Foreign Relations of the United States, 1894, Nicaragua (Mosquito Territory)

No. 38.
Mr. McAdoo to Mr. Gresham.

Navy Department,
Washington, D. C., April 26, 1894.

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith, for your information, copies of a communication from Capt. J. C. Watson, U. S. N., commanding the II. S. S. San Francisco, dated Bluefields, Nicaragua, April 16, with eighteen inclosures, reporting on the state of affairs in the Mosquito Reservation.

I have, etc.,

W. McAdoo,
Acting Secretary of the Navy.

[Inclosure in No. 38.]

Captain Watson to Mr. Herbert.

U. S. S. San Francisco (Second Rate),
Bluefields, Nicaragua, April 16, 1894.

Sir: In obedience to your cable to Admiral Benham, then at Rio, dated March 16, 1894, directing him to proceed in the San Francisco to Bluefields, Nicaragua, to ascertain and report upon what claim of right the British troops were landed at that place, and also the situation at the time of landing these troops and since then, etc., turned over to me in Curaçoa, Dutch West Indies, on April 8, 1894, for execution, I have the honor to submit the following report:

2. On the evening of February 27 H. B. M. S. Cleopatra, Capt. A. F. Curzon-Howe, R. N. commanding, debarked at Bluefields Bluff a force consisting of about 50 men and 4 officers, the senior lieutenant, Reginald Colmore, R. N, the executive officer of the Cleopatra, in command. The Cleopatra sailed the following morning, February 28, for Colon, leaving this force at the bluff, quartered in a private warehouse belonging to L. D. Emory & Co., mahogany dealers.

3. There is absolutely nothing to show that Captain Curzon-Howe made any claim that he had a right to land an armed force in the reservation or on any portion of the Nicaraugnan territory; on the contrary, there is good evidence that the consent of the Nicaraguan commissioner was first obtained before leaving the force at the bluff., The latter insisting, however, that his consent to the landing of the force was qualified by the proviso “without arms.”

4. I learn, as a matter of fact, that while at the bluff the arms and colors of the force were kept in the ship’s boats except upon one occasion, when they were landed for a short time only, while some photographs were taken of the party.

5. Captain Curzon-Howe had been begged by the American and other residents not to leave them unprotected by the withdrawal of the Cleopatra, as the bitter feeling which existed between the Nicaraguan soldiers and natives might at any time lead to a riot, endangering the lives and property of all the residents. The good grounds for this fear of the foreign residents was impressed upon him by seeing the roughness of the Nicaraguan soldiers acting as police in dispersing the crowds which were constantly collecting, the city being at that time still under marrttel law and occupied by three hundred or more Nicaraguan troops.

6. I can, perhaps, better explain the situation at this time by giving you a brief résumé of events which preceded and followed the landing of the British force. On February 7 the British steamship Miranda left Grey Town with about 100 Nicaraguan troops on board, having been chartered to carry them to Bluefields Bluff. February 8 the steamship Miranda arrived at Bluefields Bluff with the Nicaraguan troops on board; the following evening these troops were brought up to the town and quartered on board the disabled steamboat Mabel Comeaux.

7. On February 10 the Nicaraguan commissioner, Lacayo, issued a proclamation to the citizens of Bluefields, a copy of which is inclosed herewith, marked A.¹

The night of the 11th a reënforcement of about 200 Nicaraguan troops arrived at Bluefields from Rama. Very early on the morning of the 12th the Nicaraguan troops occupied the town, and by daybreak had taken possession of the court-house and other public buildings, over which they, hoisted the Nicaraguan flag. The prison gates were thrown open and the criminals set free. The same day Rigoberto Cabezas, signing himself Intendente General of the Atlantic Coast, issued a proclamation declaring the city of Bluefields in a state of siege, a copy of which is inclosed herewith, marked B.² After the issuing of this proclamation, the chief and members of his government withdrew to Pearl Lagoon.

