribed by law be- 
 fore the authority that may have 
 appointed them, and from that 
 moment they shall enjoy the im- 
 munities and prerogatives which 
 the present Convention confers 
 upon them. The regular Justices 
 shall likewise enjoy thenceforth 
 the salary fixed in Article VII. 
 
 Article X. 
 
 Whilst they remain" in the coun- 
 try of their appointment the reg- 
 ular and substitute Justices shall 
 enjoy the personal immunity 
 which the respective laws grant to 
 the magistrates of the Supreme 
 Court of Justice, and in the other 
 contracting Republics they shall 
 have the privileges and immuni- 
 ties of Diplomatic Agents. 
 
 Article XL 
 
 The office of Justice whilst held 
 is incompatible with the exercise 
 of his profession, and with the 
 holding of public office. The 
 same incompatibility applies to 
 the substitute Justices so long as 
 they may actually perform their 
 duties. 
 
 Article XII. 
 
 At its first annual session the. 
 Court shall elect from among its 
 own members a President and 
 Vice-President; it shall organize 
 the personnel of its office by desig- 
 
48 
 
 CBNTEAL AMBRIGAlif PEACE CONFEKENCE. 
 
 signacion de un Secretario,un Te- 
 sorero y los demas empleados 
 subalternos que juzgue necesa- 
 rios; y fijara su presupuesto de 
 gastos. 
 
 ARTicULO XIII. 
 
 La Corte de Justicia Centro- 
 americana representa la concien- 
 cia nacional de Centro America, y 
 en tal virtud los Magistrados que 
 compongan el Tribunal no podran 
 consider arse inhibidos del ejerci- 
 cio de sus funciones por el interes 
 que puedan tener en algun caso" 6 
 cuestion las Republicas de donde 
 se derive su nombramiento. En 
 cuanto a implicaciones y recusa- 
 ciones, las ordenanzas de procedi- 
 miento que la Corte dictare dis- 
 pondran lo conveniente. 
 
 ArTicitlo XIV. 
 
 Cuando ocurran diferencias 6 
 cuestiones sujetas a la competen- 
 cia del Tribunal, la parte intere- 
 sada debera presenter demanda 
 que comprenda todos los puntos 
 de hecho y de derecho relativos al 
 asunto y todas las pruebas perti- 
 nentes. El Tribunal comunicara, 
 sin perdida de tiempo, el libelo de 
 demanda a los Gobiernos 6 parti- 
 culares interesados y los invitara 
 a que presenten sus alegaciones y 
 probanzas dentro del termino que 
 se les seiiale, que, en ningun caso, 
 excedera de sesenta dias contados 
 desde la notificacion de la de- 
 manda. 
 
 AETicULO XV. 
 
 Si transcurriere el termino se- 
 iialado sin que se haya contestado 
 la demanda, la Corte requerira al 
 demandado 6 demandados para 
 que lo verifiquen dentro de un 
 nuevo termino que no podra exce- 
 
 nating a Clerk, a Treasurer, and 
 such other subordinate employees 
 as it may deem necessary, and it 
 shall draw up the estimate of its 
 expenses. 
 
 Article XIII. 
 
 The Central American Court 
 of Justice represents the national 
 conscience of Central America, 
 wherefore the Justices who com- 
 pose the Tribunal shall not con- 
 sider themselves barred from the 
 discharge of their duties because 
 of the interest which the Repub- 
 lics, to which they owe their ap- 
 pointment, may have in any case 
 or question. With regard to alle- 
 gations of personal interest, the 
 rules of procedure which the 
 Court may fix, shall make proper 
 provision. 
 
 Article XIV. 
 
 When differences or questions 
 subject to the jurisdiction of the 
 Tribunal arise, the interested 
 party shall present a complaint 
 which shall comprise all the 
 points of fact and law relative to 
 the matter, and all pertinent evi- 
 dence. The Tribunal shall com- 
 municate without loss of time a 
 copy of the complaint to the Gov- 
 ernments or individuals inter- 
 ested, and shall invite them to fur- 
 nish their allegations and evi- 
 dence within the term that it may 
 designate to them, Avhich, in no 
 case, shall exceed sixty days 
 counted from the date of notice 
 of the complaint. 
 
 Article XV. 
 
 If the term designated shall 
 have expired without answer hav- 
 ing been made to the complaint, 
 the Court shall require the com- 
 plainant or complainants to do so 
 within a further term not to ex- 
 
CBNTEAL AMEEICAK PEACE CONFERENCEi 
 
 49 
 
 der de veinte dias, vencido el cual 
 y en vista de las pruebas presenta- 
 das, y de las que de oficio haya 
 creido conveniente obtener el Tri- 
 bunal, dictara el fallo correspon- 
 diente, que sera definitive. 
 
 Articulo XVI. 
 
 Si el Gobiemo. Gobiernos 6 par- 
 ticulares demandados hubieren 
 acudido en tiempo ante la Corte, 
 presentando sus alegaciones y pro- 
 banzas, esta fallara el asunto den- 
 tro de los treinta dlas siguientes, 
 sin mas tramite ni diligencia ; pero 
 si se solicitare un nuevo plazo 
 para presentar otras pruebas, la 
 Corte decidira si es oportuno 6 no 
 concederlo; y, en caso afirmativo, 
 seiialara para ello un termino pru- 
 dente. Vencido este termino, la 
 Corte pronunciar^ su fallo defini- 
 tivo dentro de treinta dias. 
 
 Aeticuix) XVII. 
 
 Cada uno de los Gobiernos 6 
 particulares a quienes directa- 
 mente concieman las cuestiones 
 que van a tratarse en la Corte, 
 tiene derecho para hacerse repre- 
 sentar ante ella por persona 6 per- 
 sonas de su confianza, que presen- 
 ten pruebas, formulen alegatos y 
 promuevan, en los terminos fija- 
 dos por esta Convencion y por las 
 ordenanzas de la Corte de Justi- 
 cia, todo lo que a su juicio sea con- 
 ducente a la defensa de los de- 
 rechos que representan. 
 
 Akticttlo XVIII. 
 
 Desde el momento en que se 
 inicie alguna reclamacion contra 
 imo 6 mas Gobiernos hasta el en 
 que se falle definitivamente, la 
 Corte Podra fijar la situacion en 
 que deban permanecer las Partes 
 
 37200—08 4 
 
 ceed twenty days, after the expi- 
 ration of which and in view of 
 the evidence presented and of 
 such evidence as It may ex ofjlcio 
 have seen fit to obtain, the Tribu- 
 nal shall render its decision in the 
 case, which decision shall be final. 
 
 Article XVI. 
 
 If the Government, Govern- 
 ments, or individuals sued shall 
 have appeared in time before the 
 Court, presenting their allega- 
 tions and evidence, the Court 
 shall decide the matter within 
 thirty days following, without 
 further process or proceedings; 
 but if a new term for the pres- 
 entation of evidence be solicited, 
 the Court shall decide whether or 
 not there is occasion to grant it; 
 and in the affirmative it shall fix 
 therefor a reasonable time. Upon 
 the expiration of such term, the 
 Court shall pronounce its final 
 judgment within thirty days. 
 
 Article XVII. 
 
 Each one of the Governments 
 or individuals directly concerned 
 in the questions to be considered 
 by the Court has the right to be 
 represented before it by a trust- 
 worthy person or persons, who 
 shall present evidence, formulate 
 arguments, and shall, within the 
 terms fixed by this Convention 
 and by the rules of the Court of 
 Justice do everything that in .their 
 judgment shall be beneficial to the 
 defense of the rights they repre- 
 sent. 
 
 Article XVIII. 
 
 From the moment in which any 
 suit is instituted against any one 
 or more governments up to that 
 in which a final decision has been 
 pronounced, the court may at the 
 solicitation of any one of the par- 
 
501 
 
 CENTRAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 contendientes, a solicitud de cual- 
 quiera de ellas, a fin de no agra- 
 var el mal, y de que las cosas se 
 conserven en el mismo estado 
 mientras se pronuncia el fallo 
 definitivo. 
 
 ARTICtTLO XIX. 
 
 Para todos los efectos de esta 
 Convencion, la Corte de Justicia 
 Cfentroamericana podra dirigirse 
 a los Gobiemos 6 tribunales de 
 justicia de los Estados contratan- 
 tes, por el organo del Ministerio 
 de Relaciones Exteriores 6 de la 
 Secretaria de la Corte Suprenia 
 de Justicia del respective pais, 
 segun la naturaleza de la diligen- 
 cia que haya de practicarse, a fin 
 de hacer ejecutar las providencias 
 que dictare en la esfera de sus 
 atribuciones. 
 
 Articuxo XX. 
 
 Tambien podra nombrar Co- 
 misionados Especiales para la 
 practica de las referidas diligen- 
 cias, cuando lo juzgue asi opor- 
 tuno, para su mejor cumplimien- 
 to. En tal caso, solicitara del 
 Gobierno donde vaya a practi- 
 carse la diligencia su cooperacion 
 y auxilio, para que el Comisio- 
 nado cumpla su cometido. Los 
 Gobiernos contratantes se com- 
 prometen formalmente a obede- 
 cer y hacer que se obedezcan las 
 providencias de la Corte, pres- 
 tando todos los auxilios que sean 
 necesarios para su mejor y mas 
 pronta ejecucion. 
 
 ARTICtTLO XXI. 
 
 La Corte de Justicia Centro- 
 americana juzgara acerca de los 
 puntos de hecho que se ventilen 
 seguii su libre apreciacion; y en 
 cuanto a los die derecho, conforme 
 a los principios del derecho inter- 
 
 ties fix the situation in which the 
 contending parties must remain, 
 to the end that the difiiculty shall 
 not be aggravated and that things 
 shall be conserved in statu quo 
 pending a final decision. 
 
 AnTICtE XIX. 
 
 For all the eflPects of this Con- 
 vention, the Central American 
 Court of Justice may address it- 
 self to the Governments or tribu- 
 nals of justice of the contracting 
 States, through the medium of 
 the Ministry of Foreign Relations 
 or the office of the Clerk of the 
 Supreme Court of Justice of the 
 respective country, according to 
 the nature of the requisite pro- 
 ceeding, in order to have the meas- 
 ures that it may dictate within 
 the scope of its jurisdiction car- 
 ried out. 
 
 Article XX. 
 
 It may also appoint special 
 commissioners to carry out the 
 formalities above referred to, 
 when it deems it expedient for 
 their better fulfillment. In such 
 case, it shall ask of the Govern- 
 ment where the proceeding is to 
 be had, its cooperation and assist- 
 ance, in order that the Commis- 
 sioner may fulfill his mission. 
 The contracting Governments 
 formally bind themselves to obey 
 and to enforce the orders of the 
 Court, furnishing all the assist- 
 ance that may be necessary for 
 their best and most expeditious 
 fulfillment. 
 
 Article XXI. 
 
 In deciding points of fact that 
 may be raised before it, the Cen- 
 tral American Court of Justice 
 shall be governed by its free 
 judgment, and with respect to 
 points of law, by the principles 
 
CEJTTBAL AMEEICAlT PEACE CONPEEENOB. 
 
 51 
 
 nacional. La sentencia definitiva 
 comprenderd, cada uno de los 
 purttos en litigio. 
 
 Aeticulo XXII. 
 
 La Corte tiene facultad para 
 determinar su competencia inter- 
 pretando los Tratados y Conven- 
 ciones pertinentes al asunto en 
 disputa y aplicando los principios 
 del derecho internacional. 
 
 Articulo XXIII. 
 
 iToda resolucion definitiva 6 
 interlocutoria debera dictarse me- 
 diante el acuerdo, por lo menos, de 
 tres de los Magistrados del Tri- 
 bunal. En ■ caso de desacuer- 
 do, se Uamara por ^orteo a uno 
 de los Magistrados suplentes, y 
 si aun asi no se obtuviere la 
 mayoria de tres, se continuara 
 sorteando otros suplentes, hasta 
 obtener tres votos uniformes. 
 
 Aeticulo XXIV. 
 
 Las sentencias deberan ser con- 
 signadas por escrito y contener 
 una exposicion de los motivos en 
 que se funden. Deberan ser 
 firmadas por todos los Magistra- 
 dos del Tribunal y autorizadas 
 por el Secretario. Una vez que 
 hayan sido notificados, no podran 
 alterarse por ningun motivo; 
 pero, a pedimento de cualquiera 
 de las Partes, podra el Tribunal 
 declarar la interpretacion que 
 deba darse a sus fallos. 
 
 Aeticulo XXV. 
 
 Los fallos de la Corte se 
 comunicardn a los cinco Gobier- 
 nos de las Eepublicas contratan- 
 tes. Los interesaddS se compro- 
 meten a sotneterse a dichos fallos ; 
 y tddos a prestar el apoyo moral 
 que sea necesario para que ten^n 
 su debido cumplimientb; consti- 
 tuyendo en esta forma una garan- 
 
 of International Law. The final 
 judgment shall cover each one of 
 the points in litigation. 
 
 Aeticle XXII. 
 
 The Court is competent to 
 determine its jurisdiction, inter- 
 preting the Treaties and Conven- 
 tions germane to the matter in 
 dispute, and applying the princi- 
 ples of international law. 
 
 Aeticle XXIII. 
 
 Every final or interlocutory 
 decision shall be rendered with 
 the concurrence of at least three 
 of the Justices of the Court. In 
 case of disagreement, one of the 
 substitute Justices shall be chosen 
 by lot, and if still a majority of 
 three be not thus obtained other 
 Justices shall be successively 
 chosen by lot until three uniform 
 votes shall have been obtained. 
 
 Aeticle XXIV. 
 
 The decisions must be in writ- 
 ing and shall contain a statement 
 of the reasons upon which they 
 are based. They must be signed 
 by all the Justices of the Court 
 and countersigned by the Clerk. 
 Once they have been, notified they 
 can not be altered on any 
 account; but, at the request of 
 any of the parties, the Tribunal 
 may declare the interpretation 
 T/hich must be given to its judg- 
 ments. 
 
 Article XXV. 
 
 The judgments of the Court 
 shall be communicated to the five 
 Governments of the contracting 
 Republics. The interested par- 
 ties solemnly bind themselves to 
 submit to said judgments, and all 
 agree to lend all moral support 
 that may be necessary in ordfer 
 that they may be properly ful- 
 
52 
 
 OENTBAli AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 tia real y positiva de respeto a 
 esta Convencion y a la Corte de 
 Justicia Centroamericana. 
 
 Aetictjlo XXVI. 
 
 Queda autorizado el Tribunal 
 para acordar su reglamento, para 
 dictar las ordenanzas de procedi- 
 miento que sean necesarias y para 
 la determinacion de formas y 
 plazos que no se hayan prescrito 
 en la presente Convencion. Todas 
 las disposiciones que se dicten 
 sobre el particular se comunica- 
 ran inmediatamente a las Altas 
 Partes Contratantes. 
 
 Artictilo XXVII. 
 
 Las Altas Partes Contratantes 
 declaran que por ningiin motive 
 ni en caso alguno daran por ca- 
 ducada la presente Convencion; 
 y que, en consecuencia, la conside- 
 raran siempre vigente durante el 
 termino de diez anos, contados 
 desde la ultima ratificacion. En 
 el evento de que se caimbie 6 altere 
 la forma politica de alguna 6 al- 
 gunas de las Repiiblicas contra- 
 tantes, se suspenderan ipso facto 
 las funciones de la Corte de Jus- 
 ticia Centroamericana; y sp con- 
 vocara desde luego, por los res- 
 pectivos Gobiernos, una Confe- 
 rencia para ajustar la constitu- 
 cion de dicha Corte al nuevo or- 
 den de cosas; y en caso de no lie- 
 gar por.unanimidad a un acuerdo, 
 se tendra por rescindida la pre- 
 sente Convencion. 
 
 Aeticttlo XXVIII. 
 
 El canje de ratificaciones de la 
 presente Convencion se hara de 
 conf ormidad con el Articulo XXI 
 del Tratado General de Paz y 
 Amistad concluido en esta fecha. 
 
 fiUed, thereby constituting a real 
 and positive guarantee of respect 
 for this Convention and for the 
 Central American Court of Jus- 
 tice. 
 
 Article XXVI. 
 
 The Court is empowered to 
 make its rules, to formulate the 
 rules of procedure which may be 
 necessary, and to determine the 
 forms and terms not prescribed 
 in the present .Convention. All 
 the decisions which may be ren- 
 dered in this respect shall be com- 
 municated immediately to the 
 High Contracting Parties. 
 
 Article XXVII. 
 
 The High Contracting Parties 
 solemnly declare that on no 
 ground nor in any case will they 
 consider the present Convention 
 as void ; and that, therefore, they 
 will consider it as being always in 
 force during the term of ten years 
 counted from the last ratifica- 
 tion. In the event of the change 
 or alteration of thti political sta- 
 tus of one or more of the Con- 
 tracting Republics, the functions 
 of the Central American Court of 
 Justice created by this Conven- 
 tion shall be suspended ipso 
 facto; and a conference to adjust 
 the constitution of said Court to 
 the new order of things shall be 
 forthwith convoked by the re- 
 spective Governments; in case 
 they do not unanimously agree 
 the present Convention shall be 
 considered as rescinded. 
 
 Article XXVIII. 
 
 The exchange of ratifications of 
 the present Convention shall be 
 made in accordance with Article 
 XXI of the General Treaty of 
 Peace and Amity concluded on 
 this date. 
 
CENTEAL AMERICAN PEACE CONTERENCE. 
 
 53 
 
 AETICtTLO TrANSITORIO. 
 
 Como recomendacion de las 
 cincQ Delegaciones, se agrega un 
 Articulo anexo que contiene una 
 ampliaci6n de las facultades de 
 la Corte de Justicia Centroame- 
 ricana, para que las Legislaturas 
 que lo estimen conveniente pue- 
 dan incluirlo en esta Convencion, 
 al ratificarla. 
 
 Provisional Article. 
 
 As recommended by the five 
 Delegations an Article is annexed 
 which contains an amplification 
 of the jurisdiction of the Central 
 American Court of Justice, in 
 order that the Legislatures may, 
 if they see fit, include it in this 
 Convention upon ratifying it. 
 
 Articulo Anexo. 
 
 La Corte de Justicia Centro- 
 americana conocera tambien de 
 los conflictos que pueda haber en- 
 tre los Poderes Legislativo, Eje- 
 cutivo y Judicial, y cuando de 
 hecho no se respeten los fallos 
 judiciales 6 las resoluciones del 
 Congreso Nacional. 
 
 Firmada en la ciudad de Wash- 
 ington, a los veinte dias de Di- 
 ciembre de mil novecientos siete. 
 
 Annexed Article. 
 
 The Central American Court of 
 Justice shall also have jurisdic- 
 tion over the conflicts which may 
 arise between the Legislative, Ex- 
 ecutive and Judicial Powers, and 
 when as a matter of fact the judi- 
 cial decisions and resolutions of 
 the National Congress are not re- 
 spected. 
 
 Signed at the city of Washing- 
 ton on the twentieth day of De- 
 cember, one thousand nine hun- 
 dred and seven. 
 
 Luis Anderson 
 
 J. B. Calvo 
 
 Antonio Batres Jauregui 
 
 Luis Toledo Herrarte 
 
 Victor Sanchez O. 
 
 policarpo bonilla 
 
 Angel Ugarte 
 
 E. Constantino Fiallos 
 Jose Madriz 
 
 Luis F. Corea 
 Salvador Gallegos 
 Salvador Kodriguez G. 
 
 F. Mejia. 
 
[Inclosure No. 8.] 
 
 PROTOCOLO ADICIONAI A lA CON- 
 VENCI6N PARA EI ESTABLECI- 
 MIENTO DE VSA CORTE DE JUS- 
 TICIA CENTROAMERICANA. 
 
