No. 279.
Mr. Nelson to Mr.
Fish
No. 353.]
Legation of the United States, Mexico,
February 10, 1871. (Received February
27.)
Sir: On the 4th instant a rumor of the capitulation
of Paris was circulated in this city, causing intense excitement on the part
of the German and French residents. On the following day several
contradictory telegrams appeared, some affirming and others denying that
news, which was not fully verified until the arrival at Vera Cruz, on the
8th instant, of a steamer from New Orleans. On the 6th instant, however, in
consequence of new telegrams received via Galveston, Matamoras, and San Luis
Potosi, the Germans became so fully convinced of the fact that they raised
the flag of the German Empire over their clubhouse, where they gathered in
the evening to celebrate the event with illuminations, music, and boisterous
conviviality.
The French population became, thereupon, so exasperated as to openly threaten
an attack upon the German club, and scenes of bloodshed were imminent.
During the day the French succeeded in obtaining an order from the
government for the lowering of the German flag, as being a demonstration
unauthorized in a neutral country.
At about half past five o’clock p. m. of that day, I received a communication
from Mr. Ernest Burdel, in charge of the archives of the French legation, a
translation of which is herewith inclosed, (A,) in which, after referring to
the great excitement consequent upon the receipt of the telegraphic news
above mentioned, he invoked my good offices with the Mexican government, for
the purpose of preventing any public manifestations on the part of the
Germans, which, considered as a provocation by the French, might result in
deplorable excesses.
I replied to Mr. Burdel immediately, (B,) promising to do everything in my
power for the prevention of such tumults, and addressed a note to the
department of foreign affairs, (C,) inclosing Mr. Burdel’s communication,
and inviting the Mexican government to take timely measures for the
maintenance of public order and tranquillity.
On the 7th instant I advised Mr. Burdel of the steps which I had taken in
compliance with his request, (D,) and received from him another
communication, (E,) thanking me for my good offices, but deploring that the
steps taken by the government had not been more effective.
On the same day Mr. Manuel Aspiroz, the acting secretary for foreign affairs,
addressed me a note, (F,) in which he informed me that immediately upon the
receipt of mine of the day before, proper measures were taken to preserve
order, in addition to those previously taken by the government of the
district.
At an early hour of the evening, an allegorical transparency, allusive to the
recovery of the Rhine by the Germans, was placed in front of the club house.
Soon after the French residents began to gather in the street to the number
of two or three hundred, all armed; the windows of the building were stoned,
several shots were fired, and the transparency destroyed. After some time
the police appeared, along with a cavalry force, and dispersed the rioters,
wounding some and carrying others to prison; the illumination was
extinguished, and, by the aid of the police, the Germans were enabled to
conclude their festivity in quietness. An inflammatory account of the
transaction appeared the following day in the French paper, the Trait
d’Union, a translation of which is herewith annexed, (G.) Several personal
collisions have since [Page 620] occurred,
and the state of feeling between the French and Germans continues to be very
much embittered. I trust that the course which I thought proper to pursue as
the friend of both nationalities, and in their common interest, will meet
the approval of the Department of State.
Your obedient servant,
Inclosures.
A.—Mr. Burdel to Mr. Nelson.
B.—Mr. Nielson to Mr. Burdel.
C.—Mr. Nelson to Mr. Aspiroz.
D.—Mr. Nelson to Mr. Burdel.
E.—Mr. Burdel to Mr. Nelson.
F.—Mr. Aspiroz to Mr. Nelson.
G.—Article from Trait d’Union. (Translation.)
H.—Mr. Aspiroz to Mr. Nelson.
I.—Article from The Two Republics.
A.
[Translation.]
Mr. Burdel to Mr.
Nelson
Archives of the French
Legation, Mexico, February 6, 1871.
Mr. Minister: Telegrams from San Luis which
have announced the capitulation of Paris have excited emotion among the
Germans and the French residents of this capital, which the slightest
incident may cause to break out into excesses which would be very
deplorable.
Although I do not doubt that the authorities are disposed to take all the
measures which prudenee and impartiality suggest for the prevention of a
conflict, I nevertheless think it my duty to request from your
benevolence that you will invite the administration to prohibit on the
part of the Germans any public manifestation which might assume the
character of a provocation to the French.
You will undoubtedly agree with me, sir, that it is better to prevent the
evil than to allow it to take place, and that it is in a moment which
fills us with sorrow and clothes us in mourning that it is most
befitting for you to discharge the high protective mission which the
Government at Washington has conferred upon you.