9. February 22 H. B. M. S. Cleopatra, en route to Bluefields, stopped at Grey Town for the English consul, and her commander, while calling on the United States consul at that place, expressed a hope that a United States man of-war would soon come to Grey Town, as he would be glad, the British interests being so small, to turn over everything to an Americau naval officer. He also offered to United States consul a passage to Bluefields.

10. February 23 Gen. Rigoberto Cabezas issued a decree, misdated February 9, declaring the whole Mosquito Reservation under siege. A copy of this decree is inclosed, marked C.

11. February 25 the Cleopatra arrives at Bluefields.

12. February 26 the American and other residents request commanding officer of Cleopatra not to leave them unprotected by withdrawal of Cleopatra.

13. Nicaraguan Commissioner Lacayo and General Cabezas called officially on board the Cleopatra. The force from H. B. M. S. Cleopatra was debarked at Bluefields Bluff, spending the first night on board an American schooner. That evening Cleopatra left for Colon.

14. February 28, Gen. Rigoberto Cabezas issued a proclamation declaring “that from this date martial law in the Mosquito Reservation ceases.” At 6 a.m. the Nicaraguan flag was hauled down, the flag of the Mosquito Reservation attached to it and again hoisted; afterwards the two flags were hoisted side by side. These happenings of February 28 were the direct result of the consultations between the Nicaraguan Commissioner Lacayo, General Cabezas, the English Consul Bingham, and Captain Curzon-Howe.

15. March 3 the Cleopatra, returning from Colon, stopped at Grey Town, and her commanding officer called on United States Consul S. C. Braida and again offered him passage to Bluefields, telling him that Nicaraguan Commissioner Lacayo had consented to his landing a force from the Cleopatra at Bluefields Bluff on account of the alarm felt by the people of Bluefields. He also said that he was returning to Blue-fields to see the provisional arrangement carried out, but admitted that nothing could be permanently settled without the United States being consulted.

16. March 4 the Cleopatra arrived at Bluefields, and the same day an agreement was published between the Nicaraguan commissioner and Captain Curzon-Howe, R. N., for the formation of a provisional government for the Mosquito Reservation, This agreement provided for the appointment of a municipal council, consisting of four persons, two of whom were to be appointed by General Lacayo and two appointed by the United States consular agent, Mr. Seat, with the Nicaraguan commissoner as presiding officer.

17. Two Americans were appointed by Mr. Seat as members of this council, but after one so-called meeting at the house of the Nicaraguan commissioner, Seeing no business was being transacted, and finding themselves in a hopeless minority, they withdrew after having unsuccessfully urged the necessity of increasing the number of members of the council so as to take in representatives from the English, German, and Indian residents of the town.

18. The reason given for their withdrawal was that the Nicaraguan majority in the council left them without power in the government, while they were still made parties to the responsibilities.

19. It was further agreed between Captain Curzon-Howe and the Nicaraguan Commissioner Lacayo that the Nicaraguan soldiers should be at once sent away from Bluefields, leaving only a police guard of about 20 men until a proper police force could be organized.

20. March 5 the Nicaraguan commissioner objecting that he had no way of withdrawing the troops from Bluefields, Captain Curzon-Howe embarked in the Cleopatra about 120 Nicaraguan soldiers, leaving about 40 regulars and about as many more ununiformed volunteers, who were to leave the following day for Rama, but who did not go. The same evening the Cleopatra sailed for Grey Town. In the afternoon of the same day a servant of the Nicaraguan commissioner ran down the street firing right and left at groups of people with a revolver belonging to the commissioner, luckily injuring no one. He was attacked by the natives and beaten almost into insensibility, being finally rescued by some Americans, who turned him over to the soldier police, who came up at this time, and who reluctantly consented to arrest him, and who soon allowed him to slip into the commissioner’s house by a rear entrance.