 En la ciudad de Washington, a 
 la una de la tarde del dia veinte 
 de Diciembre de mil novecientos 
 siete. Los infrascritos Delegados 
 a la Conferencia de Paz Centro- 
 americana : 
 
 Por Costa Rica: Excelentisi- 
 mos Seiiores Licenciado Don Luis 
 Anderson y Don Joaquin B. 
 Calvo ; 
 
 Por Guatemala : Excelentisi- 
 mos Seiiores Licenciado Don An- 
 tonio Batres Jauregui, Doctor 
 Don Luis Toledo Herrarte y Don 
 Victor Sanchez-Ocaiia ; 
 
 Por Honduras : Excelentisimos 
 Seiiores Doctor Don Policarpo 
 B o n i 1 1 a, Doctor Don Angel 
 Ugarte y Don E. Constantino 
 Fiallos; 
 
 Por Nicaragua : Excelentisimos 
 Seiiores Doctores Don Jose Ma- 
 driz y Don Luis F. Corea ; y 
 
 Por EL Salvador: Excelentisi- 
 mos Seiiores Doctor Don Salva- 
 dor Gallegos, Doctor Don Salva- 
 dor Eodriguez Gonzalez y Don 
 Federico Mejia, 
 
 Notando que se ha cometido un 
 error de copia al consignar el 
 Articulo III de la Convencion 
 para el establecimiento de una 
 Corte de Justica Centroameri- 
 cana, concluida en esta fecha, 
 hacen constar que el texto auten- 
 tico de dicho Articulo III es 
 como sigue: 
 
 '•' Tambien conocera de los casos 
 que ocurran entre alguno de los 
 Gobiernos contrantes y personas 
 54 
 
 additional protocoi to the 
 convention for the estab- 
 
 LISHUENT op a CENTRA! AUER- 
 ICAN COURT OP JUSTICE. 
 
 At the city of Washington, at 
 one o'clock in the afternoon of 
 the twentieth day of December, 
 one thousand nine hundred and 
 seven. The undersigned Dele- 
 gates to the Central American 
 Peace Conference: 
 
 For Costa Rica : Their Excel- 
 lencies Doctor Luis Anderson and 
 Don Joaquin B. Calvo ; 
 
 For Guatemala: Their Excel- 
 lencies Doctor Don Antonio 
 Batres Jauregui, Doctor Don Luis 
 Toledo Herrarte and Don Victor 
 Sanchez-Ocaiia ; 
 
 For Honduras: Their Excel- 
 lencies Doctor Don Policarpo Bo- 
 nilla, Doctor Don Angel Ugarte 
 and Don E. Constantino Fiallos; 
 
 For Nicaragua: Their Excel- 
 lencies Doctor Don Jose Madriz 
 and Doctor Don Luis F. Corea; 
 
 For Salvador : Their Excellen- 
 cies Doctor Don Salvador Ga- 
 llegos, Doctor Don Salvador 
 Eodriguez Gonzalez and Don 
 Federico Mejia, 
 
 Noting that an error has been 
 committed in copying the text of 
 Article III of the Convention for 
 the establishment of a Central 
 American Court of Justice, con- 
 cluded on this date, make it known 
 that the authentic text of said 
 Article III is as follows : 
 
 " It shall also have jurisdic- 
 tion over cases arising between 
 any of the contracting Govern- 
 
CENTBAL AMEKICAN PEACE CONFEKENCE. 55 
 
 particulares, cuando de comiin ments and individuals, when by 
 
 acuerdjo le fueren sometidos." common accord they are sub-. 
 
 mitted to it." 
 En fe de lo cual firman el pre- In testimony whereof they sign 
 
 sente Protocolo, que ha de con- the present Protocol, which shall 
 
 siderarse como parte integrante be considered as an integral part 
 
 de la Convencion. of the Convention. 
 
 Luis Andeeson 
 
 J. B. Calvo 
 
 Antonio Batees Jatjeegtji 
 
 Luis Toledo Heeeaete 
 
 VicTOE Sanchez O. 
 
 policaepo bonilla 
 
 Angel Ugaete 
 
 E. Constantino Fiallos 
 Jose Madeiz 
 
 Luis F. Coeea 
 Salvadoe- Gallegos 
 Salvadoe Kodeiguez G. 
 
 F. Mejia. 
 
[Inclosure No. 9.] 
 CONVENCION DE EXTRADICIOW. EXTRADITION CONVENTION. 
 
 Los Gobiernos de las Repli- 
 blicas de Costa Rica, Guatemala, 
 Honduras, Nicaragua y el Salva- 
 dor, deseando confirmar sus amis- 
 tosas relaciones v promover la 
 causa de la justicia, han resuelto 
 celebrar una Convencion para la 
 extradicion de los profugos de la 
 naisma, y, al efecto, han nom- 
 brado Delegados: 
 
 Costa Kica: a los Excelentfsi- 
 mos Senores Licenciado Don 
 Luis Anderson v Don Joaquin 
 B. Calvo; 
 
 Guatemala: a los Excelen- 
 tisimos Seiiores Licenciado Don 
 Antonio Batres Jauregui, Doctor 
 Don Luis Toledo Herrarte y Don 
 Victor Sanchez Ocaiia ; 
 
 Honduras: a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Senores Doctor Don Poli- 
 carpo Bonilla, Doctor Don Angel 
 Ugarte y Don E. Constantino 
 Fiallos ; 
 
 Nicaragua: a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Seiiores Doctores Don Jose 
 Madriz y Don Luis F. Corea ; y 
 
 EL Salvador: a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Seiiores Doctor Don Salva- 
 dor Gallegos, Doctor Don Salva- 
 dor Rodriguez Gonzalez y Don 
 Federico Mejia. 
 
 En virtud de la invitacion 
 hecha conforme al Articulo II 
 del Protocolo firmado en Wash- 
 ington el 17 de Setiembre de 1907 
 por los Representantes Plenipo- 
 tenciarios de las cinco Republicas 
 Centroamericanas, estuvieron 
 
 56 
 
 The Governments of the Re- 
 publics of Costa Rica, Guatemala, 
 Honduras, Nicaragua, and Salva- 
 dor, desiring to confirm their 
 friendly relations and to promote 
 the cause of justice, have re- 
 solved to celebrate a Convention 
 for the extradition of fugitives 
 from justice, and to that end have 
 named as delegates: 
 
 Costa Rica: Their Excellen- 
 cies Doctor Don Luis Anderson 
 and Don Joaquin B. Calvo; 
 
 Guatemala : Their Excellen- 
 cies Doctor Don Antonio Batres 
 Jauregui, Doctor Don Luis To- 
 ledo Herrarte, and Don Victor 
 Sanchez Ocaiia; 
 
 Honduras: Their Excellencies 
 Doctor Don Policarpo Bonilla, 
 Doctor Don Angel Ugarte, and 
 Don E. Constantino Fiallos; 
 
 Nicaragua: Their Excellencies 
 Doctors Don Jose Madriz and 
 Don Luis F. Corea; and 
 
 Salvador: Their Excellencies 
 Doctor Don Salvador Gallegos, 
 Doctor Don Salvador Rodriguez 
 Gonzalez, and Don Federico Me- 
 
 By virtue of the invitation sent 
 in accordance with Article II of 
 the Protocol signed at Washing- 
 ton, on September 17, 1907, by the 
 Plenipotentiary Representatives 
 of the five Central American Re- 
 publics, their excellencies, the 
 
CENTKAL AMEKICAN PEACE CONFEKENCE. 
 
 57 
 
 presentes en todas las delibera- 
 ciones los Excelentisimos Senores 
 Eepresentante del Gobierno de los 
 Estados Unidos Mexicanos, Em- 
 bajador Don Enrique C. Creel, y 
 Eepresentante del Gobierno de los 
 Estados Unidos de America, Mr. 
 William I. Buchanan. 
 
 Los Delegados, reunidos en la 
 Conferencia de Paz Centroan^eri- 
 cana en Washington, despues de 
 haberse comunicado sus respec- 
 tivos plenos poderes, que encon- 
 traron en buena forma, han con- 
 venido en Uevar a efecto el pro- 
 posito indicado de la manera 
 siauiente : 
 
 Representative of the Govern- 
 ment of the United Mexican 
 States, Ambassador Don Enrique 
 C. Creel, and the Representative 
 of the Government of the United 
 States of America, Mr. William 
 I. Buchanan, were present at all 
 the deliberations. 
 
 The Delegates, assembled in the 
 Central American Peace Confer- 
 ence at Washington, after having 
 communicated to one anothertheir 
 respective full powers, which they 
 found to be in due form, have 
 agreed to carry out the said pur- 
 pose in the following manner: 
 
 , Articulo I. 
 
 Las Repiiblicas Contratantes 
 convienen en entregarse reclpro- 
 camente los individuos que se 
 refugien en el territorio de cada 
 vma de ellas, y que en la otra hu- 
 bieren sido condenados como au- 
 tores, complices 6 encubridores de 
 un delito, a una pena no menor 
 de dos anos de la privacion de la 
 libertad, 6 que estuvieren pro- 
 cesados por un delito que, con- 
 forme a las leyes del pais que hace 
 el requirimiento, merezca una 
 pena igual 6 mayor que la ex- 
 presada. 
 
 Articulo II. 
 
 No se concedera la extradicion 
 en ninguno de los casos siguien- 
 tes: 
 
 1. Cuando la prueba de la de- 
 lincuencia presentada por la parte 
 requeriente no justificare, con- 
 forme a las leyes del lugar donde 
 se encuentre el profugo enjui- 
 ciado, su aprehension y enjuicia- 
 miento, en caso de que el delito 
 se hubiere cometido alli. 
 
 2. Cuando el delito imputado 
 sea de caracter politico, 6 siendo 
 comun, fuere conexo con este. 
 
 Article I. 
 
 The Contracting Republics 
 agree to deliver up reciprocally 
 the individuals who may take 
 refuge in the territory of one of 
 them and who in the other may 
 have been condemned as authors, 
 accomplices, or abettors of a 
 crime, to a penalty of not less 
 than .two years of deprivation of 
 their liberty, or who may have 
 been indicted for a crime which, 
 in accordance with the laws of the 
 demanding country, carries a pen- 
 alty equal to or greater than that 
 above stated. 
 
 Article II. 
 
 Extradition shall not be grant- 
 ed in any of the following cases: 
 
 1. When the evidence of crimi- 
 nality presented by the demand- 
 ing party would not justify, ac- 
 cording to the laws of the place 
 where the fugitive so charged is 
 found, his apprehension and com- 
 mitment for trial, if the offense 
 had been there committed. 
 
 2. When the offense charged is 
 of a political character, or, being 
 a common crime, is connected 
 therewith. 
 
58 
 
 CENTRAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 3. Cuando, conforme a las leyes 
 del pais reclamante 6 las del asilo, 
 hubieren prescrito la accion 6 la 
 pena. 
 
 4. Si el reo reclamado hubiere 
 sido ya juzgado sentenciado por 
 el mismo acto en la Kepublica 
 donde reside. 
 
 5. Si en esta, el hecho por que 
 se pide la extradicion no fiiere 
 considerado como delito. 
 
 6. Cuando la pena que corres- 
 pondiere al delito por que se pide 
 la extradicion f uere la de niuerte, 
 a no ser que el Gobierno que hace 
 la solicitud se comprometiere a 
 aplicar la inmediata inferior. 
 
 Articitlo III. 
 
 La persona cuya extradicion so 
 haya concedido, con motivo de 
 uno de los delitos mencionados en 
 el Articulo I, en ningun caso sera 
 juzgada y castigada en el pais a 
 qne se hace la entrega por un de- 
 lito politico cometido antes de su 
 extradicion, ni por un acto que 
 tonga atingencia con un delito po- 
 litico. No se considerara delito 
 politico el atentado contra la vida 
 del Jefe de un Gobierno, ni los 
 atentados anarquistas, siempre 
 que la ley de los paises requeriente 
 y requerido haya fijado pena para 
 dichos actos. En este caso la ex- 
 tradicion se concedera aun cuando 
 el delito de que se trata tuviere 
 una pena nienor de dos aiios de 
 prision. 
 
 Aeticulo IV. 
 
 Las Altas Partes Contratantes 
 no estaran en la obligacion de en- 
 tregar a sus nacionales; pero de- 
 beran enjuiciarlos por las infrac- 
 ciones de la ley penal cometidas 
 en cualquiera de las otras Repu- 
 blicas; y el Gobierno respectivo 
 
 3. When under the laws of the 
 demanding country or of that of 
 asylum, the action or the penalty 
 has been barred. 
 
 4. If the accused demanded 
 should have been already tried 
 and sentenced for the same act in 
 the Republic wherein he resides. 
 
 5. If in the latter, the act be- 
 cause of which extradition is re- 
 quested should not be considered 
 a crime. 
 
 6. When the penalty corre- 
 sponding to the crime for which 
 extradition is requested shall be 
 that of death, unless the demand- 
 ing Government binds itself to 
 apply the next lower penalty. 
 
 Article III. 
 
 The person whose extradition 
 is conceded, because of one of the 
 crimes mentioned in Article I, 
 shall in no case be tried and pun- 
 ished in the country to which he 
 is surrendered for a political 
 crime committed before his extra- 
 dition nor for an act which may 
 have connection with a political 
 crime. The attempt against the 
 life of the head of the govern- 
 ment or anarchistical attempts 
 shall not be considered a political 
 crime, provided that the law of 
 the demanding country and of the 
 country of which extradition is 
 requested shall have fixed a pen- 
 alty for said acts. In that case 
 extradition shall be granted, even 
 when the crime in question shall 
 carry a penalty of less than two 
 years of imprisonment. 
 
 Article IV. 
 
 The High Contracting Parties 
 shall not be obliged to deliver 
 their nationals ; but they must try 
 them for the infractions of the 
 Penal Code committed in anj' of 
 the other Republics, and the re- 
 spective government must com- 
 
OBNTRAX, AMBKICAN PEACE CONPEEENCE. 
 
 59 
 
 (Jebera comunicar las diligencias, 
 informaciones y documentos co- 
 rrespondientes, remitir los objetos 
 que revelen el cuerpo del delito y 
 suministrar todo lo que conduzca 
 al esclarecimiento necesario para 
 la expedicion del proceso. Veri- 
 ficado esto, la causa se continuara 
 hasta su terminacion, y el Go- 
 biemo del pais del juzgamiento 
 informara al otro del resultado 
 definitivo. 
 
 Articttlo V. 
 
 Si el individuo de cuya- extra- 
 dicion se trata estuviere enjui- 
 ciado 6 hubiere sido condenado en 
 el pais del asilo por delito come- 
 tido en el, no serd entregado si no 
 despues de haber sido absuelto por 
 sentencia firme, y, en caso de con- 
 denacion, despues de haber extin- 
 guido la condena 6 de haber sido 
 mdultado. 
 
 Aeticulo VI. 
 
 Si el profugo, reclamado por 
 una de las Partes Contratantes, lo 
 fuere tambien por uno 6 mas Go- 
 biemos, el reo sera entregado de 
 preferencia al que primero lo 
 haya pedido. 
 
 Aeticulo VII. 
 
 El pedimento para la entrega 
 de los profugos se hara por los 
 respectivos Agentes Diplomaticos 
 de las Partes Contratantes, 6, en 
 caso de estar ausentes del pals, 6 
 de la residencia del Gobierno, po- 
 dra hacerse por los Agentes_ Con- 
 sulares. 
 
 En casos urgentes, se podra so- 
 licitar la detencion provisional 
 del inculpado por medio de comu- 
 nicacion telegrafica 6 postal, diri- 
 gida al Ministerio de Relaciones 
 Exteriores, 6 por medio del res- 
 
 municate the corresponding pro- 
 ceedings, information, and docu- 
 ments, and deliver the articles 
 which constitute the corpus de- 
 licti, furnishing everything con- 
 ducive to the investigation neces- 
 sary for the expedition of the 
 trial. This having been done, the 
 cause shall continue until its de- 
 termination, and the government 
 of the country of the trial shall in- 
 form the other of the final result. 
 
 Aeticle V. 
 
 If the individual whose extra- 
 dition is sought should have 
 been indicted or should have been 
 found guilty in the country of his 
 asylum for a crime committed 
 therein, he shall not be delivered 
 except after having been acquitted 
 by a final judgment, and in case 
 of his conviction after he has 
 served the sentence or has been 
 pardoned. 
 
 Aeticle VI. 
 
 If the fugitive whose extradi- 
 tion is requested by one of the con- 
 tracting parties should also have 
 been sought by one or more gov- 
 ernments he shall be delivered 
 in preference to the one first mak- 
 ing the requisition. 
 
 Aeticle VII. 
 
 . Request for the delivery of fu- 
 gitives shall be made by the re- 
 spective diplomatic agents of the 
 contracting parties, or, in their 
 absence from the country or from 
 the seat of government, it may be 
 made by consular officers. 
 
 In urgent cases the provisional 
 detention of the accused may be 
 requested by means of telegraphic 
 or postal communication, ad- 
 dressed to the ministry of foreign 
 relations, or through the respect- 
 ive diplomatic agent, in his ab- 
 
60 
 
 CENTRAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 pectivo Agente Diplomatico, 6 del 
 Consul, en su def ecto. El arresto 
 provisional se verificara segun las 
 reglas establecidas por las leyes 
 del pals requerida ; pero cesara, si, 
 en el termino de un mes, contado 
 desde que se verifico, no se for- 
 malizare la reclamacion. 
 
 Articxilg VIII. 
 
 En la reclamacion se especifi- 
 cara la prueba 6 principio de 
 prueba que, por las leyes del pais 
 en que se hubiere cometido el de- 
 lito, sea bastante para justificar la 
 captura y enjuiciamiento del cul- 
 pable. Tambien debera acompa- 
 iiarse la sentencia condenatoria, 
 acusacion, mandamiento de pri- 
 sion 6 cualquier otro documento 
 equivalente; y debe indicarse la 
 naturaleza y gravedad de los he- 
 chos imputados y las disposi- 
 ciones penales que les sean aplica- 
 bles. En caso de fuga, despues de 
 estar condenado y antes de haber 
 sufrido totalmente la pena, la re- 
 clamacion expresara esta circuns- 
 tancia e ira acompanada unica- 
 mente de la sentencia. 
 
 Aktioitlo IX. 
 
 La autoridad a quien corres- 
 ponda hara la aprehension del 
 profugo, con el fin de que sea 
 presentado ante la autoridad ju- 
 dicial competente para su exa- 
 men. Si se decidiere que, con- 
 forme a las leyes y pruebas pre- 
 sentadas, procede la entrega, con 
 arreglo a esta Convencion, el pro- 
 fugo sera entregado en la forma 
 legal prescrita para estos casos. 
 
 Aetigiild X. 
 
 La persona entregada no podr^ 
 ser juzgada ni castigada en el 
 
 sence, through the consul. The 
 provisional arrest shall be made 
 according to the rules estab- 
 lished by the laws of the country 
 of which extradition is requested ; 
 but shall cease if the request 
 for extradition has not been for- 
 mally presented within the term 
 of one month following the ar- 
 rest. 
 
 Aeticle VIII. 
 
 The request for extradition 
 shall specify the evidence or foun- 
 dation thereof which, by the laws 
 of the country wherein the crime 
 has been committed, shall be suffi- 
 cient to justify the apprehension 
 and commitment of the accused. 
 The judgment, indictment, war- 
 rant of arrest, or any other equi- 
 valent document shall also accom- 
 pany the same; and the nature 
 and gravity of the acts charged 
 and the provisions of the penal 
 codes which are applicable there- 
 to must be indicated. In case of 
 flight after havin? been found 
 guilty and before serving the sen- 
 tence, the request for extradition 
 shall express these circumstances 
 and shall be accompanied "with 
 the judgment only. 
 
 Article IX. 
 
 The proper authority shall ap- 
 prehend the fugitive, to the end 
 that he may be brought before 
 the competent Judicial authority 
 to be examined. If it is decided 
 that according to the laws and 
 the evidence presented the sur- 
 render shall be carried out in ac- 
 cordance with this Convention, 
 the refugee shall be delivered in 
 the manner prescribed by law in 
 such cases. 
 
