James A. Williamson to Evarts, January 14, 1879
No. 80. Mr. Williamson to Mr. Evarts.
No. 818.]
Sir: I have the honor to report that President Barrios has ordered the election of deputies to a constitutional convention, which is to meet in this city in February or March next, nominally for the purpose, of adopting a constitution, and taking other measures for the election of a President and other officials. President Barrios has resigned the dictatorship, to take effect when the new government is organized. He publicly declares that he will not accept the presidency if a constitution is adopted which “ties his hands”; and it is generally believed that the results of the meeting of the constitutional convention will be according to his wishes. In that case he will probably be declared President for life and invested with what we would call dictatorial powers.
I have, &c.,