No. 225.
Mr. Langston to Mr. Frelinghuysen.
Legation of
the United States,
Port au Prince,
Hayti, July 22, 1884.
(Received August 6.)
[No. 653.]
Sir: I have the honor to advise you that on the
15th instant in my note of such date, I brought to the attention of the
Haytien Government that in connection with the insurrectionary movements
occurring
[Page 318]
in this city on the 22d
and 23d days of September, 1883, Mr. Eugene V. Garrido, an American citizen,
was signally maltreated and abused, and that demand in his behalf for
redress and settlement of his grievances is demanded in the sum of
$10,000.
I have the honor to transmit as herewith inclosed the statement of Mr.
Garrido, on this subject, and a copy of my note addressed to Mr. St. Victor
as already indicated.
As yet I have not received response from the Haytien Government on this
matter. Hereafter when received I shall advise you thereof. Meantime, I
trust my action in behalf of Mr. Garrido will be approved by the
Department.
I am, &c.,
[Inclosure 1 in No. 653.]
Mr. Garri o to Mr.
Terres.
Consulate-General of the United States of
America.
Port au Prince,
Hayti, October 10,
1883.
Dear Sir: The following is a statement of what
I passed through during the 22d and 23d September of this present year,
while at my post of duty, and which I now bring to your knowledge.
On the 22d, at 11.30 a. m., I found myself on the Bord-Lamer on business
of my consulate-general, when I was surprised by the people crying out
“take up arms!” Soon as I heard those exclamations pronounced, I took a
carriage and hurried to my office. I had not been in the office but a
few minutes when you sent Francis requesting of me a flag to protect
your private house. At that moment our flag had been already hoisted and
the other at my private home for repairs. When I
thought everything was quiet I closed the office and went for the flag
which was under repairs to enable me to send you the small one already
hoisted in honor of Mr. Black’s death. I made but a few moments’ stay.
On my return I saw thirty to forty men of the Government well armed
before the consulate door. When they saw me they cried out “Qui Vivi.” I
presented the American colors. They made signs for my advance with their
hands, and also said so. Soon as I advanced they opened fire at me and continued about twenty to thirty
minutes. Thereupon an acquaintance residing near by called me and
offered me his house for my protection. On entering, a shot fired by the
Government troops entered the very doorway which I passed. The distance
between the Government troops and myself not over 100 yards.
Now, my dear Mr. Vice-Consul-General, my life was attempted, and the
Stars and Stripes disgracefully insulted by a band of the most loose
order of ruffians.
I therefore request at your hands a demand requisite both for me
personally, and that the United States of America’s colors be
saluted.
About 3 p.m., seeing the town somewhat quiet, I went out, and on my
return to the legation I ascertained my private house and all I
possessed were consumed, not forgetting some of the most ancient and
valuable family relics.
Sunday, September 23. On this day my life was again trifled with, in
common words, once more attempted. From 5 o’clock a. m. I was standing
at the legation door doing acts of charity and humanity in receiving
poor, destitute families whose houses were heaped in ashes and some
still in flames. About 1 or 2 o’clock p.m. a band of ruffians and
soldiers of the Haytien Government, armed with machetes, small arms,
knives, and poignards, stopped before the doorway of the legation. I saw
coming from the band our poor citizen, Mr. Mossell, along with his wife,
being most shamefully treated. Soon as Mr. Mossell reached within the
portals a few ladies, already arrived, were seen by this band of
ruffians, who cried out, “There they are,” and spoke about the liberal
party, and placing their guns, machetes, &c., to my breast, they
positively insisting to pass through the legation. They handled me
roughly, I assure you. As a matter of course I made the necessary
resistance; otherwise they would have passed even through my body. While
this was passing, Mr. Van Bokkelen came to my assistance; at that moment
General Herard Laforest presented himself, and at my request dispersed
the rebel mob.
Very respectfully, &c.,
[Page 319]
[Inclosure 2, in No. 653.]
Mr. Langston to Mr.
St. Victor.
Legation of the United States,
Port au Prince, Hayti, July 15, 1884.
Sir: The undersigned has the honor to advise
you that in connection with the insurrectionary movement or events
occurring in Port au Prince on the 22d and 23d days of September, 1883,
besides having all his property destroyed by fire Mr. Eugene V. Garrido,
an American citizen at the time referred to, being the clerk of this
legation and consulate-general, a person well known in this city, both
as regards his character and position, was insulted, abused, assaulted,
and otherwise maltreated by officers of your Government upon the
streets, even up to the very doors of this legation, when he narrowly
escaped the loss of his life. In bringing this matter to the attention
of your Government and asking its due investigation and redress, the
undersigned cannot doubt that its distinguished lively sense of justice
as well as its profound appreciation of the very great wrong done Mr.
Garrido, as indicated, will induce its prompt action in the case,
leading it to accord in its conclusion, with respect thereto, the
amplest redress and compensation in damages.
It would seem in view of all the facts in this case, facts showing so
clearly the utter denial of every personal consideration, right, and
dignity, even by the officers of the law, as regards Mr. Garrido, that
it is within the limits of reasonable equitable demand to name at least
$10,000 as the measure of damages.
The undersigned, renewing to you, Mr. Minister, his most distinguished
consideration, awaits your early convenient reply in the premises.
