No. 415.
Mr. Biddle to Mr. Fish
Legation of
the United States,
San
Salvador, September 7,
1872. (Received October 8.)
No. 78.]
Sir: It is with great grief that I present to
you the accompanying correspondence, which reveals the assassination of
the vice-president of this republic, Señor Don Manuel Mendez, in the
public street, on the night of the 1st instant. No greater calamity
could have befallen Salvador. Señor Mendez was a virtuous man,
honorable, energetic, and talented, with the esteem of the whole
community. He was in the prime of life, and at the time of his death
added to his trust as vice-president the charge of all the departments
of the government, save the ministry of foreign relations.
President Gonzalez said to me to-day, “Great is the loss to Salvador, but
greatest of all to me, I counseled with him in all things, I confided in
him as a brother; his clear head unraveled every difficulty; he was
truth and fidelity itself; lean never replace him.” And these words
convey the appreciation I had myself formed of him. He was the ablest
and best man here, and his personal character was symmetrical.
In the perplexing phases of local discord he was a power of strength to
the administration, and at this hour, when the organic law of the land
is even suspended, until reformed, his clear vision was resolving chaos
into order and liberty.
The President is much depressed, but ever labors at his post of duty, I
believe, with singleness of heart for his country’s good.
It is not thought that the assassination of the vice president was
prompted by other motives than personal revenge. The murderer is yet at
large, although strenuous efforts are being made for his apprehension.
He is known to have been a mere tool in the hands of others, who, of
infamous character themselves, had had a disgraceful enmity toward Señor
Mendez, because in the path of duty he had clashed with their
interests.
He was shot in the back, the ball passing through his heart. He uttered
one cry and died. He had been at my house in health and spirits a few
hours previous.
I have, &c.,
[Inclosure No. 1.—Translation.]
Mr. Caceres to
Mr. Biddle.
Ministry of Foreign Relations of Salvador,
National Palace, San
Salvador, September 1,
1872.
Señor: I have to communicate to you the sad
intelligence of the death of the citizen the Licentiate Don Manuel
Mendez, the vice-president of the republic, minister of public
instruction, justice, and ecclesiastical affairs, which occurred on
the 1st instant, in consequence of a cowardly assassination.
Señor Mendez has been the victim of an atrocious crime,-which, from
present information, appears to have been instigated solely by
personal motives. This event has caused to the government, and to
all the Salvadorean people, a poignant and profound grief, for Señor
Mendez, by his honorable antecedents, patriotism, and endowments
enjoyed the general esteem of his fellow-citizens.
Will you communicate this information to the Government which you so
worthily represent, and accept the consideration and distinguished
appreciation of your obedient servant, in the absence of the
minister of foreign relations, the under-secretary,
[Page 548]
Mr. Biddle to
Bon Manuel Caceres.
Legation of the United States
San Salvador, September 4, 1872.
Señor: I have the honor to acknowledge
receipt of your note conveying the sad intelligence of the death by
assassination of the illustrious citizen Señor Don Manuel Mendez,
vice-president of the republic, and minister of public instruction,
justice, and ecclesiastical affairs, and requesting me to
communicate the information to my Government.
In complying therewith, I shall inform it of his public virtues and
his private worth; how that Salvador has lost a distinguished son,
an able statesman, jurist, and scholar, bat, above all, a citizen of
incorruptible integrity and honor, whose life was a model of
excellence, and whose death will be deplored, not only by his
afflicted country, but by the lovers of republican liberty in all
lands.
Tendering my deepest sympathy with your government in this public
calamity, with assurances of the highest consideration, I have the
honor to subscribe myself, your obedient servant,