Be pleased to accept the assurance of the sentiments of respect, with
which I have the honor to be, Mr. Minister, your very humble and very
obedient servant,
B.
Mr. Nelson to Mr.
Burdel
Mexico, February 6, 1871.
My Dear Sir: I received your note of this date
at 5.30 p. m., and called immediately upon Mr. Beneke, the German
consul, (the Baron Von Schlozer being absent from the city,) to
ascertain whether it was the purpose of his countrymen to make a public
demonstration, by way of rejoicing over the report of the capitulation
of Paris. Mr. Beneke informed me that he had been invited to a reunion
at the German club, but was not aware of any intention to have a public
demonstration at this time, but that he would ascertain and communicate
to me the facts without delay. In the event that a public demonstration
is contemplated which might result in tumults and excesses, I will do
everything in my power, both officially and personally, to prevent
it.
Very truly, yours,
[Page 621]
C.
Mr. Nelson to Mr.
Aspiroz
Legation of the United States,
Mexico, February 6, 1871.
Sir: I herewith inclose a note I have just
received from Mr. Burdel, who is in charge of the French archives in
this city, in which he expresses the apprehension that a public
manifestation of rejoicing by the German residents in this city over the
report of the capitulation of Paris, would result in tumults and
excesses, and requests me to invite the Mexican government to prohibit
any public demonstration which might assume the character of a
provocation to the French.
I send the note to you immediately, so that proper and timely measures
may be taken to prevent a disturbance, if the information communicated
by Mr. Burdel should prove to be correct.
I have the honor to subscribe, &c.,
D.
Mr. Nelson to Mr.
Burdel
Legation of the United States,
Mexico, February 7, 1871.
My Dear Sir: Having learned that there were
indications of a tumult in front of the German club last evening, at 7½
o’clock, I addressed a note to the department of foreign affairs, in
which I inclosed your note of yesterday, so that proper and timely
measures might be taken to prevent any collision between the French and
German residents of this capital. I was advised that the said notes were
immediately communicated to the governor of the federal district, and
that means were employed to prevent a disturbance.
I remain, very respectfully, &c.,
E.
[Translation.]
Mr. Burdel to Mr.
Nelson
Archives of the French
Legation, Mexico, February 7, 1871.
My Dear Sir: I received yesterday afternoon and
to-day the letters which you have been so good as to address me with a
promptness which elicits my deepest gratitude. I regret that the
authorities charged with the maintenance of order have not proceeded
with a decision and a moderation which might certainly have prevented
the lamentable scene of last night. However this may be, there is reason
to believe that, as a result of what has happened, not less than of the
wise prohibition of the President of the republic, such events will not
again occur.
I beg you to accept, my dear sir, along with my thanks, the assurances of
my very devoted regard.
F.
[Translation.]
Mr. Aspiroz to Mr. Nelson
Department of Foreign Affairs,
Mexico, February 7, 1871.
Sir: Yesterday at 8 o’clock p. m. I received
the note which your excellency addressed me, accompanied by a
communication from Mr. Burdel, in charge of the archives of [Page 622] the French legation in Mexico, in
which he expresses the fear that a public manifestation of rejoicing
made by the German residents in this city, on account of the news of the
capitulation of Paris, might result in tumults and excesses, and
requests your excellency to address the Mexican government, inviting it
to prohibit any public demonstration which might have the character of a
provocation to the French.
In view of the facts, your excellency was pleased immediately to remit
the communication of Mr. Burdel, in order that the proper measures might
be taken to prevent disorder, in case the information furnished by Mr.
Burdel should prove correct.
In reply, I have the honor to state to your excellency that, at the
moment of receiving your note, the proper measures were taken to
preserve order, in addition to those already taken by the government of
the district.
I have much pleasure in improving this occasion to express the very
distinguished consideration with which I have the honor to subscribe
myself, very respectfully, &c.,
G.
[Translation of an article from the Trait
d’Union of February 7, 1871.]
THE GERMAN FESTIVAL.
With deplorable levity, the German residents of Mexico, even before
receiving any confirmation of the news of the surrender of Paris, have,
as it would seem, determined to put to some use the flags,
transparencies, and trophies which they have had ready for use for more
than three months, and which were beginning to mold.
During the morning a tri-colored flag, probably that of their new German
empire, was hoisted over their club-house, to the great scandal of the
French population, and of the vast majority of the Mexican population,
who have regarded this act merely as an imprudent and odious
provocation.
