[Inclosure in No. 179.]
Mr. Turner to Mr.
Hunter.
United
States Consulate at La Paz,
Mexico,
August 20, 1881.
(Received October 4.)
No. 183.]Sir: Referring to dispatch from the Department
of State, No. 88, dated July 20, 1881, in reference to the answer made
by the Mexican Minister of Hacienda to Mr. Morgan’s note relative to the
case of Mr. Ramirez, and to the German barks Jupiter and Carolina, I
have only to say that the answer of the minister of hacienda is exactly
what might have been expected from him. Long experience has shown that
the policy of the Mexican Government is to deny all such charges, and in
no case to make reparation for abuses committed by its officers.
The case of Mr. Ramirez was nothing less than robbery and is so
considered by those acquainted with the circumstances. The “visitador,”
Don Juan Llanios, and the collector, Mr. Pena, induced the consignee to
withhold the addition to the manifest which he had the right to make, by
promising to collect simple duties only, and then imposed triple duties
for the lack of the addition which they had induced him to withhold. The
goods have been sold by order of the minister of hacienda, and did not
sell for enough to pay the duties.
As to the German barks Jupiter and Carolina, the statements I made in
regard to their sales of goods are correct, notwithstanding the denial
of the minister of hacienda. These things were all done openly, and can
be proved, but I imagine that all the proof in the world would have no
effect upon the minister of hacienda, who I have no doubt is as well
convinced of the truth of my statement as I am.
I was on board of the Jupiter and saw the master sell clothing, and he
told me that he sold twenty-four suits, and I have no doubt but that he
told me the truth.
An experience of nearly twenty years on the western coast of Mexico has
convinced
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me that the Mexican
Government has done in the past, and is now doing, all it dare do to
discourage trade with the United States, its professions to the contrary
notwithstanding, and no complaint of Americans will have any effect upon
Mexico. The remedy lies with the United States, and until that
government exacts fair play for its citizens they will not get it, as I
fear the capitalists who are now investing their money so freely in
mines and railroads in Mexico will find to their cost within a few
years.
I am, &c.,
