[XXVIII-14] On the ground that a large number of English-speaking negroes thus introduced could never become assimilated with their already mixed population, and would soon create a balance of power in their hands, as against the remainder of the population. The rulers saw in the plan danger to their institutions and customs. U. S. Govt Docs., Cong. 35, Sess. 2, Sen. Miscel. Doc., 26; Foreign Affairs, 1862, 881-4, 897-910; Crosby's Statem. of Events in Cal., MS., 95-100; Pim's Gate of the Pac., 138-46.
[XXVIII-15] Squier's Cent. Am., 275-6; Squier's Hond., 267-78; Nic., Gaceta, Sept. 21, 1867; Jan. 4, 25, Nov. 14, 1868; Pan. Star and Herald, Sept. 17, Dec. 4, 1885.
[XXVIII-16] The government granting 500,000 square varas of land to each family, and specifying the number of families to be settled. It was to guard against improper persons being introduced, that is to say, only those of good moral character and industrious habits, professing the catholic religion, and willing to sever their connection with and throw off the protection of their former nationalities, were to be received. Upon complying with the required conditions, they would be granted the rights of citizenship. Rocha, Cód. Nic., i. 167-8. A number of Prussians, among whom were several families, arrived in September 1846 on the brig Frisch at San Juan del Norte, desiring to settle in the country. The government tendered them facilities to settle in the interior, provided they would first relinquish their allegiance to Prussia. Only six men remained; the rest went away. Nic., Boletin Ofic., 345-6, 367. In 1851 it was contemplated to establish, under liberal grants, a French colony in Nic.; but it was not carried out. Dupuy, Nic., 8-27.
[XXVIII-17] Congress on Feb. 13, 1862, declared the former null and void, and refused to sanction the latter. Rocha, Cód. Nic., i. 187; Nic., Boletin Ofic., March 1, 1862.
[XXVIII-18] The deed of full ownership was to be executed six months after the immigrant's arrival. He was also exempted from import dues on everything he brought to enable him to settle. Fabens, Walker's friend, was named director of colonization. Perez, Mem., 7; El Nicaragüense, Jan. 5, 1856; Wells' Walker's Exped., 106-11; Nic., Boletin Ofic., Apr. 16, 1856.
[XXVIII-19] The govt declared it null in 1866. La Union de Nic., May 18, 1861; Nic., Decretos, 1865-6, 74-5.
[XXVIII-20] The govt has not ceased to promote immigration. In 1873 concessions were made to the colony in Gottel Valley, and in 1878 efforts were made to bring colonists from Alsace-Loraine. Nic., Gaceta, Feb. 11, 1865; Apr. 6, Aug. 24, 1867; El Porvenir de Nic., Apr. 13, Aug. 3, 1873; Salv., Diario Ofic., Dec. 12, 1878.
[XXVIII-21] It has refrained from introducing the African element, though men of that race can alone be advantageously employed in her low-lying hot region. The immigration of Chinese has been prohibited as injurious. Bates' Cent. Am., 140; Costa R., Informe Sec. Hac., 1875, 7-8.
[XXVIII-22] With the same civil and political rights enjoyed by natives. Those desiring to retain their nationality are equally protected, and are exempted from military service and extraordinary taxation. They may freely dispose of their property, which at their death goes to their legal heir, whether by will or ab intestato. Costa R., Col. Ley., v. 114-16; Molina, Bosq. Costa R., 44.
[XXVIII-23] They were exempted from imposts for 15 years.