James A. Williamson to To his Excellency Marco A. Soto, September 14, 1873

No. 65. Mr. Williamson to Mr. Fish.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith copies of the correspondence between the minister of foreign affairs and myself, in regard to the celebration to-morrow of the fifty-second anniversary of the independence of Central America. It is my purpose to avail myself of the opportunity to discuss our proposed centennial celebration, and also to touch upon, as adroitly as I can, the advantages that would result to Central America from a union of all the states under one government. I have discussed this latter subject in an unofficial way many times, both in Costa Rica and here. The universally professed sentiment is in favor of the union, except among the office-holders. They speak of it as desirable, but impracticable owing to local jealousies, differences of indebtedness, difficulties of intercommunication, &c. As the officeholders control the people, it is not probable at present that any action will be taken by the governments looking to union. In my opinion, from information received up to this time, there may be a probability of effecting a union between Guatemala, Salvador, and Honduras, if their present governments continue in power for a few years; but I think Costa Rica prefers isolation or a union with Colombia.* * * *

I have, &c.,