Mr. Baker to Mr. Gresham.

No. 415.]

Sir: In acknowledging receipt of your No. 251 of September 25, 1894, relative to the fears expressed for the safety of the Moravian Mission and missionaries in the Mosquito territory, I have the honor to [Page 480] report that I addressed a communication to the Government of Nicaragua on the subject and have received a reply, in which it is stated that as long as the said persons devote themselves strictly to a mission of Christianity and civilization, refraining from infringing upon the laws of Nicaragua or jeopardizing the peace of the country, they will be fully protected.

Copies of the above correspondence are herewith inclosed

I have, etc.,

Lewis Baker.
[Inclosure 1 in No. 415.]

Mr. Baker to Mr. Baca.

No. 76.]

Mr. Minister: As you are aware, the Moravian Church has, for the past forty-six years, carried on mission work among the Indians of the Mosquito Reserve, under the protection of the Government which has heretofore existed in that territory.

It is believed that this work has done much to improve the condition of the Indians and to develop the country. There are, I am informed, some thirteen stations, with a membership of nearly 6,000. These stations are located at different places along the coast from Bluefields to within the vicinity of Sandy Bay. There are fourteen day schools, with between 600 and 700 scholars, under the care of the missionaries.

I am frank to say to you that I do not share in the apprehensions expressed to me that the change in the Government of the country will injuriously affect these missionaries and their work; but it will be a satisfaction to them to know from your honor that they will be as completely protected in the future as they have been in the past. With high respect, etc.,

Lewis Baker.
[Inclosure 2 in No. 415.—Translation.]
No. 514.]

Mr. Minister: The day before yesterday I had the honor of receiving your note of the 18th instant.

Your excellency states that for many years past missionaries of the Moravian Church have resided on the Atlantic coast of this Republic, and that you desire to know if, contrary to the fears which have been expressed to you, but to which you do not give credit, my Government intends to observe toward them a conduct of protection.

I must state to your excellency, with the same frankness with which you spoke to me of the matter, that my Government being in duty bound to maintain peace, respect for the laws, and the absolute supremacy of our national sovereignty, has taken, and shall take, only such measures as are imposed upon it by duty; therefore, those who devote themselves to a mission of civilization and Christianity may count, without reserve, upon the ample protection of our laws.

And thus satisfying your excellency’s desires, I take pleasure, etc.,

F. Baca, H.