 Article X. 
 
 The person delivered can not be 
 tried nor punished in the country 
 
CENTKAL AMEKICAN PEACE CONPEEENOB. 
 
 61 
 
 pais al cual se ha concedido la 
 extradicion, ni puesta en poder 
 de un tercero con motivo de un 
 delito no comprendido en esta 
 Convencion, y cometido antes de 
 su entrega, a no ser que el Go- 
 bierno que la hace de su acquies- 
 cencia para el enjuiciamiento 6 
 para la entrega k dicha tercera 
 nacion. 
 
 Sin embargo, este consenti- 
 miento no sera necesario: 
 
 1. Cuando el acusado hay a pe- 
 dido voluntariamente que se le 
 juzgue 6 se le entregue a la ter- 
 cera nacion ; 
 
 2. Cuando haya tenido libertad 
 para ausentarse del pais durante 
 treinta dias, per haber side puesto 
 en libertad por falta de merito 
 para la acusacion por la que se le 
 entrego; 6 en caso de haber sido 
 condenado, durante treinta dias 
 despues de haber complido su con- 
 dena 6 de haber obtenido indulto. 
 
 to which his extradition has been 
 granted, nor delivered to a third 
 country because of a crime not in- 
 cluded in this Convention, and 
 committed before his surrender, 
 unless the Government which 
 makes the surrender consents to 
 the trial, or to the delivery to said 
 third nation. 
 
 Nevertheless this consent shall 
 not be necessary : 
 
 1. When the accused may vol- 
 untarily have requested that he be 
 tried or delivered to the third 
 nation ; 
 
 2. When he may have been at 
 liberty to leave the country for 
 thirty days, his release having 
 been based on the lack of founda- 
 tion in the charge for which he 
 was surrendered, or, in case of 
 conviction, a term of thirty days 
 after serving his sentence or ob- 
 taining a pardon. 
 
 Articulo XI. 
 
 Aeticue XI. 
 
 . Los gastos que causen el arres- 
 to, manutencion y viaje del in- 
 dividuQ reclamado, lo mismo que 
 los de la entrega y transporte de 
 los objetos que, por tener relacion 
 con el delito deban restituirse 6 
 remitirse, ser an a cargo de la 
 Eepublica que solicite la entrega. 
 
 The expenses of arrest, main- 
 tenance, and travel of the claimed 
 person, as well as of the delivery 
 and transportation of the articles 
 which, because of their connec- 
 tion with the crime, have to be 
 returned or forwarded, shall be 
 borne by the demanding Govern- 
 ment. 
 
 Aeticitlo XII. 
 
 Article XII. 
 
 Todos los objetos encontrados 
 en poder del acusado y obtenidos 
 por medio de la comision del acto 
 de que se le acuse, 6 que puedan 
 servir de prueba del delito por el 
 cual se pide su extradicion, se- 
 ran secuestrados y entregados con 
 su persona, si asi lo ordena la au- 
 toridad competente. Sin embar- 
 go, se respetaran los derechos de 
 tercero respecto de estos objetos, 
 y no se hara su entrega mientras 
 
 All the objects found in the 
 possession of the accused and ob- 
 tained through the commission of 
 the act of which he is accused, or 
 that may serve as evidence of the 
 crime on account of which extra- 
 dition is requested, shall be con- 
 fiscated and delivered with his 
 person if the competent author- 
 ity so orders. Nevertheless the 
 rights of third parties concerning 
 these articles shall be respected, 
 
62 
 
 CENTRAL AMEBICAN :fEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 no se haya resuelto la cuestion de 
 propiedad. 
 
 Abtictjixj XIII. 
 
 En todos los casos en que pro- 
 ceda la detencion del refiigiado, 
 se le hara saber su causa en el 
 terxnino de veinte y cuatro horas, 
 y que podra, dentro de tres dias 
 perentorios, contados desde el 
 siguiente al de la notificacion, 
 oponerse a la extradicion, alegan- 
 do: 
 
 1. Que no es la persona recla- 
 mada; 
 
 2. Los defectos sustanciales de 
 que adolezcan los documentos pre- 
 sentados; y 
 
 3. La improcedencia del pedi- 
 mento de extradicion. 
 
 Aeticulo XIV. 
 
 En los casos en que sea nece- 
 saria la comprobacion de los 
 hechos alegados, se abrira el inci- 
 dente a pruebas, observandose en 
 sus terminos las prescripciones de 
 la ley. procesal de la Republica 
 requerida. Producida la prueba, 
 el mcidente sera resuelto sin mas 
 tramite, en el termino de diez 
 dias, declarando si hay 6 no lugar 
 a la extradicion. Contra dicha 
 providencia se daran, dentro de 
 los tres dias siguientes a su noti- 
 ficacion, los recursos legales del 
 pais del asilo. 
 
 Aetictjix) XV. 
 
 La presente Convencion empe- 
 zar4 a regir un mes despues de la 
 ultima ratificacion, y permane- 
 cera en vigor hasta un afio 
 -deSpues de que el deseo de ponerle 
 termino haya sido notificado, en 
 debida forma, por uno de los 
 Gobiemos a los otros. En tal 
 
 and delivery thereof shall not be 
 made until the question of owner- 
 ship has been determined. 
 
 Article XIII. 
 
 In all cases of detention the fu- 
 gitive shall be acquainted within 
 the term of twenty-four hours 
 with the cause thereof, and noti- 
 fied that he may, within not to 
 exceed three days counted from 
 the one following that of the no- 
 tification, oppose extradition, by 
 alleging: 
 
 1. That he is not the person 
 claimed ; 
 
 2. Substantial defects in the 
 documents presented; and 
 
 3. The inadmissibility of the 
 request of extradition. 
 
 Article XIV. 
 
 In cases where it is necessary 
 to prove the facts alleged, evi- 
 dence shall be taken, in full ob- 
 servance of the provisions of the 
 law of procedure of the Republic 
 of which extradition is requested. 
 The evidence having been pro- 
 duced, the matter shall be decided 
 without further steps, within the 
 period of ten days, and it shall 
 be declared whether or not the 
 extradition shall be granted. 
 Against such a decision, and with- 
 in three days following notifica- 
 tion thereof, the legal remedies of 
 the country of asylum may be in- 
 voked. 
 
 Article XA^. 
 
 The present convention shall 
 take ejffect one month after the 
 last ratification, and shall con- 
 tinue in effect until one year after 
 notification of a desire to termi- 
 nate it shall have been given in 
 due form by one of the Goverrt- 
 ments to the others. In such case 
 
CENTRAL AMBBICAUr PEACE CONPEEBNCE. 
 
 63 
 
 caso, eontinuara vigente entre los it shall continue in force between 
 demas que no la hubieren de- the others who have not re- 
 nunciado. nounced it. 
 
 Aeticulo XVI. 
 
 Cada Gobierno debera dar 
 aviso a los demas de la ratifica- 
 cion legislativa de esta Conven- 
 cion dentro de diez dias 4 mas 
 tardar de haberse verificado. Ese 
 aviso por notas se tendra como 
 canje, sin necesidad de formali- 
 dad especial. 
 
 Firmada en la ciudad de Wash- 
 ington a los veinte dias de Di- 
 ciembre de mil novecientos siete. 
 
 Article XVI. 
 
 Each government shall give no- 
 tice to the others of the legislative 
 ratification of this convention 
 Vv'ithin ten days at the latest after 
 it has taken place. This advice, 
 by notes, shall be considered as 
 an exchange of ratification with- 
 out the necessity of any special 
 formality. 
 
 Signed at the city of Washing- 
 ton on the twentieth of Decem- 
 ber, one thousand nine hundred 
 and seven. 
 
 Luis Anderson 
 
 J. B. Calvo 
 
 Antonio Batees Jauregtji 
 
 Luis Toledo Hekraetb 
 
 Victor Sanchez O. 
 
 Policaepo Bonilla 
 
 Angel Ugaete 
 
 E. Constantino Fiallos 
 Jose Madeiz 
 
 Luis F. Coeea 
 Salvador Gallegos 
 Salvador Rodriguez G. 
 
 F. Mejia 
 
[Inclosure No. 10.] 
 
 CONVENCION PARA EL ESTABIECI- 
 miENTO DE UNA OEICINA INTEH- 
 NACIONAL CENTROAUERICANA. 
 
 Los Gobiemos de las Eepiibli- 
 cas de Costa Kica, Guatemala, 
 Honduras, Nicaragua y el Salva- 
 dor, deseando fomentar los 
 intereses coniunes de Centre 
 America, ban convenido en fun- 
 dar una Oficina Internacional 
 que se encargue de la vigilancia 
 y cuidado de tales intereses, y, 
 para realizar tan importante ob- 
 jeto, ban tenido a bien celebrar 
 una Convencion especial, y al 
 efecto ban nombrado Delegados : 
 
 Costa Rica: a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Senores Licenciado Don Luis 
 Anderson y Don Joaquin B. 
 ' Calvo ; 
 
 Guatemala : a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Seiiores Licenciado Don An- 
 tonio Batres Jauregui, Doctor 
 Don Luis Toledo Herrarte y Don 
 Victor Sancbez Ocana; 
 
 HoNDUEAs: a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Seiiores Doctor Don Poli- 
 carpo Bonilla, Doctor Don Angel 
 Ugarte y Don E. Constantino 
 Fiallos; 
 
 Nicaeagtta: a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Seiiores Doctores Don Jose 
 Madriz y Don Luis F. Corea; y 
 
 EL Salvadoe : a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Seiiores Doctor Don Salva- 
 dor Gallegos, Doctor Don Salva- 
 dor Rodriguez Gonzales y Don 
 Federico Mejia. 
 
 En virtud de la invitacion 
 becba conf orme al Articulo II del 
 Protocolo firmado en Wasbing- 
 ton el 17 de Setiembre de 1907 
 por los Representantes Plenipo- 
 tenciarios de las cinco Republicas 
 64 
 
 CONVENTION FOR THE ESTABLISH- 
 MENT 07 AN INTERNATIONAL 
 CENTRAL AMERICAN BUREAU. 
 
 The Governments of the Re- 
 publics of Costa Rica, Guatemala, 
 Honduras, Nicaragua, and Sal- 
 vador being desirous to develop 
 the interests common to Central 
 America, have agreed to establish 
 an International Bureau that 
 shall take charge of the supervi- 
 sion and care of such interests, 
 and, in order to attain so impor- 
 tant an end, have seen fit to con- 
 clude a special Convention, and 
 for that purpose have named as 
 Delegates : 
 
 Costa Rica. — Their Excellen- 
 cies Doctor Don Luis Anderson 
 and Don Joaquin B. Calvo ; 
 
 Guatemala. — Their Excellen- 
 cies Doctor Don Antonio Batres 
 Jauregui, Doctor Don Luis To- 
 ledo Herrarte, and Don Victor 
 Sanchez Ocaiia; 
 
 HoNDUEAS. — Their Excellencies 
 Doctor Don Policarpo Bonilla, 
 Doctor Don Angel Ugarte, and 
 Don E. Constantino Fiallos; 
 
 NicAEAGUA. — Their Excellen- 
 cies Doctors Don Jose Madriz 
 and Don Luis F. Corea ; and 
 
 Salvadoe. — Their Excellencies 
 Doctor Don Salvador Gallegos, 
 Doctor Don Salvador Rodriguez 
 Gonzalez, and Don Federico 
 Mejia. 
 
 By virtue of the invitation sent 
 in accordance with Article II of 
 the Protocol signed at Washing- 
 ton on September 17, 1907, by the 
 Plenipotentiary Representatives 
 of the five Central American Re- 
 
CENTRAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 65 
 
 Centroamericanas, estuvieron pre- 
 sentes en todas las delibera- 
 ciones los Excelentisimos Senores 
 Eepresentante del Gobierno de los 
 Estados Unidos Mexicanos, Em- 
 bajador Don Enrique C. Creel, y 
 Eepresentante del Gobierno de 
 los Estados Unidos de America, 
 Mr. William 1. Buchanan. 
 
 Los Delegados, reunidos en la 
 Conferencia de Paz Centro- 
 americana en Washington, des- 
 pues de haberse comunicado sus 
 respectivos plenos poderes, que 
 eiicontraron en buena forma, han 
 convenido en Uevar a efecto el 
 proposito indicado de la manera 
 siguiente : 
 
 Aeticulo I. 
 
 Se reconocen como intereses 
 Centroamericanos a los cuales 
 debe dedicarse preferente aten- 
 cion, los siguientes : 
 
 1. Concurrir con todos sus 
 e&fuerzos a la reorganizacion 
 pacifica de la tatria Centro- 
 americana ; 
 
 2. Imprimir en la ensenanza 
 popular un caracter esencialmente 
 Centroamericano, en sentido 
 uniforme, haciendola lo mds am- 
 plia, practica y completa que sea 
 posible, y de acuerdo con la ten- 
 dencia pedagogica moderna ; 
 
 3. El desarroUo del comercio 
 Centroamericano y de cuanto 
 tienda a hacerlo mas activo y 
 provechoso, lo mismo que a 
 extenderlo en sus relaciones con 
 las demas naciones; 
 
 4. El incremento de la agri- 
 cultura y de las industrias que 
 puedan desarrollarse con pro- 
 vecho en sus diversas secciones ; 
 
 5. La uniformidad de la legis- 
 lacion civil, comercial y penal, 
 debiendo reconocer, como princi- 
 pal fundamento, la inviolabilidad 
 de la vida, el respeto a la propie- 
 dad y la consagracion mas abso- 
 luta de los derechos de la persona- 
 lidad humana; la del sistema de 
 
 37200—08 5 
 
 publics, their , excellencies, the 
 Representative of the Govern- 
 ment of the United Mexican 
 States, Ambassador Don Enrique 
 C. Creel, and the Representative 
 of the Government of the United 
 States of America, Mr. William 
 I. Buchanan, were present at all 
 the deliberations. 
 
 The Delegates, assembled in the 
 Central American Peace Confer- 
 ence at Washington, after having 
 communicated to one another their 
 respective full powers, which they 
 found to be in due form, have 
 agreed to carry out the said pur- 
 pose in the following manner : 
 
 Article I. 
 
 The following Central Ameri- 
 can interests are recognized as 
 being those to which special 
 attention should be paid : 
 
 1. To combine every effort to- 
 ward the peaceful reorganization 
 of their mother country. Central 
 America. 
 
 2. To impress upon public edu- 
 cation an essentially Central 
 American character, in a uniform 
 sense, making it as broad, practi- 
 cal, and complete as possible, in 
 accordance with the modern 
 pedagogical tendency. 
 
 3. The development of Central 
 American ■ Commerce and of all 
 that may tend to make it more 
 active and profitable, and its ex- 
 pansion with other nations. 
 
 4. The advancement of agricul- 
 ture and industries that can be 
 developed to advantage in its dif- 
 ferent sections. 
 
 5. The uniformity of civil, 
 commercial, and criminal legisla- 
 tion, recognizing as a fundamen- 
 tal principle the inviolability of 
 life, respect for property, and the 
 most absolute sacredness of the 
 personal rights of man; uni- 
 formity in the system of custom- 
 
66 
 
 CENTBAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFEBENCE. 
 
 aduanas; la del sistema moneta- 
 rio, de modo que asegure un tipo 
 de cambio fijo; la sanidad general 
 y especialmente la de los puertos 
 Centroamericanos ; el afianza- 
 miento del credito de Centre 
 America; la uniformidad del sis- 
 tema de '|)esas y medidas, y la 
 constitucion de la propiedad raiz 
 de tal manera firme e indiscutible 
 que pueda servir de base solida 
 al credito y permitir el estable- 
 cimiento de bancos hipotecarios. 
 
 Aeticulo II. 
 
 houses; in the monetary system, 
 in such manner as to secure a 
 fixed rate of exchange; general 
 sanitation, and especially that of 
 the Central American ports; con- 
 fidence in .the Central American 
 credit; uniformity in the system 
 of weights and measures ; the defi- 
 nition of what constitutes real 
 property, in such a firm and un- 
 questionable manner as will serve 
 as a solid foundation for credit 
 and permit the establishment of 
 mortgage banks. 
 
 Article II. 
 
 Para los fines indicados ante- 
 riormente, los Gobiernos signata- 
 rios se comprometen a establecer 
 una Oficina Internacional Centro- 
 americana, formada por un dele- 
 gado de cada una de ellas. 
 
 For the purposes hereinbefore 
 mentioned the signatory Govern- 
 ments bind themselves to estab- 
 lish an International Central 
 American Bureau, composed of 
 one delegate from each one of 
 them. 
 
 Aeticulo III. 
 
 La Presidencia de la Oficina 
 debera ejercerse alternativamente 
 entre los miembers que la com- 
 pongan, siguiendose al -efecto el 
 orden alfabetico de los Estados 
 contratantes. 
 
 Aeticulo IV. 
 
 Aeticle III. 
 
 The Presidency of the Bureau 
 shall be exercised alternatively by 
 the members that compose it, the 
 alphabetical order of the con- 
 tracting States being followed for 
 that purpose. 
 
 Article IV. 
 
 Las funciones de la Oficina 
 seran todas aquellas que se con- 
 sideren necesarias y convenientes 
 para la realizacion de los intereses 
 que se le encomiendan por el pre- 
 sente convenio; y, al efecto, ella 
 misma deberi detallarlas en los 
 reglamentos que dicte, pudiendo 
 tomar todas las disposiciones de 
 orden interior que conduzcan a 
 llenar debidamente la mision de 
 mantener y desarroUar los inte- 
 reses Centroamericanos que se 
 ponen bajo su cuidado y vigilan- 
 cia. 
 
 Para obtener este fin, los Go- 
 biernos contratantes se compro- 
 meten a prestar d la Oficina todo 
 
 The functions of the Bureau 
 shall be all those considered nec- 
 essary and expedient to achieve 
 the objects placed in its care 
 by the present agreement, and 
 to that end the office shall 
 enumerate them in the rules that 
 it may establish, being empowered 
 to make all provisions of internal 
 regulation that may be conducive 
 to the proper' fulfillment of the 
 mission of maintaining and de- 
 veloping the Central . American 
 interests that may be placed un- 
 der its care and supervision. 
 
 In order to attain this end the 
 contracting governments bind 
 themselves to lend to the Bureau 
 
CENTRAL AMEKICAJSr PEACE CONPEEENCE. 
 
 67 
 
 el apoyo y proteccion necesarios 
 para el buen desempeno de su 
 objeto. 
 
 AKTICtTLO V. 
 
 La Oficina debera dirigir cada 
 seis meses, a cada uno de los 
 Gobiernos signatarios, un informe 
 detallado de las labores realizadas 
 en el semestre tjrascurrido. 
 
 Aeticulo VI. 
 
 La Oficina residira en la ciudad 
 de Guatemala y se procurara ins- 
 talarla lo mas tarde el dia 15 de 
 Setiembre del ano entrante de 
 1908. 
 
 Aeticulo VII. 
 
 Los agentes diplomaticos y con- 
 sulares de los Gobiernos contra- 
 tantes deberan prestar a la Ofi- 
 cina todo el concurso que ella les 
 pida, suministrandole cuantos da- 
 tos, informes y noticias necesite y 
 debiendo cumplir las comisiones 
 y eneargos que tenga a bien en- 
 comendarles. 
 
 Aeticulo VIII. 
 
 Los gastos que ocasione el man- 
 tenimiento de la Oficina ser^n 
 pagados por partes iguales por los 
 Estados signatarios. 
 
 Aeticulo IX. 
 
 La Oficina debera tener.un 6r- 
 gano de publicidad para bus tra- 
 bajos y procurard mantener rela- 
 ciones con los demas centros de 
 indole analoga, particularmente 
 con la Oficina Internacional de 
 las Repiiblicas Americanas esta- 
 blecida en Washington. 
 
 Aeticulo X. 
 
 La Oficina sera 6rgano de inte- 
 ligencia entre los paises signata- 
 
 all the support and protection 
 necessary for the proper fulfill- 
 ment of its object. 
 