It became necessary to procure an order from the President himself, to
oblige them to lower this flag, illegally raised over a private edifice,
to the great detriment of public order.
In the evening they wished to take their revenge by illuminating their
club and placing upon the balcony a transparency upon which was an
allegorical painting insulting to France. The French population became
violently excited in consequence of this insult in a neutral country,
and very grave disorders were to be feared. The police was summoned to
the spot, several shots were fired, many persons it is said were wounded
by the police, and the famous transparency was torn in pieces.
The Germans of Mexico are playing a villainous game. This mode of
celebrating a false piece of news by public manifestations in a neutral
country, where so large a number of French reside, does no honor either
to their good sense or to their character. They have acted in the same
manner at Colima and at Vera Cruz when the news was received of the
capitulation of Metz, and we strongly advise them to abandon this
custom, for they have neither hundreds of thousands of men nor Krupp
cannons here to enable them to act as savages. They are not in a
conquered country, and they may fare the worse for their folly.
At the time of the Italian wars, the French abstained from all public
demonstrations out of regard for the nationalities which such
manifestations would have wounded. If the Germans are so proud of the
exploits of their countrymen, who shoot women and old men, and rob
France like real bandits, they are free to be so. The Comanches also
drink fire-water and dance around their prisoners before massacreing
them; but let them rejoice in their own homes and their own circle, and
no one will be the worse for it. This would be more dignified and less
dangerous.
H.
Mr. Azpéroz to Mr. Nelson
Ministry of Foreign Relations,
Mexico, February 7, 1871.
Yesterday, at eight o’clock in the evening, the note was received which
your excellency was pleased to address me, together with a communication
from Mr. Burdel, in charge of the archives of the French legation at the
city of Mexico, in which the fear is expressed that public rejoicings on
the part of the Germans residing in this city, on account of the news of
the capitulation of Paris, will cause a riot, and your excellency [Page 623] is requested to address the
Mexican government, asking it to forbid any public demonstration which
might be calculated to provoke the French.
In view of which your excellency saw fit to send Mr. Burdel’s
communication immediately, in order that the proper measures might be
taken to prevent any disorder, if the information furnished by Mr.
Burdel should prove correct.
In reply, I have the honor to inform your excellency that, as soon as
your note was received, proper steps were taken to preserve order, in
addition to the measures which had already been taken by the government
of the district.
I am very happy to assure you of the very distinguished consideration
with which I have the honor to subscribe myself, very respectfully, your
excellency’s obedient servant,
His Excellency Thos. H. Nelson, Envoy Extraordinary of the United States of
America, in Mexico.
I.
[From the Two Republics of February 11,
1871.]
THE GERMAN DEMONSTRATION.
Upon receiving intelligence of the surrender of Paris, the German
residents of this city made their arrangements for a suitable
celebration of the great triumph of their countrymen in Europe. During
the day they hoisted their national banner over their club-rooms, at
night their building was brilliantly illuminated, and they assembled in
large numbers with their guests in the rooms, where the most
enthusiastic interchanges passed, with music, song, toasts, and
speeches. Among their guests were several gentlemen distinguished as
eminent writers. Our colleagues of the Siglo, who were present upon this
joyous occasion, speak of it as a happy and enthusiastic reunion,
exhibiting an overflow of patriotism and a laudable love of Fatherland.
They speak in the highest terms of the spirit of hospitality, kindness,
and good feeling which pervaded the assemblage. They make honorable
mention of Mr. Ignacio Altamirano, his political flights and happy
oratorical figures.
We were honored with an invitation to participate in this just tribute to
the brave soldiers of Germany; but imperative circumstances deprived us
of that great pleasure. No member of the club felt more gratification
than ourself upon the receipt of the joyful intelligence of an event
which indicated the long-wished termination of the distressing war which
was afflicting Europe, and which carried sorrow to the firesides of
numbers in every other country. That the Germans would celebrate the
greatest triumph of their country, more, the greatest in the history of
the known world, was to be expected. Our French fellow-residents, though
bowed down in affliction at the sad reverses of their countrymen, though
their honor and military pride were chastened, though smarting under the
agonizing pressure of repeated defeats and ultimate conquest of their
country, could have expected nothing more nor less than that the
Germans, having the right, would celebrate, as the French would have
done under a reverse of circumstances, that is, if the occasion had been
the surrender of Berlin. We regret that our French fellow-residents,
exasperated and chafed at the misfortunes of their country, did not
possess the fortitude, resignation, and dignity sufficient to have
remained silent and passive.
