Mr. Baker to Mr.
Gresham.
Legation of the United States,
Managua
,
October 22,
1894
. (Received November 13.)
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.,
[Inclosure 1 in No.
415.]
Mr. Baker to
Mr. Baca.
Legation of the United States,
Managua, Nicaragua
,
October 18, 1894
.
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.,
[Inclosure 2 in No.
415.—Translation.]
Ministry for Foreign Affairs,
Managua, Nicaragua
,
October 22, 1894
.
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.,