 Article V. 
 
 The Bureau shall every six 
 months send to each of the signa- 
 tory Governments a detailed re- 
 port of the work accomplished in 
 the preceding half-year. 
 
 Aeticle VI. 
 
 The Bureau shall be located in 
 the city of Guatemala, and effort 
 shall be made to install it at the 
 latest on September 15 of the 
 coming year 1908. 
 
 Aeticle VII. 
 
 The diplomatic and consular 
 agents of the contracting Govern- 
 ments shall lend all the assistance 
 that the Bureau may ask of them, 
 furnishing it with all the needed 
 data, reports, and information 
 and shall fulfill the commissions 
 and requests that it may see fit to 
 entrust to them. 
 
 Article VIII. 
 
 The expenses incident to the 
 maintenance of the Bureau shall 
 be paid in equal parts by the 
 signatory Powers. 
 
 Aeticle IX. 
 
 The Bureau shall have an organ 
 of publicity in connection with 
 its work, and shall endeavor to 
 maintain intercourse with other 
 offices of a like nature, particular- 
 ly with the International Bureau 
 of the American Kepublics estab- 
 lished in Washington. 
 
 Aeticle X. 
 
 The Bureau shall be a medium 
 of intelligence among the signa. 
 
68 
 
 CENTRAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 rios, elevara a los Gobiemos res- 
 pectivos las comunicaciones, in- 
 tormes y memorias que estime 
 necesarias para el desarroUo de 
 las relaciones e intereses que le 
 estan encomendados. 
 
 Aeticulo XI. 
 
 La presente Convencion durara 
 quince afios, prorrogables a vo- 
 luntad de las Altas Partes Con- 
 tratantes. 
 
 Firmada en la ciudad de "Wash- 
 ington, a los veinte dias de Di- 
 ciembre de mil novecientos siete. 
 
 tory countries and shall send the 
 respective governments the com- 
 munications, information, and re- 
 ports that it may deem necessary 
 for the development of the rela- 
 tions and interests with which it 
 is entrusted. 
 
 Article XI. 
 
 The present Convention shall 
 remain in force for fifteen years, 
 and may be extended at the will 
 of the High Contracting Parties. 
 
 Signed at the city of Wash- 
 ington on the twentieth day of 
 December, one thousand nine hun- 
 dred and seven. 
 
 Ltjis Akderson 
 
 J. B. Calvo 
 
 Antonio Batkes Jaueegui 
 
 Luis Toledo Hekeaete 
 
 Victor Sanchez O. 
 
 POLICAEPO BoNILLA 
 
 Angel Ugaete 
 
 E. Constantino Fiallos 
 Jose Madeiz 
 
 Lins F. Coeea 
 Salvador Gallegos 
 Salvador Rodeigtjez G. 
 
 F. Mejia. 
 
[Inclosure No. 11.] 
 
 CONVENCION FABA EL ESTABIE- 
 CIMIENTO DE TIN INSTITTTTO 
 FESAGdGICO CENTROAHEEICANO. 
 
 Los Gobiemos de las Eepubli- 
 cas de Costa Eica, Guatemala, 
 Honduras, Nicaragua y el Salva- 
 dor, reconociendo como de la 
 mayor importancia y trascenden- 
 cia para informar la enseiianza en 
 un espiritu le centroamericanis- 
 mo y encaminarla uniformemente 
 por los derroteros que marca la 
 Pedagogia modema, y animados 
 del deseo de hacer ef ectivo y prac- 
 tico ese reconocimiento, han dis- 
 puesto celebrar una Convencion, 
 y al efecto han nombrado Delega- 
 dos: 
 
 Costa Rica: a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Senores Licenciado Don Luis 
 Anderson y Don Joaquin B. 
 Calvo ; 
 
 Guatemala: a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Senores Licenciado Don An- 
 tonio Batres Jauregui, Doctor 
 Don Luis Toledo Herrarte y Don 
 Victor Sanchez Ocaiia; 
 
 Honduras: a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Seiiores Doctor Don Poli- 
 carpo Bonilla, Doctor Don Angel 
 Ugarte y Don E. Constantino 
 Fiallos : 
 
 Nicaragua: a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Senores Doctores Don Jose 
 Madriz y Don Luis F. Corea ; y 
 
 EL Salvador : a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Senores Doctor Don Salva- 
 dor Gallegos, Doctor Don Salva- 
 dor Rodriguez Gonzalez y Don 
 Federico Mejia. 
 
 En virtud de la invitacion 
 hecha conforme^al Articulo II del 
 Protocolo firmado en Washing- 
 ton el 17 de Setiembre de 1907 
 por los Representantes Plenipo- 
 
 CONVENTION FOR THE ESTABLISH- 
 MENT OF A CENTRAL AMERICAN 
 PEDAGOGICAL INSTITUTE. 
 
 The Governments of the Re- 
 publics of Costa Rica, Guatemala, 
 Honduras, Nicaragua, and Salva- 
 dor, recognizing it as of the great- 
 est importance and consequence 
 to model public instruction on a 
 spirit of Central-Americanism 
 and to direct it uniformly along 
 the lines which modern pedagogy 
 establishes, and being animated 
 by the desire to make this recog- 
 nition effective and practical, 
 have decided to conclude a con- 
 vention, and to that end have 
 named as Delegates: 
 
 Costa Rica: Their Excellen- 
 cies Doctor Don Luis Anderson 
 and Don Joaquin B. Calvo: 
 
 Guatemala : Their Excellen- 
 cies Doctor Don Antonio Batres 
 Jauregui, Doctor Don Luis Toledo 
 Herrarte, and Don Victor San- 
 chez- Ocana ; 
 
 Honduras: Their Excellencies 
 Doctor Don Policarpo Bonilla, 
 Doctor Don Angel Ugarte, and 
 Don E. Constantino Fiallos; 
 
 Nicaragua: Their Excellencies 
 Doctors Don Jose Madriz and 
 Don Luis F. Corea ; and 
 
 Salvador : Their Excellencies 
 Doctor Don Salvador Gallegos, 
 Doctor Don Salvador Rodriguez 
 Gonzalez, and Don Federico Me- 
 
 By virtue of the invitation sent 
 in accordance with Article II of 
 the Protocol signed at Washing- 
 ton on Septemter 17, 1907, by the 
 Plenipotentiary Representatives 
 
 69 
 
70 
 
 CENTBAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFEBENCE. 
 
 tenciarios de las cinco Eepublicas 
 Centroamericanas, estuvieron pre- 
 sentes en todas las delibera- 
 ciones los Excelentisimos Senores 
 Representante del Gobierno de los 
 Estados Unidos Mexicanos, Em- 
 bajador Don Enrique C. Creel, y 
 Representante del Gobierno de 
 los Estados Unidos de America, 
 Mr. William I. Buchanan. 
 
 Los Delegados, reunidos en la 
 Conferencia de Paz Centroame- 
 ricana en Washington, despues de 
 haberse comunicado sus respecti- 
 vos plenos poderes, que encon- 
 traron en buena forma, han con- 
 venido en Uevar a efecto el pro- 
 posito indicado, de la manera 
 siguiente : 
 
 Aeticulo I. 
 
 Las Eepublicas de Costa Rica, 
 Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua 
 y el Salvador, animadas del deseo 
 de establecer un servicio de edu- 
 cacion comun, esencialmente ho- 
 mogeneo y que propenda a la uni- 
 ficacion moral e intelectual de 
 estos paises hermanos, han con- 
 venido en fundar, a expensas y en 
 provecho de todas, un Instituto 
 Pedagogico, con seccion de hom- 
 bres y mujeres, para la educa- 
 cion profesional del magisterio. 
 Costa Rica serd, el asiento del es- 
 tablecimiento. 
 
 of the five Central American Re- 
 publics, their exqellencies, the 
 Representative of the Govern- 
 ment of the United Mexican 
 States, Ambassador Don Enrique 
 C. Creel, and the Representative 
 of the Government of the United 
 States of America, Mr. William 
 I. Buchanan, were present at all 
 the deliberations. 
 
 The Delegates, assembled in the 
 Central American Peace Confer- 
 ence at Washington, after having 
 communicated to one another 
 their respective full powers, 
 which they found to be in due 
 form, have agreed to carry out 
 the said purpose in the following 
 manner : 
 
 Article I. 
 
 The Republics of Costa Rica, 
 Guatemala,' Honduras, Nicaragua 
 and Salvador, animated by the 
 desire of establishing a common, 
 essentially homogeneous system 
 of education, which shall tend 
 toward the moral and intellectual 
 unification of these sister coun- 
 tries, have agreed to found, at the 
 expense and to the advantage of 
 all, a Pedagogical Institute, with 
 a division for men and for wom- 
 en, for the professional education 
 of teachers. Costa Rica shall be 
 the seat of the institute. 
 
 Aeticxilo II. 
 
 Es entendido que, en punto a 
 personal docente, edificios, mobi- 
 liario y material cientlfico, el Ins- 
 tituto Pedagogico estara a la al- 
 tura de los mejores de su clase. 
 
 Aeticle II. 
 
 It is understood that with re- 
 gard to its staff of teachers, build- 
 ings, furnishings, and scientific 
 apparatus the Pedagogical Insti- 
 tute shall be of as high a grade 
 as the best institutes of its class. 
 
 Aetictilo III. 
 
 Aeticle III. 
 
 La instalacion, organizacion y 
 administtacion economica, asi 
 como el control general del esta- 
 blecimiento, corresponden al Go- 
 bierno de Costa Rica; pero 
 
 The installatio'n, organization, 
 and economical administration, 
 as also the general control of the 
 establishment, shall pertain to the 
 Government of Costa Rica; but 
 
CENTBAL AMEEICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 71 
 
 los otros Gobiemos interesados 
 podran, cuando lo estimen con- 
 veniente, nombrar un delegado al 
 consejo directive del mismo. El 
 Gobierno de Costa Eica comuni- 
 cara anualmente a los otros Go- 
 biemos la marcha y estado del 
 establecimiento. 
 
 Akticulo IV. 
 
 Cada Republica tiene derecho 
 d mantener hasta cien normalistas 
 en el Institute Pedagogico — cin- 
 Guenta de cada sexo — pero no de- 
 jara de enviar, por lo menos, 
 veinte de cada sexo. 
 
 Ahticulo V. 
 
 Calculado el presupuesto de 
 gastos extraordinarios de instala- 
 cion, en los cuales entran los edi- 
 ficios, el mobiliario y el material 
 cientifico, la traida del personal 
 docente, etc., se comunicara a los 
 Gobiemos interesados, cada uno 
 de los cuales pondra a la disposi- 
 cion del de Costa Eica la cuota 
 que le corresponda como contribu- 
 cion. 
 
 En vista del progresivo en- 
 sanche y desarroUo del Institute 
 Pedagogico Centroamericano, el 
 Gobierno de Costa Eica queda 
 facultado para construir edifices 
 especiales, situados fuera de los 
 grandes centres de poblacion, en 
 lugares sanos, frescos y propicies 
 para el trabaje intelectual. 
 
 Akticulo VI. 
 
 En cuanto a los gastos ordina- 
 ries de sueldos, internado, admi- 
 nistracion, etc., seran abonades a 
 Costa Eica al comienze de cada 
 ejercicio lectivo. 
 
 Aetictjlo VII. 
 
 La Liga Pedagogica aqui cen- 
 venida — primer pase en el sentido 
 
 the other interested Governments 
 shall have the right, when they 
 consider it expedient, to name a 
 representative en the executive 
 beard of the same. The Govern- 
 ment of Costa Eica shall com- 
 municate annually to the other 
 Governments the progress and 
 condition of the establishment. 
 
 Article IV. 
 
 Each Eepublic has the right to 
 maintain as many as one hundred 
 students in the Pedagogical Insti- 
 tute, fifty of each sex, but shall 
 not send less than twentj' of each 
 sex. 
 
 Article V. 
 
 The estimate of extraordinary 
 expenses of installation, in which 
 shall be included the buildings, 
 the furnishings, the scientific 
 equipment, the transportation of 
 the professorial staff, etc., having 
 been made, it shall be communi- 
 cated to the Governments inter- 
 ested, each one of which shall 
 place its respective quota at the 
 disposal of the Government of 
 Costa Eica. 
 
 In view of the progressive ex- 
 pansion and development of the 
 Central American Pedagogical 
 Institute, the Government of 
 Costa Eica is authorized to con- 
 struct special buildings, removed 
 from the great centers of popula- 
 tion, in cool, healthy places ap- 
 propriate for intellectual work. 
 
 Article VI. 
 
 With regard to the ordinarj' 
 expenses of salaries, board, ad- 
 ministration, etc., they shall be 
 paid to Costa Eica at the begin- 
 ning of each school year. 
 
 Article VII. 
 
 The Pedagogical League here- 
 by agreed to — the first step to- 
 
72 
 
 CENTKAI, AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 de la unificacion de los sistenias 
 de ensefianza — durara quince 
 anos, prorrogables a voluntad de 
 las Alias Partes Coniratantes. 
 
 Articulo VIII. 
 
 Esta Convencion sera ratificada 
 por notas cambiadas entre los 
 Gobiernos interesados; y una vez 
 ratificada, se pondra en vigor, sin 
 perdida de tiempo. 
 
 Firmada en la ciudad de Wash- 
 ington, a los viente dias de Di- 
 ciembre de mil novecientos siete. 
 
 ward the unification of the sys- 
 tems of education — shall continue 
 in existence fifteen years, and may 
 be extended at the will of the 
 High Contracting Parties. 
 
 Article VIII. 
 
 This Convention shall be rati- 
 fied by means of notes exchanged 
 among the Governments inter- 
 ested; and once ratified, it shall 
 take effect without loss of time. 
 
 Signed at the city of Washing- 
 ton on the twentieth day of De- 
 cember, one thousand nine hun- 
 dred and seven. 
 
 Luis Anderson 
 
 J. B. Calvo 
 
 Antonio Batres Jauregui 
 
 Luis Toledo Herrarte 
 
 Victor Sanchez O. 
 
 policarpo bonilla 
 
 Angel Ugarte 
 
 E. Constantino Fiallos 
 Jose Madriz 
 
 Luis F. Corea 
 Salvador Gallegos 
 Salvador Rodriguez G. 
 
 F. Mejia. 
 
[Inclosure No. 12.] 
 
 CONVEHCION SOBRE FUTTTRAS CON- 
 FEBENCIAS CENTBOAMERICANAS. 
 
 Los Gobiernos de las Repiibli- 
 cas de Costa Rica, Guatemala, 
 Honduras, Nicaragua, y el Salva- 
 dor, deseando promover la unifi- 
 cacion y armonia de sus intereses, 
 como uno de los medios mas 
 eficaces para preparar la fusion 
 de los pueblos centroamericanos 
 en una sola nacionalidad, han 
 convenido en celebrar una Con- 
 vencion para el nombramiento de 
 Comisiones y para la reunion de 
 Conferencias Centroamericanas 
 que acuerden las medidas mas 
 oportunas y convenientes a fin de 
 uniformar sus intereses econo- 
 micos y fiscales; y al efecto han 
 nombrado Delegados: 
 
 Costa Eica : a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Seiiores Licenciado Don Luis 
 Anderson y Don Joaquin B. 
 Calvo ; 
 
 Guatemala : a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Seiiores Licenciado Don An- 
 tonio Batres Jauregui, Doctor 
 Don Luis Toledo Herrarte y Don 
 Victor Sanchez Ocafia ; 
 
 Honduras: a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Seiiores Doctor Don Poli- 
 carpo Bonilla, Doctor Don Angel 
 Ugarte y Don E. Constantino 
 Fiallos ; 
 
 Nicaragua: a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Seiiores Doctores Don Jose 
 Madriz y Don Luis F. Corea; y 
 
 EL Salvador : a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Seiiores Doctor Don Salva- 
 dor Gallegos, Doctor Don Salva- 
 dor Rodriguez Gonzalez y Don 
 Federico Mejia. 
 
 coNVEWxiON coNCERWiKra future 
 
 CENTRAL AMERICAN CONFER- 
 ENCES. 
 
 The Governments of the Re- 
 publics of Costa Rica, Guatemala, 
 Honduras, Nicaragua, and Sal- 
 vador, desiring to promote the 
 unification and harmony of their 
 interests, as one of the most effica- 
 cious means to prepare for the 
 fusion of the Central American 
 peoples into one single national- 
 ity, have agreed to conclude a 
 Convention for the naming of 
 Commissions and for the meeting 
 of Central American Conferences, 
 which shall agree upon the most 
 efficacious and proper means to 
 the end of bringing uniformity 
 into their economical and fiscal 
 interests; and to that end hnve 
 named as Delegates: 
 
 Costa Rica : Their Excellencies 
 Doctor Don Luis Anderson and 
 Don Joaquin B. Calvo; 
 
 Guatemala : Their Excellen- 
 cies Doctor Don Antonio Batres 
 Jauregui, Doctor Don Luis To- 
 ledo Herrarte, and Don Victor 
 Hanchez Ocaiia ; 
 
 Honduras : Their Excellencies 
 Doctor Don Policarpo Bonilla, 
 Doctor Don Angel IJgarte, and 
 Don E. Constantino Fiallos; 
 
 Nicaragua : Their Excellencies 
 Doctors Don Jose Madriz and 
 Don Luis F. Corea; and 
 
 Salvador : Their Excellencies 
 Doctor Don Salvador Gallegos, 
 Doctor Don Salvador Rodriguez 
 Gonzalez, and Don Federico 
 Mejia. 
 
 73 
 
74 
 
 CENTRAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 En virtud de la invitacion 
 hecha conforme al Articulo II del 
 Protocolo firmado en Washington 
 el 17 de Setiembre de 1907 por 
 los Represent antes Plenipoten- 
 ciarios de las cinco Republicas 
 Centroamericanas, estuvieron pre- 
 sentes en todas las delibera- 
 ciones los Exce'lentisimos Senores 
 Eepresentante del Gobierno de los 
 Estados Unidos Mexicanos, Em- 
 bajador Don Enrique C. Creel, y 
 Representante del Gobierno de los 
 Estados Unidos de America, Mr. 
 William I. Buchanan. 
 
 Los Delegados, reunidos en la 
 Conferencia de Paz Centroameri- 
 cana en Washington, despues de 
 haberse comunicado sus respecti- 
 vos plenos poderes, que encon- 
 traron en buena forma, han con- 
 venido en Uevar a efecto el pro- 
 posito indicado de la manera 
 siguiente : 
 
 AETICtrLO I. 
 
 By virtue of the invitation sent 
 in accordance with Article II of. 
 the Protocol signed at Washing- 
 ton on September 17, 1907, by 
 the Plenipotentiary Representa- 
 tives of the five Central American 
 Republics, their excellencies, the 
 Representative of the Govern- 
 ment of the United Mexican 
 States, Ambassador Don Enrique 
 C. Creel, and the Representative 
 of the Government of the United 
 States of America, Mr. William 
 I. Buchanan, were present at all 
 the deliberations. 
 
 The Delegates, assembled in the 
 Central American Peace Confer- 
 ence at Washington, after having 
 communicated to one another 
 their respective full powers, 
 which they found to be in due 
 form, have agreed to carry out 
 the said purpose in the following 
 manner : 
 
 Article I. 
 
 Cada uno de los Gobiemos con- 
 tratantes se compromete a nom- 
 brar dentro de un mes, contado de 
 la ultima ratificacion del pre- 
 sente Convenio, una 6 mas Comi- 
 siones que se ocupen de preferen- 
 cia en el estudio de todo lo con- 
 cerniente al sistema monetario de 
 su respectivo pais, especialmente 
 en relacion con el de los otros Es- 
 tados, y con el intercambio entre 
 eUos; y, ademas, en el estudio de 
 todo lo relative a los sistemas de 
 . aduanas, de pesas y medidas y de 
 otras materias de orden economico 
 y fiscal que se juzgue conveniente 
 uniformar en Centro America. " 
 
 Each one of the contracting 
 Governments obligates itself to 
 name within one month, counted 
 from the last ratification of this 
 agreement, one or more Commis- 
 sions, which shall occupy them- 
 selves preferably with the study 
 of all that concerns the monetary 
 system of their respective coun- 
 tries, especially in relation to 
 those of the other States, and in- 
 terchange amongst them; and, 
 besides, the study of everything 
 relating to the custom-house sys- 
 tems, the system of weights and 
 measures, and other matters of an 
 economic and fiscal nature which 
 it ma3' be deemed expedient to 
 make uniform in Central America. 
 
