José Maria Castro, President of the Republic of Costa Rica., September 20, 1867

José Maria Castro, President of the Republic of Costa Rica.

By virtue of the faculty vested in the executive power by a law passed on the 9th November, 1865, and whereas the works of the interoceanic railroad have already been commenced, I decree—

Article 1. That from this date the bay of Limon is opened to foreign and coasting trade as the principal port of the republic on the Atlantic coast.

Art. 2. That any vessel, bound from whatever port, may, under a friendly or neutral flag, import or export every class of merchandise except those subject to prohibition or monopoly, and deposit and tranship them freely, under such regulations as the government may establish.

Art. 3. That all vessels that anchor in the said bay of Limon shall be free of all duties or imposts for tonnage, anchorage, or crew list, as well as for documents or certificates which may be issued.

Art. 4. That after the Costa Rica Railroad Company have built their docks and warehouses no custom duties shall be recovered before merchandise and produce for consumption have left said docks and warehouses.

Art. 5. That the secretary of state for the navy department shall give due orders for the early removal of the authorities and public officers from Moin to the new port of Limon.