Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress, With the Annual Message of the President, December 6, 1880

No. 401.
Mr. Langston to Mr. Evarts:

Legation of the United States,
Port-au-Prince, June 18, 1880. (Received July 1.)

No. 277.]

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith a copy of circular dispatch, with translation, received from the Haytian Government on the 16th instant, together with a reply thereto dated as of the 17th instant, having reference to the habit of consuls and foreign agents in Hayti of lines of steamers connecting the republic, going on board of vessels which anchor in the port of destination before the usual formalities in such case can be fulfilled by order of the local authority.

It is claimed by the honorable secretary who writes on this subject that this practice is contrary to the law of nations and to the maritime regulations adopted in the republic to maintain order and the general security. He therefore asks that our consular officers be instructed accordingly. This request, under the circumstances, may be reasonable, and if not otherwise instructed by the Department, I shall direct our agents to observe such request. However, in acknowledging the receipt of this dispatch and dwelling briefly upon the subject, I state that the matter is under consideration, but that it is to be understood that no right or privilege belonging to our consular officers is either to be waived or disturbed.

I most respectfully await your instructions.

I am, &c.,

JOHN MERGER LANGSTON.

[Inclosure in No. 277.—Translation.]

Mr. Archin to Mr. Langston. (Circular.)

Department of State of Foreign Affairs,
Port-au-Prince, June 14, 1880.

Mr. Minister: I have the honor to inform you that it has come to the knowledge of the government that consuls and foreign agents in Hayti of the lines of steamers connecting the republic go upon vessels which take anchorage in the port of destination, and even before the usual formalities in like case can be fulfilled by order of the local authority.

This practice being contrary to the law of nations and to the maritime regulations adopted in the republic for the maintenance of order and the general security, I pray you to be good enough to transmit to agents under your control all the instructions which you deem necessary to prevent the commencement or the continuation of the irregularity indicated, which my government invites me to bring to your attention, in order to prevent it or to make remedy thereof as soon as possible.

Be pleased to accept, Mr. Minister, the assurances of my high consideration.

The secretary of state of foreign affairs, par intérim:

C. ARCHIN.