[Communicated by the Chilian legation.—Translation.]
General Kilpatrick has sent me a copy of a despatch addressed to him by his excellency the Secretary of State of the United States in relation to the cancellation of the exequatur by virtue of which Mr. Rogers was authorized to act as consul ad interim of Chili in New York. In that despatch Mr. Seward instructs the representative of the United States in Chili to inform us that the above-mentioned step “has been taken by reasons satisfactory to” that “government, and in defence of the dignity and honor of the United States.”
This laconic explanation is far from enlightening us as to the true reason for the cancellation of the exequatur of our consul, against whom the accusation of an informer, whose despicable character is revealed in his own delation, could not prudently have any weight until the result of the trial now in progress shall have proven the guilt or innocence of Mr. Rogers.
On the other hand, the explanation of the honorable Secretary of State has not even been the spontaneous act of that government, but has been called forth by the timely and just observations which your excellency addressed on the subject to Mr. Seward.
Very different was the conduct of the government of Chili when, in 1859, it was compelled, for good and powerful reasons, to cancel the exequatur of Mr. Trevitt, consul of the United States in Valparaiso. The explanations which the government, without any delay, then addressed upon that point to the United States minister in our country were spontaneous, clear, circumstantial, full, and satisfactory.
Such a precedent makes us look with double surprise and regret upon the course of that government in this case, in which we had a right to expect at least that the international principle of reciprocity would have been consulted.
[Page 426]Your excellency will please read this despatch to the honorable Secretary of State, and furnish him with a copy thereof, should his excellency desire it.
God preserve your excellency.
Francis S. Asta Buruaga, Esq., &c., &c., &c.