 Articulo II. 
 
 Article II. 
 
 Las Comisiones deberan pre- 
 sentar un informe dentro de seis 
 meses despues de su nombramien- 
 
 The Commissions shall present 
 a report within six months after 
 their appointment, and each Gov- 
 
CENTBAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 75 
 
 to, y cada Gobierno comunicard 
 ese mforme a los demas, excitan- 
 dolos para que procedan i de- 
 signar uno 6 mas delegados que 
 concurran a una Conferencia Cen- 
 troamericana, la cual se inaugu- 
 rara el 1 de Enero inmediato, y 
 se ocupard en celebrar una Con- 
 venci6n que tenga por objeto 
 acordar las medidas que tiendan 
 4 realizar los fines a que se refiere 
 el Articulo I, dando preferencia 
 A lo referente al sistema mone- 
 tario de las cinco Eepiiblicas, y 
 procurando establecer en ellas un 
 cambio fijo con relacion al oro. 
 
 Articulo III. 
 
 Se continuara celebrando Con- 
 ferencias anualmente, que se in- 
 stalaran el dia 1 de Enero, para 
 tratar de los puntos comprendidos 
 en el Articulo I de esta Conven- 
 cion que no hay an sido objeto de 
 resolucion en la Conferencia an- 
 terior ; y de los demas asuntos que 
 los Gobiemos tengan a bien some- 
 ter a dichas Conferencias. 
 
 Articulo IV. 
 
 La primera Conferencia se reu- 
 nira en la ciudad de Teguci- 
 galpa, en la fecha indicada en el 
 Articulo II; y al terminar sus 
 sesiones, designard. el lugar en 
 que deba reunirse la proxima Con- 
 ferencia, y asi sucesivamente. 
 
 Articulo V. 
 
 La presente Convencion regira 
 durante cinco afiios; pero si expi- 
 rado ese termino ninguno de los 
 Gobiernos signatarios la hubiere 
 denunciado, continuara en vigen- 
 cia hasta seis meses despues de que 
 alguna de las Altas Partes Con- 
 tratantes haya notificado a las 
 
 ernment shall communicate such 
 report to the others, inviting them 
 to designate forthwith one or 
 more delegates, in order that they 
 may attend a Central American 
 Conference, which shall be inau- 
 gurated on the first of the follow- 
 ing January, and shall have for 
 its object the conclusion of a Con- 
 vention for the purpose of defin- 
 ing the means tending to the 
 accomplishment of the ends to 
 which Article I relates, giving 
 preference to what relates to thei 
 monetary system of the five Re- 
 publics and endeavoring to estab- 
 lish therein a fixed rate of ex- 
 change with regard to gold. 
 
 Article III. 
 
 Conferences shall be held an- 
 nually thereafter, which shall 
 open on the first day of January, 
 in order to treat the questions 
 comprised in Article I of this 
 Convention which have not been 
 settled at the previous Confer- 
 ence; and all the other matters 
 which the Governments may see 
 fit to submit to said Conferences. 
 
 Article IY. 
 
 The first Conference shall meet 
 at the city of Tegucigalpa on the 
 date indicated in Article II ; and 
 when its sessions are over it shall 
 designate the place in which the 
 next Conference shall meet, and 
 so on successively. 
 
 Article V. 
 
 The present Convention shall 
 remain in force for five years, but 
 if at the expiration of that term 
 none of the signatory Govern- 
 ments shall have denounced it, 
 it shall continue in force until six 
 months after one of the High 
 Contracting Parties shall have 
 
76 CENTKAXi AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 otras su resolucion de separarse de notified the others of its determi- 
 ella. nation to withdraw from it. 
 
 Firmada en la ciudad de Wash- Signed at the City of Wash- 
 ington a los veinte dias de Di- ington on the twentieth day of 
 ciembre de mil novecientos siete. De'ceraber, one thousand nine hun- 
 dred and seven. 
 
 Ltjis Anderson 
 
 J. B. Calvo 
 
 Antonio Batees Jaueegui 
 
 Ltfis Toledo Heeeaete 
 
 VicTOE Sanchez O. 
 
 Policarpo Bonilla 
 
 Angel Ugaete 
 
 E. Constantino Fiallos 
 Jose Madeiz 
 
 Luis F. Coeea 
 Salvadoe Gallegos 
 Salvador Eodeiguez G. 
 
 F. Mejia. 
 
[Inclosure No. 13.] 
 CONVENCION DE COUVNICACIONES. CONVENTION ON COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 Los Gobiernos de las Repiibli- 
 cas de Costa Rica, Guatemala, 
 Honduras, Nicaragua y el Sal- 
 vador, deseando contribuir cada 
 una, en la parte que le corres- 
 ponda, a la realizacion de la 
 grande obra del Ferrocarril Pan- 
 americano, y a fin de realizar tan 
 importante objeto, ban tenido a 
 bien celebrar una Convencion 
 especial, y al efecto han nom- 
 brado Delegados : 
 
 Costa Rica : a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Seiiores Licenciado Don Luis 
 Anderson y Don Joaquin B. 
 Calvo ; 
 
 Guatemala: a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Seiiores Licenciado Don 
 Antonio Batres Jauregui, Doctor 
 Don Luis Toledo Herrarte y Don 
 Victor Sanchez Ocaiia; 
 
 Honduras: a los Excelentlsi- 
 mos Senores Doctor Don Poli- 
 carpo Bonilla, Doctor Don Angel 
 Ugarte y Don E. Constantino 
 Fiallos ; 
 
 Nicaragua : a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Seiiores Doctores Don Jose 
 Madriz y Don Luis F. Corea ; y 
 
 EL Salvador : a los Excelentisi- 
 mos Seiiores Doctor Don Salva- 
 dor Gallegos, Doctor Don Salva- 
 dor Rodriguez Gonzalez y Don 
 Federico Mejia. 
 
 En virtud de la invitacion 
 hecha conforme al Articulo II 
 del Protocolo firmado en Wash- 
 ington el 17 de Setiembre de 1907 
 por los Representantes Plenipo- 
 tenciarios de las cinco Repiiblicas 
 Centroamericanas, estuvieron pre- 
 sentes en todas las deliberacio- 
 nes los Excelentisimos Seiiores 
 
 The Governments of the Re- 
 publics of Costa Rica, Guatemala, 
 Honduras, Nicaragua, and Sal- 
 vador, each being desirous to 
 contribute its share towards the 
 realization of the great work of 
 the Pan-American Railway, and, 
 in order to attain so important an 
 end, have seen fit to conclude a 
 special Convention, and to that 
 end have appointed as Delegates: 
 
 Costa Rica : Their Excellencies 
 Doctor Don Luis Anderson and 
 Don Joaquin B. Calvo; 
 
 Guatemala : Their Excellencies 
 Doctor Don Antonio Batres Jau- 
 regui, Doctor Don Luis Toledo 
 Herrarte, and Don Victor San- 
 chez Ocana; 
 
 Honduras: Their Excellencies 
 Doctor Don Policarpo Bonilla, 
 Doctor Don Angel XJgarte, and 
 Don E. Constantino Fiallos; 
 
 Nicaragua : Their Excellencies 
 Doctors Don Jose Madriz and 
 Don Luis F. Corea; and 
 
 Salvador : Their Excellencies 
 Doctor Don Salvador Gallegos, 
 Doctor Don Salvador Rodriguez . 
 Gonzalez, and Don Federico 
 Mejia. 
 
 By virtue of the. invitation sent 
 in accordance with Article II of 
 the Protocol signed at Washing- 
 ton on September 17, 1907, by 
 the Plenipotentiary Represent- 
 atives of the five Central Ameri- 
 can Republics, their excellencies, 
 the Representative of the Govern- 
 ment of the United Mexican 
 
 T7 
 
78 
 
 CENTRAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 Eepresentante del Gobierno de 
 los Estados Unidos Mexicanos, 
 Embajador Don Enrique C. Creel, 
 y Eepresentante del Gobierno de 
 los Estados Unidos de America, 
 Mr. William I. Buchanan. 
 
 Los Delegados, reunidos en la 
 Conferencia de Paz Centro- 
 americana en Washington, des- 
 pues de haberse comunicado sus 
 respectivos plenos poderes, que 
 encontraron en buena forma, han 
 convenido en llevar a efecto el 
 proposito indicado de la manera 
 siguiente : 
 
 Aetictilo I. 
 
 Cada Gobierno nombrara una 
 Comision para que. estudie y 
 proponga los medios mas a pro- 
 posito para llevar a efecto la parte 
 de la referida obra dentro de su 
 proprio territorio. 
 
 Aeticulo II. 
 
 Las Comisiones, aprovechando 
 los estudios que existen respecto 
 del Ferrocarril Panamericano, y 
 haciendo los mas que estimen 
 necesarios, presentaran a sus res- 
 pectivos Gobiernos informes de- 
 tallados sobre el numero de millas 
 que haya de construirse, las po- 
 blaciones y terrenos que deba 
 atravesar la Ifnea, los ramales 
 que convenga unir a la linea 
 principal, el costo de las diferen- 
 tes secciones y todos los puntos 
 que estime convenientes para el 
 fin propuesto. 
 
 Aeticulo III. 
 
 Las mismas Comisiones, al in- 
 dicar los medios mas aprppiados 
 para la construccion de los tra- 
 yectos respectivos, sugeriran, en 
 cuanto sea posible, todo lo con- 
 veniente a concesiones de terrenos, 
 privilegios, tarifas, garantias y 
 
 States, Ambassador Don Enrique 
 C. Creel, and the Representative 
 of the Government of the United 
 States of America, Mr. William 
 I. Buchanan, were present at all 
 the deliberations. 
 
 The Delegates assembled in the 
 Central American Peace Confer- 
 ence at Washington, after haAdng 
 communicated to one another their 
 respective full powers, which they 
 found to be in due form, have 
 agreed to carry out the said pur- 
 pose in the following manner. 
 
 Aeticle I. 
 
 Each Government shall appoint 
 a commission, in order that it 
 may study and propose the most 
 suitable measures to carry out the 
 portion of said work within its 
 own territory. 
 
 Aeticle II. 
 
 The commissions, availing 
 themselves of the surveys already 
 existing of the Pan American 
 Railway, and making all others 
 that they may deem necessary, 
 shall submit to their respective 
 Governments detailed reports con- 
 cerning the number of miles 
 which need to be constructed, the 
 towns and lands which the 
 line should cross, the branches 
 which it is advisable to connect 
 to the principal line, the cost of 
 the different sections, and all the 
 measures that it may deem expe- 
 dient for the end in view. 
 
 Aeticle III. 
 
 The same commissions, when 
 they point out the most suitable 
 measures for the construction of 
 the respective sections, shall 
 suggest, as far as possible, what 
 ought to be done concerning con- 
 cessions of lands, privileges, 
 
CENTRAL AMERICAN PEACE 'COKTEEKENCE. 
 
 79 
 
 demas elementos usimles en estos tariffs, guarantees, and other 
 casos. points usual in such cases. 
 
 Aeticulo IV. 
 
 Una vez aprobados por los 
 Gobiernos dichos informes, se 
 remitiran a la Oficina Interna- 
 cional de las Repiiblicas Ameri- 
 canas en Washington, para que 
 en ella se abra un concurso a fin 
 de obtener las mejores condiciones 
 al celebrar las contratas corres- 
 pondientes para la construccion 
 de las lineas que se consideren 
 necesarias. 
 
 Article IV. 
 
 After approval by the Govern- 
 ments, said reports shall be seijt 
 to the International Bureau of the 
 American Republics at Washing- 
 ton, so that bids may be solicited, 
 in order to obtain the best condi- 
 tions in letting the corresponding 
 contracts for the constiuctiou of 
 the lines which are considered 
 necessary. 
 
 Aktictjlo V. 
 
 Article V. 
 
 La Oficina Internacional, de 
 acuerdo con los Kepresentantes 
 Diplomaticos de las cinco Repii- 
 blicas de Centro America, abrira 
 dicho concurso, dirigiendo sus 
 esfuerzos en primer termino a la 
 organizacion de una 6 mas com- 
 paiiias que construyan los trayec- 
 tos indicados, y en caso contrario, 
 a unificar y poner de acuerdo , a 
 las diferentes compafiias que 
 liayan obtenido u obtengan con- 
 cesiones, 6 celebrado contratas 
 directamente con los Gobiernos. 
 
 Articuix) VI. 
 
 Los Gobiernos Contratantes se 
 pondran de acuerdo con el Go- 
 ■bierno de los Estados Unidos 
 Mexicanos y con el Gobierno de 
 Panama, para todo lo que se re- 
 fiera al transito de mercaderias y 
 pasajeros de frontera a frontera. 
 
 Aeticulo VII. 
 
 Las Comisiones seran nombra- 
 das en cuanto se apruebe la pre- 
 sente Convencion, y el informe se 
 presentara en un termino que no 
 exceda de seis meses despues de 
 dicho nombramiento. 
 
 The said International Bureau, 
 together with the Diplomatic Rep- 
 resentatives of the five Republics 
 of Central America, shall open 
 said competition, endeavoring in 
 the first place to secure the or- 
 ganization of one or more com- 
 panies which will construct the 
 sections indicated, and if that be 
 impossible to consolidate and 
 bring to an agreement the differ- 
 ent companies that may hold or 
 obtain concessions or contracts di- 
 rectly with the Governments. 
 
 Article VI. 
 
 The contracting governments 
 shall come to an agreement with 
 the Government of the United 
 Mexican States and with the 
 Government of Panama concern- 
 ing everything that may refer to 
 the transit or merchandise and 
 passengers from border to border. 
 
 Article VII. 
 
 The commissions shall be ap- 
 pointed subject to the approval of 
 the present Convention, and the 
 report shall be presented within a 
 term of not to exceed six months 
 after said appointment. 
 
80 
 
 CENTBAL AMEKICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 Aeticulo VIII. 
 
 La presente Convencion no sera 
 obstaculo para que los Gobiernos 
 celebren directamente las con- 
 tratas referentes a la construccion 
 de ferrocarriles en sus respectivos 
 paises; pero quedan obligados a 
 remitir dichas contratas a la Ofi- 
 cina Internacional, para la unifi- 
 cacion 6 acuerdo a que se refiere 
 el Articulo V. 
 
 Article VIII. 
 
 The present convention shall 
 not preclude the Governments 
 from directly making contracts 
 referring to the construction of 
 railroads in their respective coun- 
 tries; but they must send said 
 contracts to the International Bu- 
 reau, in vie^' of the consolidation 
 or agreement to which Article V 
 refers. 
 
 Aeticttlo IX. 
 
 Article IX. 
 
 Los Gobiernos Contratantes se 
 obligan ademas celebrar los arre- 
 glos convenientes para e=;tablecer 
 y mejorar los servicios de comu- 
 nicaciones entre las distintas B,e- 
 piiblicas, tales como lineas de 
 vapores, cables submarinos, tele- 
 grafos con 6 sin hilos, telefonos, 
 y cuanto pueda conducir a estre- 
 char mas sus mutuas relaciones. 
 
 Los convenios actuales para el 
 servicio cablegrafico, telegrafico 
 y- telefonico continuaran en vi- 
 gencia mientras los Gobiernos in- 
 teresados lo crean conveniente. 
 
 Firmada en la ciudad de Wash- 
 ington a los Veinte dias de Di- 
 ciembre de mil novecientos siete. 
 
 The contracting governments, 
 moreover, pledge themselves to 
 make the necessary arrangements 
 to establish and improve the 
 means of communication between 
 the several Eepublics, such as 
 lines of steamships, submarine 
 cables, telegraph lines, wireless 
 stations, telephones, and every- 
 thing that may tend to cement 
 their mutual relations. 
 
 The existing agreements con- 
 cerning cable, telegraph, and tele- 
 phone services, shall continue in 
 force so long ' as the interested 
 Governments deem it convenient. 
 
 Signed at the city of Washing- 
 ton on the twentieth day of De- 
 cember, one thousand nine hun- 
 dred and seven. 
 
 Luis Akderson 
 
 J. B. Calvo 
 
 Antonio Batees Jauregtji 
 
 Luis Toledo Heeeaete 
 
 VicTOE Sanchez O. 
 
 policaepo bonilla 
 
 Angel Ugaete 
 
 E. Constantino Fiallos 
 Jose Madeiz 
 
 Luis F. Corea 
 Salvador Gallegos 
 Salvadob- Rodriguez G. 
 
 F. Mejia. 
 
[Inclosure No. iSa.] 
 NOTES ON A RAILWAY THBOUGH CENTBAI AMERICA. 
 
 [Presented by the delegation of Costa Rica to the Central American Peace Conference.] 
 
 Gentlemen : We do not think it necessary to state that no matter what reso- 
 lutions the Conference may adopt in regard to the principal subjects embraced 
 within the scope of the most important mission which our several Governments 
 have intrusted to us, one of the main points to be taken into consideration 
 is that of recommending the Improvement of both the land and sea communi- 
 cations among the Central American Eepublics themselves and« between these 
 and their neighboring countries and any other States whose relations may 
 foster the development of commerce and other advantages to be derived, from 
 the general progress of our respective countries. 
 
 The importance of these means of communication, of a railway which will 
 unite all our countries and may contribute through its powerful agency to 
 efface boundary lines and bring our peoples closer and closer together, is not 
 only a want which we all feel, but is a work that can be realized without an 
 effort beyond the means which we are fortunate to have within our reach. 
 
 The minister of Costa Rica in Washington has always been of this opinion, 
 and ah earnest supporter of the Pan-American Railway project. Upon his re- 
 turn from Mexico, after the Second International Conference, for so many 
 reasons worthy of our recollection, he published a few remarks and data, par- 
 ticularly referring to the share of our countries in that great enterprise, and it 
 was with gratification that we saw that his modest contribution was received 
 with marked favor by the American press. 
 
 Not very long ago, while in search of new data, of a new light which might 
 contribute to the realization of the International Hallway project between 
 Mexico and Panama, where the opening of the Isthmian Canal by the Govern- 
 ment of Washington promises to be an event of the near future for the greatest 
 benefit of the whole world, the minister had the good fortune to receive from 
 Mr. Theodore Paschke, member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, 
 New York, the accompanying document, which is far above and beyond anything 
 we could ever have written on such an important matter. 
 
 The distinguished engineer, Mr. Paschke, has lived for many years in Central 
 America. While in Guatemala he directed part of the work on her railroads 
 and now holds a position of great responsibility with the New Xork subway, 
 which shows that he is a most competent man, whose opinions deserve the 
 greatest consideration and prestige. 
 
 We must not omit to state that Mr. Paschke has dedicated the work to which 
 we refer to the memory of Don Gulllermo Nanne, a German by birth, ^d a 
 Costa RIcan at heart, not only because of his love for that country, but be- 
 cause his distinguished family was born there. Mr. Nanne is one of those per- 
 sons whose pleasant personality is forever connetited with the memory of the 
 construction of the first railway in Costa Rica and Guatemala. 
 
 Mr. Paschke's work Is particularly instrtictive and will no doubt be an ex- 
 cellent contribution to the study of whatever recommendations the Conference 
 may decide to make to our respective Governments, and with this end in view, 
 we have the honor to respectfully submit this work to our distinguished col- 
 leagues In the hope that the data therein contained might be of service. 
 
 Luis Andbbson. 
 J. B. Calvo. 
 Washington, D. C, November 20, 1907. 
 
