No. 108.
Mr. Guzman
to Mr. Gresham.
Washington, September 22, 1894. (Received September 22.)
Sir; The American citizens, Lampton and Wiltbank, were, as I told your excellency, expelled from Nicaragua because they took part in the revolutionary movement against the lawful authority, ignored the [Page 185] sovereignty of the Republic over Mosquitia and supported the so-called government of Robert Henry Clarence.
It is true that under the treaty concluded June 21, 1867. between Nicaragua and the United States, Messrs. Lampton and Wiltbank had the right to reside in the Nicaraguan territory and there to pursue their business in full security and safety, but they forfeited their right from the very fact that they took part in an armed rebellion against a nation that had admitted them in her midst. From the time when they placed themselves in such an attitude they made themselves dangerous persons for the public peace, and they are without any right to claim protection in accordance with the above-mentioned treaty.
The Government of the United States maintains its right to exclude from American territory all persons deemed by it to endanger the welfare and peace of the country, and this powerful Republic has too great a sense of justice to deny to other nations that which she claims for herself.
If Messrs, Lampton and Wiltbanks wish to return to Bluefields for a reasonable period for the purpose of there arranging their affairs and disposing of their property, should they hold any, let them address to my Government a petition to that effect, and their request will be granted without delay, for nothing affords more gratification to Nicaragua than an opportunity to demonstrate the friendly feelings by which it is animated toward the Government and the people of the United States.
I have, etc.,