Mr. Bayard to Mr.
Curry.
Department
of State,
Washington, February 11,
1888.
No. 267.]
Sir: I inclose for your information copy of a
letter from the Rev. Judson Smith, concerning the relations between the
Spanish authorities and the missionaries at Ponape in the Caroline
Islands.
I am, etc.,
[Enclosure in No. 267.]
Mr. Smith to Mr.
Bayard.
American Board of Commissioners for Foreign
Missions,
Congregational House, 1
Somerset Street, Boston, February 3, 1888.
Dear Sir: * * * The communication from
Commander Jewell is a very clear and succinct account of affairs, and
while not containing much that is new to us, is a very welcome document.
I regret to observe the hazard which Mr. Doane is incurring by the terms
which he imposes in parting with some portion of the mission premises to
the Spanish governor. Mr. Doane is acting in this matter upon his own
counsel, and quite contrary to the judgment which would be expressed
from these rooms, if we could reach him. It is much wiser for him and us
to leave to our own Government at Washington the entire matter of
requesting and securing from the Spanish Government the indemnity for
injury to American interests in affairs in the Caroline Islands. I can
but think that Mr. Doane and Mr. Rand, upon further reflection, will be
very cautious how they imperil in any degree the present cordial and
most satisfactory relations subsisting between the Spanish Government
and the American mission there. We rejoice in the happy result which has
been reached without bloodshed, and which we trust will abide as a fixed
settlement for many years to come. Although it did not stand within the
power of Commander Jewell to render any direct service in the final
settlement, we can not doubt that the presence of the Essex, representing the authority of our Government at Ponape,
will be of material service in many, points of view both to our
missionaries and in the relations between the Spaniards and the natives
there.
Again assuring you of the value which, we place upon the services of our
Government in this important matter, as well as those important matters
connected with missionary interests at Constantinople,
I remain, etc.,
