Department
of State,
Washington, June 6,
1888.
No. 81.]As this case does not fall within the lines of the negotiations begun some
time ago in reference to the settlement of claims for destruction of
property during the disturbances on the Isthmus, it is hoped the Colombian
Government will consider and adjust the claim on its merits and without
reference to the method of disposing of other classes of claims.
[Inclosure in No. 81.]
Mr. Myers to Mr.
Bayard.
125 South Seventh Street,
Philadelphia, May 12,
1888.
Dear Sir: Your polite reply this day received
informs me that the claim of the Panama Star and Herald was presented by
our minister at Bogota to the Government of Colombia, and that the
minister of the latter Government suggested that it be presented with
others growing out of the disturbances of 1885 in the Isthmus to the
claims convention for the creation of which negotiations are still
pending.
I am much pleased that no authority has been given to our minister to
assent to this proposition.
I had the honor in my letter of May 23, 1887, to write you that the wrong
done to the Panama Star and Herald was not until 1886 and did not arise
out of the disturbances of the previous year.
The outrage was an independent one, not caused by insurgents, but a
seizure by the authorities themselves. It does not fall within the scope
of the Congressional inquiry of February 16, 1887, your reply to which
was made on the 19th of that month.
It was natural that Colombia should endeavor to postpone a settlement,
just as she wishes to postpone the creation of the claims convention
which is contemplated.
My clients, however, who are on the spot, have reason to believe that if
we refuse to place this claim with those to which it has no relation
Colombia will settle it and was prepared to do so. This arises from a
Government offense, and I respectfully urge that whether it arose from
misapprehension or error of judgment, we may fairly call upon Colombia
to make redress without waiting for the ascertainment of claims founded
upon the actions of her citizens.
I beg that you will instruct our minister to make this distinction and to
use his best endeavors for the settlement of the Star and Herald
claim.
I am, with regards, very respectfully, yours,