 37200—08 C Si 
 
82 CENTRAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 The International Railway. 
 [By J. B. Calto.] 
 
 When we consider the great Influence which the means of communication ex- 
 ercise, not only In the development of the natural resources and other fountains 
 of national production, but also in the moral and intellectual advancement 
 which the widening of the sphere of action affords to man, the great benefits 
 that would result to the American Republics from the construction of a con- 
 tinental railroad become evident. 
 
 The enterprise is certainly a colossal one, though it does not in i-eality present 
 any insurmountable obstacles, and in order to become an accomplished fact it 
 only requires that the project should be taken up with a resolute purpose and 
 properly started. 
 
 It is evident that the development of local traffic alone would pay, in the 
 Immediate future, the cost of the road, and that the increase of the commercial 
 relations between the neighboring countries would be very rapid, promoting in 
 this manner the general, political, and social welfare of all the nations of this 
 continent, as well as securing a closer union among them, all of which would 
 tend to daily increase the value of capital and the profits thereof. 
 
 The progress which Mexico has made in the last few years has naturally 
 attracted the attention of the whole world, and the great impulse given to all 
 her industries demands, for that prosperous Republic, easy means of communi- 
 cation with the' contiguous States, where excellent markets are to be found for 
 many of her varied products, which competition on the north carries to said 
 States in the south, as is the case at present — particularly with regard to cotton 
 fabrics and all kinds of leather goods. 
 
 It is a fact that the Central American States are constantly progressing ; and 
 while the moral advancement is also evidenced by the peaceful condition which 
 they at present enjoy, the development of their manifold and rich sources of 
 production increases daily, thus encouraging new enterprises, the improvement 
 of the existing means of communication, and the construction of other new and 
 important ones. 
 
 In the far south, the Argentine Republic rises up as an agricultural rival of 
 the United States of America, while Chile initiates a competition on the Pacific 
 with the steamship companies of the great American nation. 
 
 These practical examples of the advancement of the Latin-American countries 
 indicate the activity and progress which they have already reached, and show 
 clearly the great importance of the field which they afford to business and 
 enterprise. 
 
 Brazil, with her extensive territory; Uruguay, with her favored geographical 
 position ; Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Colombia, by the exuberant 
 richness of their soil, all enjoy, in an equal degree, the benefits of progress and 
 civilization. 
 
 Therefore the construction of a railway through all these countries will find 
 abundant elements of support already existing and many others which it will 
 of itself create, either owing to the Influence of the facilities for local traffic or 
 as a consequence of rapid communication between the different States. 
 
 At the First International Conference held in Washington in 1889-1890 resolu- 
 tions were passed for the purpose of carrying out this great enterprise, and as 
 a practical result of the preliminary steps then taken the proper studies of the 
 matter were made by several corps of engineers, who presented an exhaustive 
 report, which is printed with maps and Illustrations in seven large volumes. 
 
 From these studies it appears that the length of a railroad from New York 
 to Buenos Aires would be 10,471 miles, and that half of this enormous distance 
 Is already covered by existing railroad lines. 
 
 Referring especially to the first part of this great continental enterprise, It 
 would be an easy task to show that it only requires a slight impulse for its 
 realization in all that portion of the hemisphere lying north of Panama. In 
 fact, the distance of 2,187 miles from New York to Laredo on the Mexican 
 frontier, that of 839 miles from Laredo to the City of Mexico, and that of 343 
 miles from the latter city to Oaxaca is covered by railroad lines now in actual 
 operation. 
 
 There are at the present time two Mexican railways that approach the 
 Guatemala frontier, one of which runs from Pueblo to Oaxaca on the Paciflc 
 slope, and which would require an extension of 400 miles In order to reach 
 said frontier; and the other which extends from Cordoba, a town situated on 
 
CENTRAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 83 
 
 the line of the "Veracruz Railway on the mountain range that slopes toward the 
 Gulf of Mexico. In addition to the lines mentioned there are other railroads 
 •In course of construction that will connect with the interoceanlc Railroad of 
 the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, and, what seems to be of still greater importance 
 In this connedtlon, the Mexican Government has granted a concession, carrying 
 with It liberal subsidies for the construction, within a period of two years, of a 
 railway which, starting from the Isthmus as a branch of the Interoceanlc 
 Railway referred to, will extend to the boundary line of Guatemala. 
 
 This new development of railways in Mexican territory having been accom- 
 plished, the greatest of the difiiculties in extending the Intercontinental Railroad 
 will have been overcome by connecting the railway lines of the Central Amer- 
 ican States, several sections of which can be utilized for the main line. 
 
 It will be sufficient to observe in this connection that of the 1,107 miles that 
 a route on the Pacific side will have to cover in Central America from the 
 Mexican to the Colombian frontier there are now constructed and In operation 
 211.3 miles of track, particularly in Salvador and Nicaragua, where the longest 
 railroad lines follow in the greater part of their course a direction generally 
 parallel to that of the coast. 
 
 In Guatemala there is a railroad extending from the port of Ocos to the 
 village of Ayutla near the Mexican frontier, and the lines constructed in this 
 and the other Central American Republics aggregate a little less than 1,000 
 miles, viz : 
 
 Miles. 
 
 Guatemala 342 
 
 Salvador ^ 132 
 
 Honduras 50 
 
 Nicaragua 176 
 
 Costa Rica <» ^ 222 
 
 But in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Honduras the principal railway lines 
 follow a transverse direction, because they run from the interior to the ports. 
 Nevertheless, branch lines are being constructed in the three countries men- 
 tioned which, within a short time, will not only be able to add considerable 
 length to the part of the system already completed, but will also insure in this 
 manner the guaranty of success for an Intercontinental Railway by the conse- 
 quent increase of traffic that will always result from the greater number of 
 their connections. 
 
 Such favorable conditions did not exist in Mexico when the construction of 
 the first railway between the United States and that Republic was projected. 
 The undertaking was not favored by the public, because it was thought that It 
 would not be profitable, and to-day — twenty years having scarcely elapsed — 
 there are three railway lines in constant operation, fed by the growing com- 
 merce between the two nations. These iron highways, as a natural conse- 
 quence, promote the mutual development of interests, and encourage at the 
 same time the construction of other railways with which they will connect. 
 There is, then, no reason to doubt, in view of these premises, which are palpable 
 facts, that the extension of railways to the south will produce equally as good, 
 if not better, results to capital, exclusive of the beneficent moral influence they 
 will exert on the future of the nations of this continent. 
 
 The realization of the plan for uniting the two great oceans by a canal 
 across the Central American Isthmus between Costa Rica and Nicaragua seems 
 near at hand, and if, as it is reasonable to hope, the execution ot the same is 
 speedily decided upon, the northern section of the Intercontinental Railway 
 will thereby greatly increase in importance. 
 
 At the Second International Conference, held in Mexico from October, 1901, 
 to January, 1902, it was resolved to ratify the resolutions of the first Con- 
 ference, held in Washington, and to recommend, among other things, that the 
 Government of the United States of America initiate, by means of the diplo- 
 matic representatives of the American Republics accredited in Washington, the 
 
 " Since that time considerable progress has been made in the extension of the 
 railroad lines in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Salvador. 
 
 The Guatemalan Railway to Puerto Barrios, on the Caribbean Sea, runs so 
 near the Salvadorean frontier that very soon the two countries will connect 
 their lines, thus aiding In a most substantial way the progress of the Central 
 American Railway. 
 
84 CENTBAL AMEfilCAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 measures most appropriate for the, sending, within a year, of commissioaeirs t» 
 report upon the railways already completed and the concessions that the re- 
 spective governments will grant far the construction of a continental railway. » 
 
 At the present time this idea is greatly favored, and it can be expected that 
 with a new impulse it will soon become an accomplished fact. 
 
 May it be so for the welfare of the American Republics. 
 
 Washington, D. C, April, 1902. 
 
 OuB Duty Toward Cestbal Amebica. 
 
 At every recurring family quarrel taking place regularly within relatively 
 short periods among our Central American friends and neighbors, the questloB 
 "What is to be done with Central America?" presents itself to the average 
 observant, thinking American, and no satisfactory solution of the problem can 
 be found in any utterings of the country's press. 
 
 To be sure, a Central American Union or Confederation suggests itself imme- 
 diately, in. considering the question, as the only rational remedy to be sought 
 to apply. There is no dispute about the correctness of this — everyone admits 
 it, even the Central American, be he a dweller in Guatemala or Costa Rica, im 
 Salvador, Nicaragua or Honduras. Yes, it is safe to assume that the highly 
 patriotic desire to bring about such a confederation has been the secret driving 
 spring of many of the fraternal conflicts which have been witnessed for the 
 last seventy-five years. 
 
 Why, then, do the many attempts to estahlish a Central American Union 
 prove such abortive failures? 
 
 It is because they have their origin in the ambitious spirit of some particular, 
 limited locality for the complete domination of the whole; the other localities 
 resent this, and the result is strife and ultimate failure. It is because the 
 proper foundation is lacking whereon a Union edifice may be constructed and 
 rest secure against the undermining influences of local dissensions. This, then, 
 is the first duty of the architect who would undertake to construct a Union out 
 of the five separate commonwealths in Central America. 
 
 It is the object of this paper to point out how such a foundation may be con- 
 structed on lines which are in keeping with the traditions and avowed policy of 
 the United States Government. 
 
 There is nothing new in the proposition ; in fact, the ground has already 
 been cleared and the outlines of the foundation traced out, and even the exca- 
 vation for it started by one of the foremost architects of his time in that line, 
 the late Hon. James G. Blaine. 
 
 It is entirely proper, and the present time a fitting opportunity for the con- 
 structive activity of our administration at Washington, that this work of lay- 
 ing the foundation for a Central American Union be resumed and brought to 
 completion. 
 
 There can be no question that the establishment of a " community of In- 
 terest " among the five Commonwealths of Central America, something which 
 is tangible to the paramount interest of each and every one of them, would 
 offer the best foundation possible for a union. 
 
 It is only necessary to point to the project of an Intercontinental Railway 
 to see how readily in connection therewith such a " community of interest " 
 may be established. A line of railways -constructed on the location of the In- 
 tercontinental Railway project, extending from Mexico through Central America, 
 having for its southern terminal the City of Panama, would establish an all- 
 rail communication from the United States to the Panama Canal; certainly a 
 desirable line to have, from whatever standpoint it may be contemplated. And 
 if this railway line is controlled by one corporation (American), in the manage- 
 ment of which each one of the five Central American Commonwealths would 
 have an active interest, it would certainly form a naturally broad and firm 
 foundation on which the Confederation would surely grow up spontaneously 
 and rest securely for all time to come. It would not only establish a commu- 
 nity of interest among the Central American Republics, but It would include 
 In this community the United States and Mexico as well. 
 
 A practical line and method of procedure for the accomplishment of the ob- 
 ject in view is suggested in the several paragraphs following : 
 
 First. A company to be organized under the laws of the United States for 
 the purpose of establishing a through rail communication from the southern 
 
CENTEAL AMEEICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 85 
 
 bouBdary line of Mexico across the countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, Hon- 
 •duras, Nicaragua, Costa Eica, and part of Panama to tlie city of the same 
 name. 
 
 Second. The company to recognize and accept as the guiding spirit in shap- 
 ing Its policy the general principles recommended by the Committee on Rail- 
 way Communications in their report to the International American Confer- 
 «nce, and accepted by that body at a meeting held in the city of Washington 
 on the 26th day of February, 1890. 
 
 These general principles, as far as they represent a living force, are for con- 
 venience salce here reproduced, as follows : 
 
 " First. That a railroad connecting all or a majority of the nations repre- 
 sented tn this conference will contribute greatly to the development of cordial 
 relations between said nations and the growth of their material interests. 
 ******** 
 
 " Fifth. That the railroad, In so far as the common Interest will permit, should 
 connect the principal cities lying in the vicinity of its route. 
 
 " Sixth. That if the general direction of the line can not be altered without 
 great Inconvenience, for the purpose mentioned in the preceding article, branch 
 lines should be surveyed to connect those cities with the main line. 
 
 " Seventh. That for the purpose of reducing the cost of the enterprise, existing 
 railways should be utilized as far as practicable and compatible with the route 
 aud-COTiaitlDns of the Continental RallroHd. 
 
 " Eighth. That In case the results of the survey demonstrate the practicability 
 and advisability of the railroad, proposals for the construction either of the 
 whole line or sections thereof should be solicited. 
 
 " Ninth. That the construction, management, and operation of the line should 
 be at the expense of the concessionaires, or of the persons to whom they sublet 
 the work, or transfer their rights with all due formalities, the consent of the 
 respective governments being first obtained. 
 
 "Tenth. That all materials necessary for the construction and, operation of 
 the railroad should be exempt from import duties, subject to such regulations 
 as may be necessary to prevent the abuse of this privilege. 
 
 "Eleventh. That all personal and real property of the railroad employed in 
 Its construction and operation should be exempt from all taxation, either 
 national, provincial (state), or municipal. 
 
 "Twelfth. That the execution of a worli of such magnitude deserves to be 
 further encouraged by subsidies, grant of land, or guarantees or a minimum of 
 Interest. 
 
 He :<::{: H! ^ ^ Hi 
 
 " Fourteenth. That the railroad should be declared forever neutral, for the 
 purpose of securing freedom of trafQc. 
 
 " Fifteenth. That the approval of the surveys, the terms of the proposals, 
 the protection of the concessionaires, the inspection of the road, the legislation 
 affecting It, the neutrality of the road, and the free passage of merchandise In 
 transit should be (In the event contemplated by article eighth) the subject 
 of special agreement between all the nations Interested." 
 
 (Articles Nos. 2, 3, 4, 13, and 16 are omitted in the above for the reason that 
 the object to which they refer, 1. e., the preliminary surveys, has been carried 
 out and accomplished, which makes them at this date a dead letter.) 
 
 Thied. The company to acquire control, either by lease or purchase, of all 
 such existing railway lines, which will become parts of the main trunk line of 
 the Intercontinental Railway. 
 
 FoUBTH. The company to construct such additional new parts of the proposed 
 railway system as are necessary for the accomplishment of the object in view. 
 The surveys heretofore made under the direction of the Intercontinental Rail- 
 way Commission to form the basis for future operations In this direction. 
 
 Fifth. The governments of the countries named In paragraph No. 1 to grant 
 the necessary and usual concessions to the railway company, embodying the 
 free right of way through public lands, for the construction of the new parts 
 of the railway through their respective territories. 
 
 Sixth. The said governments to give further material aid for the construc- 
 tion of such new lines in the shape of subsidies and grants of land ; In return 
 for which the railway company to issue In favor of each corresponding govern- 
 ment a proportionate amount f its capltol stock, all as may be mutually agreed 
 upon. 
 
86 
 
 CENTRAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 Seventh. The Government of the United States to assure the prompt carry- 
 ing through of the enterprise by guaranteeing a reasonable minimum of interest 
 on the capital invested in the enterprise. 
 
 Eighth. Each of the aforesaid governments to have the right to name one 
 representative in the board of directors of the railway company. Such repre- 
 sentatives to receive a fixed annual salary to enable them to make their residence ■ 
 within easy access of the place of meeting. 
 
 Ninth. The principal office of the railway company to be located in the United 
 Sates at a point in accordance with the requirements of its charter. 
 
 A vice-president of the railway company, who shall also be the general mana- 
 ger, to have offices and residence at some convenient city in Central America, 
 with suboffices at the seat of government of each of the countries traversed by 
 the railway. 
 
 Tenth. The initial steps for the enlistment of . the cooperation of aU the 
 countries interested in the realization of the project should be taken jointly by 
 the Government of the United States and that of Mexico. 
 
 To show the financial requirements for the realization of the project the fol- 
 lowing table, furnishing certain data taken from the reports of the Intercon- 
 tinental Railvvay Commission, is given : 
 
 Intercontinental Railway — Central 
 
 American Division. 
 
 
 
 Miles— 
 
 Cost for 
 
 grading, 
 
 masonry, 
 
 and bridges. 
 
 Average 
 
 Location. 
 
 Bunt. 
 
 To be 
 bollt. 
 
 cost per 
 mile. 
 
 Across GFuatemala: 
 
 Avntlft to Oahallo "RlftTico .... 
 
 
 26.2 
 
 ^24,518 
 
 $12,386 
 
 Oaballo Blanco to Santa Maria 
 
 84.1 
 
 
 60.5 
 
 893,536 
 
 14,769 
 
 
 
 
 Total 
 
 84.1 
 
 86.7 
 
 1,228,054 
 
 14,164 
 
 
 
 Across Salvador: 
 Hio Paz to near Acajutia— . - - - 
 
 
 26.5 
 
 255,196 
 
 9,630 
 
 Near Acajutla to San Salvador 
 
 61.0 
 
 
 42.2 
 62.0 
 36.1 
 
 1,157,433 
 798,104 
 781,901 
 
 51,124 
 
 
 
 12,792 
 
 San Miguel to Bio GiiascoTan. - — - - 
 
 
 21,659 
 
 
 
 
 TotaL _ _ _ . - . 
 
 64.0 
 
 166.8 
 
 3,987,634 
 
 23,907 
 
 
 
 Across Honduras: 
 
 
 71.7 
 
 1,108,697 
 
 15,463 
 
 
 
 
 Across Nicaragua: 
 
 
 38.0 
 
 598,960 
 
 15,762 
 
 
 103.4 
 
 
 Granada to Pena Blanca 
 
 68.3 
 
 907,390 
 
 13,285 
 
 TotaU — — - 
 
 103.4 
 
 106.3 
 
 1,606,350 
 
 14,170 
 
 
 
 Across OoBta Blca: 
 
 
 52.5 
 157.6 
 160.0 
 
 1,167,430 
 3,820,000 
 3,363,487 
 
 22,237 
 
 Liberia to Boca Savegre - 
 
 
 24,254 
 
 
 
 22,866 
 
 
 
 
 Total 
 
 
 
 360.0 
 
 8,340,917 
 
 23,169 
 
 
 
 Across part ol Panama: 
 
 Bio Golflto to David— - - 
 
 David to city of Panama 
 
 
 
 59.6 
 274.4 
 
 955,353 
 4,657,280 
 
 16,029 
 17,009 
 
 TotaL - — — . 
 
 
 .^4.0 
 
 6,612,633 
 
 16,804 
 
 
 
 
 251.5 
 
 1,126.6 
 
 20,784,285 
 
 18,467 
 
 By deductions from the data in the table the salient features- of the project 
 will appear as follows : 
 
 Total length of railway line from the southern boundary of ilexico to the 
 city of Panama will be 1,377 miles, of which 251.5 have been built and 1,125.5 
 are to be built. 
 
 The cost of the new construction of the railway line is estimated by the com- 
 mission's engineers for grading, masonry, and bridges at $18,467 per mile. 
 This figure should be augmented by about 12J per cent to cover contingent. 
 
CElSrTBAL AMEEICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 87 
 
 engineering, and administrative expenses, wblch would bring the average cost 
 in round numbers to $21,000 per mile. 
 
 Adding for cost of superstructure, full equipment, and rolling stock the sum 
 of $19,000 per mile, we get the entire cost of the new construction to be $40,000 
 per mile. 
 
 The total cost of the project will then be as follows : 
 
 1,125.5 miles new construction, at $40,000 $45,020,000 
 
 130 miles of sidings, at $20,000 2, 600, 000 
 
 Widening the gage .of present constructed lines to standard gage, 
 251.5 miles, at $10,000 2, 515,000 
 
 Total cost of main line 50, 135, 000 
 
 In addition, two branch lines should have to be constructed, one in Honduras 
 to connect with the capital, Comayagua, length 75 miles, and the other In Oosta 
 Eica, to connect with the existing railway line at Alajuela, which connects with 
 the capital, San Jose, the length of which will be about 25 miles, making in 
 the aggregate 100 miles more." The construction of these branch lines would 
 have to be estimated at an average cost of $65,000 per mile, owing to the more 
 diflBcult character of the country encountered in ascending the slopes of the 
 mountain plateaus on which these cities are located. This will swell the total 
 amount of capital required, in round numbers, to $56,000,000. 
 
