[XVIII-76] The federation plan had been opposed in 1883 by Costa Rica refusing to accredit delegates. Costa R., Gaceta, Feb. 3, 1885; U. S. Gov. Doc., H. Ex. Doc., Cong. 48, Sess. 1, pt 1, 54.
[XVIII-77] Costa R., Gaceta, March 9-12, 1885.
[XVIII-78] Further honors to his memory at a later date. Aug. 3, 1885, it was ordered that his bust should be placed in the public square of San José. Id., March 13, 14, Aug. 5, 1885; La Estrella de Pan., March 28, 1885; El Universal (Pan.), March 17, 1885; Pan. Star and Herald, March 23, Sept. 9, 1885.
[XVIII-79] Soto is a native of Alajuela, Feb. 12, 1854; his parents being Gen. Apolinar de J. Soto, and Joaquin Alfaro. He was educated in Costa Rica, and in 1877 was admitted to the bar, and practised the legal profession till 1880, when he travelled in the U. S. On his return he was made governor of the province of Alajuela, in which position he exerted himself for the advancement of the province. He did not complete his term, having to make a visit to Europe. On his return in April 1882, he was again appointed governor of Alajuela, and in August of the same year the executive called him to fill a position in his cabinet as minister of government, police, and public works. Apr. 19, 1885, he married Pacífica, a daughter of Ex-president Fernandez; and May 15th, congress declared him a benemérito, and gen. of division. Costa R., Gaceta, May 16, June 9, 1885.
[XVIII-80] The first named was given the portfolio of foreign affairs. Id., March 13, 14, 1885.
[XVIII-81] Circular of March 17, 1885. It also explained the motives prompting Costa R., Salv., and Nic. to resist Barrios' projects. Id., Manif. del Gob., 1885-6. Costa R. sent a contingent of troops to Nic., Hond., and Salv. Her troops, however, had no opportunity to fight. Presid. Soto tendered his resignation on the 5th of June, but it was not accepted, and extraordinary powers were conferred on him for sixty days. Id., Gaceta, May 22, 23, June 6, 1885.
[XVIII-82] He was also deprived of his political rights, 'por el delito de conspiracion para rebelion, cometido en servicio activo de las armas.' Costa R., Gaceta, Nov. 27, 1885.
[XIX-1] In 1829, when convents were closed in Guat., he had to leave the cloister, and afterward obtained a papal dispensation from his vows. He then studied law, and received the degree of licentiate in 1836.
[XIX-2] Slowness and procrastination ruled supreme. A citizen of Salvador said of Dueñas to describe his policy: 'El mejor caballo para Dueñas es el que no anda.'
[XIX-3] In Jan. 1866 he married a wealthy widow, who had been educated in the U. S. That same year the university conferred on him the degree of doctor of laws. Nic., Gaceta, Feb. 3, March 3, 1866.