The Germans could have restrained the yearnings and outpourings of human
nature, and, content with the glories of their countrymen which are now
filling the minds of all men, have abstained from any demonstration
whatever; and doubtless, so far as their own feelings were interested,
would have done so; but they were actuated by the most laudable and
honorable feelings. It was not their triumph, it was not the result of
their deeds of prowess, it was not the achievement of their genius and
chivalry, for which they had assembled to celebrate. It was that of
their countrymen in Europe, it was a debt of honor and gratitude which
they felt bound to acknowledge upon the first suitable occasion. It was
with this object they met in festive assemblage, and not to wound the
already lacerated feelings of their French fellow-residents; and neither
were they justifiable in so construing the conduct of the Germans. In
this the latter may have been mistaken; it may be insisted upon that
their demonstration was in bad taste, or the result of bad judgment. Yet
the French inhabitants were to be pitied more than blamed for their
delirium, for to us it appears nothing less, but they are not blameless
for their tumultuous and disorderly proceedings. In these they violated
the hospitality which had been so generously extended to them by the
Mexicans; they are inexcusable for taking into their own hands the right
to resent, remedy, and punish what they considered, in their inflamed
imaginations, as an insult.
[Page 624]
We understand that the proceedings within the club-rooms were orderly,
harmonious, cool, and prudent, while outside the assemblage of the
excited French were tumultuous, law-breaking, and indecent; they
denounced and execrated, threw stones and fired shots at the windows and
the emblematic transparency of the club-room; and continued their
proceedings until a number of them were arrested and the others
dispersed by the military. Although it is estimated that over two
hundred persons marched in a body through the streets to the club-rooms,
we are happy to be informed, and to make this statement, not over forty
or fifty were engaged in the riotous proceeding referred to; that the
larger number had followed from curiosity, and most of them in front of
the club-rooms were inactive spectators; from which we are to infer that
the respectable French population neither participated in nor encouraged
the outrage; and we are happy to think that the proceedings were
confined to the ruder or more disorderly class.
We trust that ere long after the halcyon news of peace has been received,
these asperities which have grown up during the war will wear off, as it
should, between the people of two nations that have shown on the part of
each so many of the attributes of patriotism and chivalry.
THE AMERICAN MINISTER.
Some persons animadverting upon the course of Mr. Nelson in the matter of
the German and French troubles on last Tuesday, misunderstand his
proceedings and attitude upon the occasion. During the day, Mr. Burdel,
the French representative, called upon Minister Nelson, and informed him
that in consequence of the Germans making preparations for a public
demonstration in reference to the events of the war, the French
regarding said movements as insulting to their nationality, and intended
to wound their personal feelings, were becoming very much excited; and
it was his opinion that, if the preparations proceeded, serious
disturbances would follow and the public peace would be disrupted. At
the same time Mr. Burdel reminded Mr. Nelson that he (Mr. Burdel) had no
official position near this government; that the French population had
no representative, further than what they might expect from his good
offices, and appealed to his benevolence to place this matter before the
government in its true character, that the unhappy consequences which
were expected might be averted. Whereupon Mr. Nelson immediately
addressed Mr. Aspiroz, the mayor official in charge of the state
department, informing him of the unpleasant condition of things. At this
point the proceedings of Mr. Nelson ceased; he could do nothing less
than he had done, standing, as he did, in the attitude of the
representative of a Government that was friendly to both nations, and
before one where the French had no representative. He lent his good
offices for a laudible purpose, and which ended in a happy result.
Immediately upon receipt of Mr. Nelson’s communication, Mr. Aspiroz laid
the matter before the looal authorities, and measures were adopted to
prevent any serious collisions between the excited parties, which were
effectual, with the exception of a few persons being slightly wounded
and a few others being carried off to prison.
CASUALITIES OF THE RIOT.
The Revista of the 9th instant furnishes the names of a number of persons
who were injured in consequence of the riot of the French in Calle San
Francisco, on Monday night: Mrs. Michaud, of the restaurant Nacional;
Messrs. Meyer, Haramboure, Louden, and Reville, all French; besides a
young Mexican, whom the editor saw with a dislocated arm.
The Revista further mentions Messrs. Donde, Kampfner, Fuentes, Noreña,
and Londais, all Mexicans, who were victims of the riot.
