No. 267.
Mr. Nelson to Mr. Fish.
Legation of
the United States,
Mexico, November 15,
1871. (Received December 26.)
No. 471.]
Sir: I herewith inclose a copy of a
communication of this date from the Rev. Dr. Riley, respecting a
forcible and organized effort to destroy the freedom of religious
worship at Tizayuca, in the State of Hidalgo, and the prompt and
efficient action of the government in the premises.
I am, &c.,
[Inclosure.]
Mr. Riley to Mr.
Nelson.
Mexico, November 15,
1871.
Dear Sir: Feeling confident that you take
an interest in the triumphs of religious liberty in Mexico, I take
pleasure in communicating the following facts to you.
In the State of Hidalgo, and in the town of Tizayuca, a Protestant
congregation was established about seven months ago. Some of the
authorities of that town connected themselves with it. About the
close of last August the Romanists in that place induced some
Spanish missionaries to visit them, hoping thus to destroy the
Protestant congregation there. After some three weeks of most
violent efforts against the Protestants, the latter were found to
remain still firm in their faith. Other measures were then resorted
to by the Romanists. Suddenly twelve of the leading Protestants
were, imprisoned, and afterward stoned out of the town. The men
having been scattered, their sisters and wives carried on their
Protestant services. Soon after this, some of the men having
returned to Tizayuca, suddenly of an evening an armed mob of
Romanists fell upon them, wounding men, women, and children, and
burning three of their houses. The general government immediately
asked the State government to mete out justice in that town, and to
protect the Protestants. They have accordingly been restored to
their full liberty, and have already met and celebrated their
worship in the ruins of their former chapel, burned by the
Romanists.
I am, &c.,