 The Pacific slope of Central America embraces within its confines some of the 
 best and richest agricultural lands of the continent north of the Isthmus of 
 Panama. It Is here where most of the cofCee, sugar cane, and cocoa plantations 
 of the Central American countries are located ; where these products are grown 
 to the greatest perfection. It is here where the fountain of all wealth of these 
 countries is located. This " coffee zone," as it is generally known, occupies the 
 Pacific slope of Cordilleras between elevations of 1,000 to 5,000 feet above sea 
 level. It reaches its greatest width and unbroken continuity through the west- 
 ern part of Guatemala, where the belt is about 70 miles wide, extending well 
 into the Mexican state of Chiapas. Through the eastern part of Guatemala, 
 Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica the belt, which diminishes and 
 varies in width, is less continuous, somewhat broken by outrunners from the 
 Cordilleras, which show more of an arid character ; however, its many valleys 
 possess all the richness of soil and climate of the " Costa Cuca " in western 
 Guatemala. It is through this zone, or rather at the foot of which, the proposed 
 railway line has been located by the Intercontinental Railway Commission. 
 With the intercommunication which this line would afford throughout the 
 length of this zone, there is sufficient traflSc In sight from local sources (short 
 haul freight and passengers) to sustain the life of the railway with decided 
 healthful vigor from the very start, leaving alone any through traffic, which 
 will surely more or less develop from the United States and Mexico to the 
 Canal Zone. The further development of the great natural resources, not only 
 of the " coffee zone," but of the whole Central American territory, which will 
 surely follow the opening of this line, will insure its prosperity in the near 
 future beyond adventure. 
 
 More, the Intercontinental Railway of Central America vvill be the key to 
 unlock the gates of the hidden treasure house, which nature has so lavishly 
 provided with the products of a most favored zone. 
 
 In conclusion, the writer would touch upon anothec feature, inherent to the 
 project and capable of being developed Into an exceedingly strong characteristic 
 of the undertaking. 
 
 It is this : The line of the projected railway lies along the foot of the Pacific 
 slope of the Central American Cordilleras. In its course it traverses numerous 
 streams which are fed from the high plateaus of the Cordilleras. The more 
 important of these streams, which are crossed at short intervals, will furnish 
 an abundance of electric power, not only sufficient to operate all railroads ex- 
 isting and to come, but to furnish light and power for every conceivable and 
 needful purpose in these countries. 
 
 "As regards Costa Rica, it is to be observed that the construction of the rail- 
 road from San Jose, the capital, to Puntarenas, on the Pacific coast, is now 
 ' almost finished, and that in a few months traffic will be opened thereat, thus 
 completing the Costa Rican Interoceanic Railway between said port of Punta- 
 renas and Port Limon, on the Caribbean Sea. — J. B. C. 
 
8s CENTEAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFEBENCE. 
 
 From the moment tliat a company composed of tlie right elements for the 
 purpose in view is organized and negotiations begun, all fraternal strife between 
 the five Central American Republics would cease, their attentions would be di- 
 rected by their larger sisters of the north to a rising dawn, promising to shed 
 its golden light in common over all. During the construction of the road their 
 surplus energy would be attracted and employed in a work of common interest 
 to all. At the conclusion of the work and the opening of the road there will be 
 general manifestations of congratulations and good cheer and good will towards 
 each other. Once the railway line as a whole is in active operation, the practi- 
 cal unification would be an accomplished fact. 
 
 The steel rails of such a line would indeed be veritable bands of steel holding 
 together with an unremitting grip the five Central American States into one 
 of unity, as compared with the fasciated bundle of slender rods with the battle 
 axe, popularly accepted as the emblem of the ancient device of "In Union there 
 is strength." 
 
 Our own interest at Panama, in opening new and extending old trade chan- 
 nels in the existence of peaceful and stable "conditions in Central America, com- 
 bined with our duty toward common humanity, demands that the construction 
 of this first section of the Intercontinental Railway be taken in hand at once. 
 The present time seems opportune indeed for the initial move for the accom- 
 plishment of the project; its realization would certainly write another chapter 
 in the history of practical achievements towards the goal of Pan-Americanism. 
 
 Theodore Paschke. 
 
 New York, April, 1901. il. A. Soc. C. E. 
 
 [Inclosure No. 14.] 
 
 REMARKS MADE BY DR. ANGEL TJ6ARTE, OF HONDURAS, WHEN PRE- 
 SENTING HIS MOTION FOR A GENERAL AMNESTY OF POLITICAL 
 PRISONERS IN CENTRAL AMERICA, AT THE SESSION OF THE CONFER- 
 ENCE HELD ON DECEMBER 5, 1907. 
 
 Delegates : From the moment this Conference was announced I felt that one 
 of the practical ends that we might attain would be a reconciliation of the Cen- 
 tral American family, not alone in their International relations, but in those 
 between our citizens and their respective Governments. I think now, as then, 
 that it is time we should show the world a spirit of generous humanity, of con- 
 ciliation, and of forgetfuhaess of the bitterness and differences we have had in 
 political life. 
 
 Upon the meeting of the Conference I had the satisfaction of hearing in this 
 chamber the authorized voice of Ambassador Creel asking from us a declara- 
 tion, which we made with the greatest satisfaction, that there existed at the 
 present moment no claim of any kind pending between the different Republics 
 of Central America ; a declaration which was without doubt a brilliant opening 
 in our labors. 
 
 Inspired to-day with the same ideas of fraternity, I think that if it has been 
 possible to terminate disputes between our Governments solely by the good will 
 of the public men who preside over the destinies of Central America, harmony 
 between these and their respective citizens could with much greater reason be 
 reestablished. The meaijs by which the noble object can be attained is through 
 a decree in each of our Republics of an absolute and unconditional amnesty 
 for all political refugees and offenders and for offenses connected therewith. 
 Quiet being already established in our countries, the normal course of the work . 
 of this Conference and public expectation with regard thereto presents a most 
 opportune occasion to accept the proposition which I have the honor to submit, 
 that the Conference by acclamation approves the motion authorizing the Presi- 
 dent of the Conference to urge our respective Governments to issue such a de- 
 cree. 
 
 I have the well-foijnded hope and belief that at the close of the Conference 
 our brothers of Central America will enjoy complete liberty ; and for the greater 
 aid in this step I ask equally that when this motion is approved our honorary 
 presidents, the Secretaries of State of the United States of America and Mexico, 
 be oflScially advised thereof. 
 
CENTRAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 89 
 
 [Inclosure No. 15.] 
 
 ADDRESS OF DR. DON ITTIS ANDERSON, PRESIDENT OF THE CONFERENCE, 
 
 AT THE CLOSING SESSION. 
 
 When I look back to the day we first met under the roof of the Intel-national 
 Bureau of the American Republics — a month ago — and see the work we have 
 accomplished, I feel that, all my fears that we would have a long struggle were 
 unfounded. I found that all the Central American delegations came Inspired 
 with an earnest and sincere brotherly feeling to accomplish something lasting 
 and of mutual benefit. 
 
 It can not be said now, as it was said before, that all our treaties had been 
 written in water, as we intend to show the world, and particularly the Govern- 
 ments of the United States of America and the United Mexican States, for whom 
 our gratitude and that of our peoples for their timely and humane mediation 
 at a difficult moment in our lives shall be everlasting, that our purpose is stead- 
 fast, that our good faith has been pledged, and that our names have been written 
 on documents which are the foundation of a now era of peace, happiness, and 
 plenty for the Central American Republics. 
 
 All differences, all obstacles, all barriers to our happiness and prosperity 
 have been wiped out and the new Central American brotherhood established 
 upon a sound foundation. 
 
 The thanks of the Conference are due to the Presidents of our sister nations 
 of the north, at whose friendly advice we ha^e met, and special thanks should 
 be given to the Hon. Robert Bacon, who was Acting Secretary of State at the 
 time of the signing of the treaty of Washington, and to the different Central 
 American legations accredited to the United States, who have shown such zeal 
 and liberal spirit in carrying out the instructions of their respective Govern- 
 ments. 
 
 Our gratitude to the honorable the Secretary of State, Mr. Root, and to His 
 Excellency the Mexican Ambassador, for their untiring efforts on behalf of 
 Central American peace will last as long as our respective countries exist. 
 
 We carry within onrselveS that pleasant memory, and we will see to it that 
 our countrymen will never forget it — passing it on from generation to generation. 
 
 [Inclosure No. 16.] 
 
 REMARKS MADE BY THE MEXICAN AMBASSADOR AT THE LAST SESSION 
 
 OF THE CONFERENCE. 
 
 Honorable Secretady of State, and Honorable Delegates : The Central 
 American Peace Conference marks in the world's history two events of great 
 importance. As far as five Republics of the American continent are concerned, 
 it is the happy beginning of a new era. It is the symbol of peace and of 
 justice, to which a noble and generous race is rightly entitled. It is the his- 
 toric moment when Central America finds the right path, which will lead it 
 on to a prosperous destiny. As far as the world is concerned it is the organi- 
 zation of an international court, which brings hopes for universal peace. Its 
 success must be interesting to all the nations of the globe. 
 
 These two causes could not be more noble, more altruistic, more humane. 
 This is the judgment of the Mexican Government. 
 
 • It is with great pleasure that I am going to read the messages sent to and 
 received from the department of foreign relations. You will find reflected 
 therein the opinion of my Government and its great interest as to the future 
 of the five sister Republics. 
 
 " Ambassador Creel to the JIexican Minister for Foreign Affairs. 
 
 "Washington, December 16, 1907. 
 " It is with great satisfaction that I communicate to the department that the 
 Central American Peace Conference has approved the following conventions: 
 A general convention of peace and amity, another creating a high court of 
 justice in Central America, one for extradition, another for yearly conferences 
 to render uniform their monetary systems, tariffs, weights, and measures; 
 another concerning railways, telegraphs and telephone lines ; another relative 
 to a pedagogical institute in Costa Rica ; another relative to the Bureau of 
 the Central American Republics in Guatemala. Recommendatipns were also 
 adopted to grant anmesty to political prisoners. The conventions contain high 
 and equitable principles which will constitute the basis of international law 
 in Central America. The permanent court of justice shall decide all mter- 
 national questions without any exception, and will be the first court of this 
 
90 CENTKAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 very liigli jurisdiction tliat is to be organisied in the world. I congratulate 
 the president and the minister of foreign affairs for their friendly mediation 
 in this good work on behalf of peace and cordial relations." 
 
 " Cable Instructions from the Mexican Minister for Foreign Affairs to 
 THE Mexican Ambassador. 
 
 " Under special instructions from his excellency the minister of foreign rela- 
 tions of Mexico, I have the honor to inform the Conference that it was with 
 the greatest satisfaction that His Excellency the President of the United States 
 of Mexico heard of the brilliant success attained by this Conference ; that said 
 chief magistrate considers the organization of a Central American court of 
 justice of great and far-reaching importance, as likewise the spirit of accord, 
 peace, and harmony which has inspired all the acts of the Conference and has 
 entered into the very core of their conventions; that he congratulates their 
 excellencies the delegates and through them the peoples and Governments of 
 Central America for their patriotic and intelligent labors, and hopes that peace, 
 ever fruitful and blessed, shall be everlasting and be firmly consolidated in 
 those sisters Republics. 
 
 " He likewise congratulates His Excellency the President of the United States 
 of America and his distinguished Secretary of State for their noble and altru- 
 istic cooperation." 
 
 [Inclosure No. 17.] 
 
 ADDRESS OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE, HON. ELIHU ROOT, DECLARIN& 
 THE CENTRAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE OF WASHINGTON CLOSED, 
 DECEMBER 20, 1907. 
 
 I beg you, gentlemen, to accept my hearty and sincere congratulations. The 
 people of Central America withdrawn to a great distance from the scene of your 
 labors may not know, but I wish that my voice might reach each one of them 
 to tell them that during the month that has passe.d their loyal representatives 
 have been doing for them in sincerity and in the discharge of patriotic duty 
 a service which stands upon the highest level of the achievements of the most 
 advanced modern civilization. You have each one of you been faithful to the 
 protection of the interests of your several countries ; you have each one of you 
 exhibited patience, kindly consideration, regard for the rights and feelings of 
 others, and a willingness to meet with open mind the opinions and wishes of 
 your fellow-countrymen; you have pursued the true method by which law, order, 
 peace, and justice are substituted for the unrestrained dominion of the strong 
 over the weak, and you have reached conclusions which I believe are wise and 
 are well adapted to advance the progress of each and all of the Central Amer- 
 ican Republics toward that much to be desired consummation in the future of 
 one great, strong, and happy Central American Republic. May the poor hus- 
 bandman who cultivates the fields of your five Republics, may the miner who is 
 wearing out his weary life in the hard labors of your mines, may the mothers 
 who are caring for the Infant children that are to make the peoples of Cen- 
 tral America in the future, may the millions whose prosperity and happiness 
 you have sought to advance here, may the unborn generations of the future in 
 your beloved countries have reason to look back to this day with blessings upon 
 the self-devotion and the self-restraint with which you have endeavored to 
 serve their interests and to secure their prosperity and peace. With this hope 
 the entire body of my countrymen will join, and with the expression of this 
 hope I declare the Peace Conference of the Republics of Central America, con- 
 vened in the city of Washington in this year 3907, to be now adjourned. 
 
 [Inclosui-e No. 18.1 
 
 ARGUMENT SUPPORTING THE HONDURAS PROJECT #0R A CENTRAL 
 AMERICAN UNION, SUBMITTED TO THE CONFERENCE BY THEIR 
 EXCELLENCIES SENOR FIALLOS OF HONDURAS, DOCTOR BONILLA OF 
 HONDURAS, AND DOCTOR MADRIZ OF NICARAGUA. 
 
 observations of his excellency don e. c. fiallos. 
 
 HoNORAiiLE Delegates : Permit me, in relation to the project with which we 
 now occupy ourselves, and which I do not hesitate to consider of vital impor- 
 tance for the future of our peoples, to briefly express some of the ideas that, as 
 a Central American, I hold concerning the bearing the resolutions of this Con- 
 
CENTEAL AMEBICAN PEACE CONFBBENCE. 91 
 
 ference must have in order to practically aid and satisfy the noble desires of 
 the mediators who have invited us to deliberate. 
 
 From the elevated viewpoint on which we find ourselves united in the shadow 
 of the Capitol of Washington, we can not but contemplate Central America in 
 Its important historic and geographic make-up just as their excellencies the 
 Presidents of the United States and Mexico regard it and as the former Central 
 American statesmen consider it, the patriots who struggled to bequeath us a 
 country, great and respectable, such as the youth, covetous of peace and justice, 
 desires, which clamors for peaceful redemption, for the beneficent evolution so 
 long hoped for in order that the latent energies of progress may be unfolded, 
 and in order to enter into the enjoyment of the fruits of modern civilization. 
 
 Thus alone can we properly appreciate in the records of the past the causes 
 that have retarded our progress; thus only shall we be able to find now the 
 desired solution for our future welfare. 
 
 During three centuries of Spanish dominion the provinces of the Isthmus re- 
 mained united under the rule of the captaincy-general of Guatemala. At the 
 opening of the nineteenth century the bonds that united them to the mother 
 country and held them united among themselves being broken, there began the 
 era of discord and fratricidal wars in which we have lived up to the present. 
 If from that time the union of the provinces under a single government had 
 been maintained. Central America would to-day undoubtedly be one of the 
 happiest countries of the earth. But the federation of the Kepublic could not 
 be effected. Discord opened a broad field for the ambitious of power In each 
 State. And thence it was that the personalist factions and military commands 
 took the ascendency in the destiny of those peoples. In consequence thereof 
 governments have succeeded each other with such notorious irregularity that 
 it is now the rule that governments de facto must be recognized, while they 
 maintain themselves by force, some in defiance of public opinion, or others 
 struggling against unjustifiable revolutions. 
 
 It is painful to confess it, but it is useless to attribute to other causes the 
 wars that have afflicted our peoples. 
 
 Those which in Central America have appeared to be international wars have 
 been nothing but internal wars of a State that have crossed its borders. The- 
 proof of it is that there has not been a single case of territorial conquest or of 
 any indemnity claimed by the conqueror. A stronger proof still is the fact that 
 between two or more sections of the same State there exists profound divisions 
 and political rancors, diflScult to blot out, while the peoples of different States 
 treat one another with entire fraternity. 
 
 Therefore, if civil conflicts are what have devastated our soil, have consumed 
 our vital energies, have divided our families, and have maintained the constant 
 emigrations, which in their turn have occasioned the armed intervention of 
 neighboring governments, it is in the cause of these strifes that we must seek a 
 radical remedy. 
 
 Since the labors of the Conference bsgan we had, with merited applause, to 
 note that there were no pending differences to be adjusted between the Govern- 
 ments of the Central American Republics. And for disagreements that may in 
 the future arise, it has already been solemnly stipulated that they shall be de- 
 cided by means of the high court of justice, whose just and unappealable judg- 
 ments will maintain perpetual harmony and good neighborly feeling among them 
 for the five Republics. 
 
 Given the conditions of respectability and good faith that have concurred in 
 the formation of the treaty relative to the establishment of the court, and no one 
 will dare to doubt but that it must produce the immediate results that are 
 hoped of it. And it can be further assured that, without going out of the purely 
 international sph^e of action that has been assigned it, the court will exercise, 
 by the mere fact of its existence, a beneficent influence upon the internal con- 
 flicts of each State. 
 
 But proceeding with loyal frankness, we must agree that if it is indeed true 
 that by the creation of that court we have taken a most advanced step toward 
 the well-being and the good name of the countries that we represent, by this step 
 alone we have not assured the positive and fruitful peace of Central America. 
 
 The aspiration of our peoples and the earnest desire of the United States and 
 Mexico is that constitutional peace reign over every foot of our soil and not 
 merely along the frontiers; that in -the midst of order and harmony we shall 
 busy ourselves in building up our prosperity; that under the protection of the 
 laws we may open the portals to progress in all its manifestations; that we 
 shall inspire confidence and give effective guarantees to foreign capital, so that 
 
92 CENTEAL AMEKICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 it may come to develop our tropical agriculture, our mineral deposits, and, open- 
 ing means of communication, will place us -in commercial contact with our 
 neighbors on the north. 
 
 Eelying on the intimate knowledge we have of the nature of our peoples and 
 of our governors, confirmed by the history of almost a century that we have en- 
 joyed of independent life, we must foresee that in the future serious conflicts 
 will arise in the interior of the States and that until a method of settling them be 
 found by rational and efficacious means they will give rise to new internal strifes. 
 
 I admit, of course, that the political problems and internal rule of the Central 
 American Republics ought not to be the subject of present consideration before 
 this assembly, except in so far as this policy and this rule relate to the general 
 peace tiiat we have succeeded in establishing. 
 
 In this sense, and obeying impulses of the most sincere patriotism, I malie 
 known here the profound conviction that continual political deceptions have 
 rooted in my mind, that the union of the five Republics in one single nation 
 becomes necessary as the only saving means that is to lead our peoples without 
 new obstacles or anxieties along the same path of progress that has led the 
 United States and Mexico to the height of prosperity they now enjoy. ' 
 
 So long as the governing classes of our communities maintain themselves in 
 power in the small Republics and the greater part of the national revenue is 
 consumed in maintaining a grand government personnel and a numerous army, 
 those Republics can not reach the stage of advancement that, by their geographic 
 position and their great natural resources, they should attain, nor will they 
 cease to figure before the other nations in the humble position which to-day 
 they occupy as political entities. 
 
 The democratic institutions which we should so much desire to see founded 
 and respected in Central America will continue in danger of being overthrown, 
 so long as the sword of a local chieftain can predominate over law. 
 
 Right here we have recognized that danger in making special dispositions 
 relative to political refugees which we still forsee in the future. 
 
 We havejikewise foreseen the uncertain or arbitrary actions that one Gtov- 
 ernment may commit in its international relations, and we have rejected the 
 . union of the other Central American Governments in the presence of such 
 uncertainties. 
 
