Mr. Ryan to Mr.
Blaine.
Legation of
the United States,
Mexico, December 5, 1889.
(Received December 13.)
No. 179.]Sir: Referring to this legation’s dispatches Nos.
164 and 166 of the 15th and 16th of November last, I beg to submit further
correspondence bearing on the case of Captain Stilphen, of the American
schooner Robert Ruff. You will observe that Captain
Stilphen is out on bail, and that Mr. Mariscal has requested, through the
Treasury Department, a speedy settlement of the matter.
I am, etc.,
[Inclosure 1 in No. 179.]
Mr. Hoff to Mr.
Ryan.
Consulate of the United States,
Vera Cruz, November 13,
1889.
Sir: This morning I received the following
telegram:
“Coatzacoalcos, 13th.
“Hoff:
“Vera Cruz, etc.:
“Last voyage Stilphen, Robert Ruff, was
hoarded outside by American citizen Patton, who asked passage
home and was taken. Short while after another boat came up to
Ruff. One party in boat exhibited
piece of paper, but did not come on board. He spoke Spanish,
which was not understood by captain. Apparently desired Patton,
but as all in boat were in citizens’ clothes Ruff kept on the course. Patton was wanted for assault
and battery, but had not been arrested. Stilphen, Ruff, now here and is to be arrested.
What must he do?
“Carpenter.”
I then sent back the following message:
“Shall I send your message to Minister Ryan? Did Stilphen hinder
them from taking Patton? Was he 3 miles from land?
“Hoff.”
I then received the following message:
“Coatzacoalcos, 18th.
“Send message to Ryan. Did not hinder them. About 9 miles from
land.
“Carpenter.”
I then sent the following message:
“Hon. Thomas
Ryan,
“Envoy Extraordinary and
Minister Plenipotentiary, Mexico.:
“At Coatzaeoalcos they arrested Captain Stilphen, of schooner Robert Ruff. Last voyage an American
citizen, Patton, asked passage home and was taken on board. Nine
miles from land a boat came alongside the schooner and
apparently wanted Patton, but did not come on board, and no one
hindered them. They now arrest captain, as they say Patton
committed assault and battery. Will write particulars.
“Hoff.”
[Page 621]
Captain Stilphen I have known for a long time, and have only known him as
an honest, sober, industrious man, and am satisfied that it was no fault
of his that he is there. In all my dealings with him I always found him
a model captain and have in a number of cases pointed him out as such. I
always found him on board of his vessel attending to his business, and
not in the saloons, but where his business called him or his presence
was wanted. I feel in hopes that you will do all in your power to have
him released.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure 2 in No. 179.]
Mr. Whitehouse to
Mr. Mariscal.
Legation of the United States,
Mexico, November 22,
1889.
Unofficial.]Dear Mr. Mariscal: When I spoke to you recently
about the case of Captain Stilphen, of the schooner Robert Ruff, you very kindly said that you fully appreciated
the immense loss any delay was in the matter of ships, and volunteered
to telegraph to the authorities in order that all unnecessary annoyances
or delays might be spared the captain.
I am in receipt of a telegram from Captain Stilphen (from Minatitlan)
stating that the authorities have stopped his vessel loading.
Would it be possible to permit the captain to continue loading?
Ever, etc.,
[Inclosure 3 in No.
179.—Translation.]
Mr. Mariscal to Mr.
Whitehouse.
Department of Foreign Affairs,
Mexico, November 25,
1889.
Unofficial.]Dear Mr. Whitehouse: Referring to the
memorandum you left me on the case of Captain Stilphen, I have the honor
to advise you that in a dispatch of 20th instant the governor of Vera
Cruz says the following:
“The honorable court of justice of the State advised the government in my
charge of the following:
“‘In answer to your note of yesterday’s date, in which you inclose the
telegram from the office of foreign affairs, referring to the case of
Captain Stilphen, in Minatitlan, I have the honor to state that the
necessary instructions have been given, in order that the cause referred
to may be concluded as soon as possible.’
“On this account the judge of that county telegraphed the following:
‘Captain Stilphen has been consigned to this jury by the government,
according to notification to office of foreign affairs, as supposed to
have aided the escape of Mr. Patton in his ship, notwithstanding the
claims of the authority, the latter being supposed to have wounded
seriously Manuel Alor in Chinameca.’
“Stilphen has not been in prison. He is under bail from F. M. Carpenter,
who will answer for him in case responsibility is proved. All of which I
communicate to you for what might occur.
“I have the [honor] to advise you of this in answer to your telegram of
the 17th inst.”
I am, etc.,
[Inclosure 4 in No.
179.—Translation.]
Mr. Mariscal to Mr.
Whitehouse.
Department of Foreign Affairs,
Mexico, November 25,
1889.
Unofficial.]Dear Mr. Whitehouse: I have the honor to answer
your note of the 22d instant, relative to the suspension of loading of
the schooner Robert Ruff by the authorities at
Minatitlan, advising you that I have requested the secretary of treasury
to try and have the trial over as soon as possible, justly and without
causing any unnecessary delays.
I remain, etc.,