 All of which is going to show the necessity of seeking in the fusion of the 
 five present Republics the establishment of a stable nationality constituted 
 with the elements chosen from all of them ; the creation of a great fatherland 
 ruled by a government of true statesmen of Central American patriots who are 
 above the paltry regional influences : who, inspired by the teachings of the great 
 Hamilton, will mark out a healthful and practical course for our compassless 
 politics ; who will organize our finances under a rational plan and give a vigor- 
 ous impulse to instruction, agriculture, and industry. 
 
 It is a very much worn argument that our peoples are not prepared for union. 
 This the separationists have been saying ever since they dissolved the federa- 
 tion some seventy years ago. What the Ceneral American peoples are not pre- 
 pared for is to live ununited with unlimited autonomy. Tired of fruitless 
 combats, and impoverished by the contributions to so many wars, they would 
 not only receive the vmion as a saving measure, but it would be perhaps the 
 only cause for which they would fight, if it were necessary, with conviction and 
 enthusiasm, to conquer in favor of the new generations the peace and prosperity 
 they have not been able to enjoy. 
 
 The Central American yoiith is, as you well know, an indefatigable promoter 
 of the federation. To this youth belongs the future, and it should be heard. 
 In its name, and because of a special mission that I hold. I make known here 
 the sentiments that it cherishes in favor of the prompt and glorious reconstruc- 
 tion of the " Republic of Central America." ' 
 
 E. C. FlALLOS. 
 
 AEGUED VOTE OP THE MINOBITT. 
 
 Gentlemen of the Conference : The report of the majority of the commis- 
 sion regarding the project of Central American union, which project was 
 offered by the delegation of Honduras and supported by that of Nicaragua, 
 having been submitted to vote, these delegations deem it their duty to lay 
 before the Conference their argued vote against said report, so that, accord- 
 ing to Article XVI of the rules, it be added to the day's minutes. 
 
 The delegations of Nicaragua and Honduras take this position in obedience to 
 their positive convictions in compliance with special instructions received from 
 
CENTRAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFEEENCB. 93 
 
 their Govemments, and in observance of the 'precept embodied in Article I of 
 thair respectlTe constitntlons. 
 
 It is imperative that on such an occasion as this they should not fall to attest 
 in a pmblic manner their fidelity to an idea, which, as stated In the report laid 
 before the Conference, " represents the noblest and grandest aspiration of 
 patriotism." 
 
 This aspiration is not merely an ideal, but is the fundamental basis of our 
 political existence, acknowledged and declared in several Ot our constitutions, 
 as> lia Article II of the constitution of Guatemala, in Article CLI of that of 
 Salvador, and in Article I of those of Nicaragua and Honduras. As to 
 Costa Kiea, it is but necessary to turn back to the declaration contained in 
 Its constitution of January 21, 1847, which sets forth that Costa Rica forms 
 a part of the Centi-al Amei-ican nation and will cooperate toward its reor- 
 gamization in conjunction with the other States. Although that constitution is 
 no now in force, th« declaration therein conained Is morally subsistent, for 
 Costa Rica has always acknowledged its solidarity with the other Central 
 American States. 
 
 In corroboration of this, we need only to recall that scarcely a year ago, at 
 the Conference held at San Jose Costa Rica, presided over by Dr. Don 
 Luis Anderson, a declaration which reflects great credit on the Conference 
 was included in the minutes of its third session, as follows : " The contracting 
 Governments acknowledge as principles of Central American public inter- 
 national law, among others, the following: II. The community of interests with 
 reference to the sovereinty and independent of Central America, considered 
 as one unit nation." And in the minutes of the fourth session is the follow- 
 ing declaration : "As Central American interests to which (the contracting 
 parties) must devote preferent attention are likewise acknowledged in the fol- 
 lowing: I. To cooperate with all its efforts toward the peaceful reorganization 
 of the Central American Fatherland." 
 
 This happy declaration has been adopted by our Conference and accepted 
 as a fundamental principle of our conventions. 
 
 In support of our assertion there are many documents that we could adduce. 
 Laws, conventions, messages, reports, proclamations, nearly all our public 
 acts, with reference to the general relations of Central America, are inspired 
 in the sentiment of imity, in the consciousness of a common destiny of our 
 peoples, in the aspiration to form with the States now detatched a nation 
 capable to assume the responsibility of its destinies in the world. 
 
 The text of the report of the majority is as follows : 
 
 " The conditions and circumstances existing among the peoples of the Isth- 
 mus are not now propitious to immediately decree the national reconstruction 
 which, to be solid and permanent, must be based upon the knitting together of 
 the economic, moral, material, and sociological elements which are to be har- 
 monized. They do not deem it opportune, therefore, that the present Con- 
 ference should consider the proposition for an immediate union of the Central 
 American Republics, but only the measures necessary to prepare in a stable 
 manner for such union by the improvement of communications, the establish- 
 ment of a coastwise trade, the drawing together of the economic and social 
 interests of the people, the unification of the laws and of taxation and of cus- 
 toms systems, and the encouragement of periodical reunions of Central Ameri- 
 can conferences representing the five Republics. * * * It is impossible to 
 pass quickly from strife to a peaceful and sincere union." 
 
 Such words, especially the latter ones, seem to denote that our recent dis- 
 cords have left deep resentment in the minds of the Central American peoples. 
 We would deplore that such were the case, that our dissensions should have 
 broken the ties that have linked our destinies in bygone times and that ought 
 to unite them still closer in the time to come. Happily, the undersigned do 
 not entertain such a view, but on the contrary believe, as so ably stated by 
 Mr. Anderson, that " Central American wars have never been armed conflicts 
 between peoples, but between Governments," and now that a reconciliation 
 has been effected, calming down past resentments, circumstances have again 
 become propitious for working earnestly in favor of the national restoration. 
 
 The President of Nicaragua, In this regard, has given us a proof which we 
 can not pass in silence. We refer to a cablegram received from him on Novem- 
 ber 22 last, worded as follows : " To attain union I am ready to relinquish 
 power. If necessary, as I promised President Diaz." This proof of exalted 
 
94 CENTEAIi AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 patriotism needs not our eulogy to extol the name of its author. The Nlca- 
 raguan delegation lays it before the Conference, so that it may be considered 
 for what it is worth for the present, in order that it may serve as a pledge 
 for the future and that the Nicaraguan people may be judged by the spirit of 
 Its ruler. 
 
 Moreover, the President of Honduras has made the same promise, through 
 his delegation, as stated in the project submitted to the Conference In the 
 second session of November 18 last. 
 
 A grievous error is committed in holding that the organization of a nation 
 and the framing of its constitution require uniformity between the parts as a 
 whole. Nothing is more inexact. In contradiction of such an opinion we 
 have a very notable example, viz, that of the Constitution of the United States 
 of America. History records what took place in the Philadelphia Convention 
 of 1787 ; that the States of the first Confederation were at variance on details 
 of vital moment. There was among them opposition of interests, of political 
 tendencies and reciprocal jealousies in matters of predominance. Some States 
 had their social status organized according to democratic ' principles ; in other 
 States a powerful aristocracy reigned supreme; some were agriculturists; 
 others were devoted to industrial pursuits; some favored slavery, and others 
 had marked aversion for it. There existed real moral antagonism, as a writer 
 says, between the institutions of the South and those of the North, and it suf- 
 fices, to judge the magnitude of this discord, to remember that nearly a century 
 later the question of national union had to be settled by recourse to war. 
 
 Notwithstanding this fact, the Philadelphia Convention did not entertain the 
 same opinion as our committee. Believing that all those differences were not 
 incompatible with the political union, it devoted its efforts to find a rule of 
 law to harmonize all opposing tendencies, systems, and interests, and to attain 
 the prevalence of the Union over all opposition. This rule happily established, 
 after constant and patriotic efforts, is the celebrated Constitution which has 
 given to the world the greatest Republic in hisory. 
 
 What differences can there be more essential than those of race, tongue, and 
 religion? Nevertheless Switzerland, which has different races, tongues, and re- 
 ligions, is one of the best organized and freest countries in the world. . 
 
 It is not necessary to make the laws of the States uniform to prepare the 
 union, as insinuated In the report of the majority. In Switzerland each Canton 
 has its code; in the United States of America there can be no greater variety 
 than is found in the individual legislations of the States. And it must be borne 
 in mind that in both countries the laws are linked with and emanate from the 
 customs, while we have no legislation of our own and endeavor to assimilate 
 the foreign laws which we have adopted. 
 
 When the report of the majority mentions the " drawing closer * * * of 
 the sociological elements which must be harmonized," it surely can npt wish to 
 Imply that our five aggroupments differ considerably in the nature and con- 
 stituents of their sociological elements, because such an assertion would be an 
 obvious error needing no refutation. But if by sociological elements it is 
 meant to refer to the States as different entities we believe that the closeness 
 of one another is such that it sometimes goes beyond what it ought to be. 
 Without reference to peaceful intercourse, even in armed contests frequently the 
 flags of more than one State are blended. When at one time Nicaragua's inde- 
 pendence was imperiled all the armies of Central America, that of Costa Rica 
 , being foremost, hastened to defend it. On another occasion the territorial in- 
 tegrity of Nicaragua and Honduras was threatened on the Mosquito coast, and 
 Salvador made a common cause with those States and ran the same risk. 
 
 There is a phenomenon to which we call the attention of those enabled to 
 value it rightly. Sometimes the ardor we show in our contests is of so violent 
 a nature that it might appear that an implacable enmity would separate us 
 forever; but as soon as word of peace is uttered we recognize each other as 
 brothers. No territorial conquests have ever taken place in Central America — 
 no war indemnities or humiliating satisfactions imposed by one people upon 
 the other as an abuse of victory. As soon as a change is effected in the gov- 
 ernment staff, which invariably is the motive of our invasions, the conqueror 
 returns satisfied to his domicile without ever demanding, as compensation for 
 the blood and the property expended, anything more than the intimate friend- 
 ship of the new ruler it has installed in power. 
 
 In our wars a rule has been observed which should be mentioned because it 
 confirms our idea. The invader of a neighboring State, as soon as he enters 
 the territory of the unfriendly Government, organizes a revolutionary govern- 
 
CENTEAL AMEEICAN PEACE CONEEEBNCE. 95 
 
 ment and declares himself its ally. This practice ought to be abolished, be- 
 cause it Is harmful ; but the idea it Implies must be acknowledged, as it Is not 
 to hurt the feelings of the invaded State, showing that the armed contest is 
 only aimed against the Government. 
 
 It can not be denied that In the temperament of the Central American peoples 
 there exists — and we say it with satisfaction and even with pride — a feeling of 
 brotherly love which prevails above all animosities and malies us forget In an 
 instant the most painful recollections. Far from believing that it is not possible 
 to pass rapidly from strife to a sincere and peaceful union, we are convinced 
 that the moral union of the Central American peoples has always existed, even 
 in the midst of the most passionate contests of their Governments. 
 
 When the report of the majority mentions the need of drawing .closer the 
 means of communication between the States, to prepare them for the union, it 
 Implies that it Is Impossible for the present, due to the great distances which 
 separate us and the lack of rapid and safe means of communic'atlon. 
 
 A noted author, referring to Mexico, says that in 1880 there were not over 
 600 kilometers of railroads in that Republic. Mr. Calvo, in his article pub- 
 lished in pamphlet form by this Conference, states that the Central American 
 railway lines aggregated in 1902 about 1,000 miles, and he adds a footnote that 
 since then the increase in mileage In Central America has been considerably 
 Increased. So that within a lesser area we have more than double the amount 
 of railway lines than existed in Mexico In 1880. 
 
 It is well known that our principal cities are connected by rail with the sea- 
 coast and the ports are In frequent communication. To-day the distance be- 
 tween Guatemala City and San Jose, Costa Rica, is covered more quickly and 
 easily than from the former to the capital of the Department of Peten ; than 
 from Tegucigalpa to Trujillo; than from Managua to Cape Graclas a DIos; 
 and these long distances between the cities of one State and Its capital are 
 not an obstacle to the Government extending its influence to them, to maintain 
 order, and further the national development. The telegraph transmits rapidly 
 the influence of the Government to all parts of the country, and in the further- 
 most regions a special center of authority can easily be established with power 
 to maintain order, as Nicaragua has done on the Atlantic coast with the Blue- 
 fields intendancy. 
 
 Furthermore, to extend and improve the means of communication, to make 
 more effective the work of the Government does not seem an impossible or 
 even difficult task. The Important motion of the Costa RIcan delegation^ con- 
 cerning the Central American Railway, induces us to entertain this opmlon. 
 "It Is not only," says the motion, "a need of which we are all' aware (that 
 of the railroad), but It can be carried into execution without an expenditure 
 of greater effort than Is fortunately at our disposal." 
 
 This being a fact, we believe that Central America could construct Its rail- 
 road. If united, in half the time that it could if divided. It would be a more 
 imperative need for the national Government than It is now for the sectional 
 Governments. On the other hand, no one will doubt that it will be easier to 
 secure the necessary funds for this work under the auspices of a government 
 which would give a better guaranty for the peace, credit, and responsibility of 
 the nation than under the present circumstances, which do not inspire sufficient 
 confidence in foreign capital. 
 
 The importance of this matter impresses us with the duty of considering It in 
 its principal features, and therefore we ask the indulgence of the honorable 
 committee in case we should go beyond what it meant in its report. 
 
 Those opposed to the Central American union have often asserted that its 
 greatest enemy is the desert — that is to say, the scattering of a meager popula- 
 tion over an extended and uncultivated territory. 
 
 According to data prepared by the International Bureau of the American 
 Republics It is evident that in comparing the Central American States with 
 some of the countries of this continent we find that Central America has a total 
 area of 426,975 square kilometers and a population of 4,118,977 inhabitants, 
 which gives a population of 9.6 inhabitants to the square kilometer. The Argen- 
 tine Republic has 1.7 inhabitants to the square kilometer; Brazil, 1.94; Chile, 
 5.03 ; Mexico, 6.87, and the United States, 10.25. It is to be seen, therefore, that 
 the relative population of Central America is larger than that of the principal 
 nations of this continent, except the United States. With regard to the exist- 
 ence of large tracts of waste and unsettled lands, Central America does not pos- 
 sess such lands to a greater extent than the United States, the Argentine Repub- 
 lic, or Brazil. 
 
96 CENTRAL AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 
 
 It is a fact worthy of note that the less peopled regions of Central American 
 countries have always been the most peaceful. Appealing to history, let us 
 investigate in which places there has been more agitation. We find it in Guate- 
 mala in the Departments of the west, center, and east; Alta Verapaz, Peten, 
 and Izabel have been peaceful. In Salvador, Santa, Ana, San Salvador, and 
 Sonsomate have been prominent factors in civil strife. The eastern part and 
 Chalatenanga have been peaceful. In Honduras, Tegucigalpa, and the southern 
 and western Departments have been turbulent and the rest peaceful. In Nica- 
 ragua, Leon, Managua, and Granada have been warlllte; Matagalpa, Segovias, 
 and Chontles have been peaceful. Costa Kica has been spared disturbances in 
 recent years, but in former times, when discord agitated its people, Cartago, San 
 Jose, Heredia, and Alajuela were warlike factors. We can state, therefore, 
 without fear of error, that the wilderness is peaceful and is not an obstacle for 
 the union of the Central American peoples. 
 
 It must also be recollected that we Central Americans have conquered, to a 
 certain extent, the desert, because the peoples living on the Pacific slopes — 
 where our population has attained the greatest density, where our greatest 
 Interests and the political power of the States are centered — have such easy and 
 rapid means of communication, as we have already said, that the functions of 
 the national Government could be freely exercised. 
 
 In opposition to the opinion that we are fighting we assert that our people 
 need the uiilou in order to conquer the desert, ancl we beg leave to quote a his- 
 toric case. In the year 1887, under the administration of Don Evaristo Carazo, 
 in Nicaragua, a treaty was signed between the Republics of Nicaragua and 
 Costa Rica, in which it was provideil that the first named granted to the second 
 the right of free commercial navigation in all the waters of the San Juan River 
 and the Lake of Nicaragua, and the second understock, in return, to permit 
 the use of the waters of the Colorado River for the improvement of the lower 
 San Juan and the San Juan del Norte Bay, which were obstructed to a great 
 extent, and to contribute to a considerable part of the outlay to be incurred in 
 the enterprise. The separatist spirit was interposed, the convention was not 
 approved by the Nicaraguan Congress, and both Nicaragua and Costa Rica 
 lost the lower San Juan and the Bay of San Juan del Norte. This is a case 
 in which separation has maintained, or rather created, a desert, as it has ruined 
 the chance of improving the most important commercial waterway of former 
 times in Central America. 
 
 The propriety of a speedy union of our peoples is dependent upon the urgent 
 necessity felt in Central America to put a stop to a political status which, dur- 
 ing a period- of nearly seventy years of our separation, has been insufficient 
 in a definite manner to have order, peace, and liberty enforced by a truly 
 democratic government ; that has been unable to establish on solid basis the 
 credit of Central American countries and to impart full confidence to foreign 
 capital, to bring immigration to our shores, and to raise the moral level of the 
 masses, schooling them in the exercise of their rights, and giving them object 
 lessons of the respect due to law and the principles of justice. 
 
 We hope that the establishment of the Central American court of justice, 
 agreed upon in the most important of our cohventions, shall for the time being 
 be the key to our political structure and shall remedy to a great extent our 
 evils and shall prevent war in future. We believe, however, that it does not 
 suflice to satisfy the sentiment and aspirations of the Central American people, 
 and that within a short time it will be felt, through the free trend of opinion 
 and through the obvious relation of our public needs, how essential is a more 
 intimate and complete amalgamation. 
 
 We have confidence in peace, but we would lil^e something superior to a 
 peace purely material — diplomatic, if we may be permitted to call it such; we 
 desire to check the moral strife engendered by jealousies and mutual distrust 
 of the governments which prevent " the generous and effusive expansion of the 
 Central American States," as TJribe said. 
 
 We agree that sometimes nothing can be more detrimental than impatience; 
 but excess of patience in the presence of acute and persistent evils — prudence 
 which always hesitates and never decides the " status quo " at itmae when 
 all is in motion and agitation around us — are not less detrimental to men and 
 peoples. 
 
 We shall never be able to awaken in our countries an energetic feeling of 
 duty, an active spirit of progress, that confidence in self-efCort which, for men 
 and peoples, is the surest guaranty for great victories, if we begin by under- 
 valuing them before the eyes of the world, by saying that they are incapable 
 
CENTRAL, AMERICAN PEACE CONFERENCE. 97 
 
 of doing what other peoples have done, and that a community of more than 
 4,000,000 inhabitants, possessing an exceptional territory, on account of the 
 treasures with which nature has endowed it, is not in a position to constitute 
 a stable and respectable nation. 
 
 We do not intend to criticise the report which occasions this vote. We only 
 wish to state to the Conference that we are convinced that it is possible, at 
 present, to effect a radical change in Central America which may improve our 
 condition and infuse into our social and political status new life, more in 
 accord with democratic tendencies and the principles of civilization and 
 humanity. 
 
 Convinced in this sense, the delegations of Nicaragua and Honduras regret 
 to differ in opinion from the honorable colleagues who have signed the report 
 of the majority subject to vote, and deferring to the good faith in which they 
 act, we deplore that we can not avail ourselves of such a propitious occasion as 
 that ofEered by the meeting of the ponference to carry into execution the work 
 upon which depend our destinies and without which we will not be able to be 
 happy nor to prevent evils the magnitude of which we can not at present 
 
 fOF6S66 
 
 We repeat it, the delegations of Nicaragua and Honduras vote against the 
 
 report of the majority. 
 
 3osi Madbiz. 
 Luis F. Coeea. 
 p. bonilla. 
 
 B. C. FlALLOS. 
 
 AmatL TJgarte. 
 Washington, D. C, Decemier 18, 1907. 
 
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