21. That evening, about 9.30, the police entered a drinking saloon and attempted to take from the people assembled their canes. This led to a riot and to the firing of a number of shots, some of which were fired by a party of soldier police coming up to the aid of the first party. When the people had been driven into the houses, it was found that one soldier had been killed and one wounded, and that a woman was wounded as she was getting out of bed.

22. Lacayo, with some of his friends, all armed with Winchester rifles, started for the scene of the firing, but he was persuaded by some Americans to stop at the club, which he did for a little while, urging those present to arm themselves. He finally accepted a suggestion to seek Mr. Hatch, the acting British vice-consul, and get him to send for the English force at the bluff. Mr. Friedlander, an American, is said to have accompanied him, at his request, and they were met on the way to the house of the acting British vice-consul by Mr. Hatch himself and Mr. B. B. Seat, who were seeking him to advise the bringing of the British force from the bluff for protection. The commissioner was asked by Mr. Hatch to police the town, to which it is said he replied in the affirmative, and even offered to sign the written request (dictated by Mr. B. B. Seat at the request of Mr. Hatch) asking the officer commanding the English forces at the bluff to bring his men to Bluefields as quickly as possible to prevent riot and bloodshed and to protect life and property. Sworn statements to this effect are inclosed herewith, marked E. Mr. Hatch himself signed the request, telling the commissioner that his signature was not necessary. In this request the commissioner and the United States consular agent are mentioned as joined.

23. At about 2.30 a.m., March 6, Lieutenant Colmore, R. N., came alongside the commissioner’s wharf with about 37 of his men, and after reporting to the commissioner, landed his men there, marched them to the police station, and immediately took charge of the police duties of the town. The same day he issued his first order, a copy of which is inclosed, as well as his subsequent orders, marked F.

24. March 7 the commanding officer of the Cleopatra returned from Grey Town, to find that his officers and men were giving police protection to the town. The force was increased until Lieutenant Colmore had under his command on shore about 115 men.

25. All arms that could be found were taken charge of by Lieutenant Colmore, R. N., and on March 8, acting on information that he had received, he found concealed, just outside the town, about 600 rifles and about 30,000 rounds of ammunition, which he took charge of and placed on board the Cleopatra, and which were afterwards landed at Grey Town.

26. This force under Lieutenant Colmore, R. N., remained on shore giving police protection to the town until March 17, when they were relieved by a naval brigade under command of Lieut. C. E. Tower, R. N., from H. B. M. S. Canada.

27. March 9 Staff Commander Carston and Midshipman Pearce from the Cleopatra went to Rama and made longitude observations.

28. March 11 the American steamship Yulu left Bluefields to take a party of Americans to Grey Town to urge the United States consul to return with them to Bluefields. Gen, Rigoberto Cabezas and Ernestino Bermudez took passage on the same steamer, carrying dispatches for the Nicaraguan commissioner to Grey Town. By requestthey stopped alongside the Cleopatra to take the mail, and, under peculiar circumstances, General Cabezas went on board the Cleopatra in obedience to a request of her commanding officer, as further set forth in a certified statement, a copy of which is herewith inclosed, marked G.

29. General Cabezas subsequently was taken to and brought back from Grey Town in the Cleopatra and went ashore in a most amicable manner with her commanding officer on her return on March 14, and has never been heard to make any complaint against the actions of the English captain. The commissioner, however, during my official call upon him, denounced this action of Captain Curzon-Howe as a highhanded outrage.

30. March 12 the commanding officer of the Cleopatra addressed a letter to Her Britannic Majesty’s acting vice consul requesting him to find out from the Nicaraguan commissioner “when he is prepared to take over the police duties of the city of Bluefields, etc.” A copy of this letter, which was forwarded to the Nicaraguan commissioner, as well as the reply of the commissioner thereto, are herewith inclosed, marked J.

31. As is seen in the reply of the Nicaraguan commissioner, no exception is taken therein to the statement of Captain Curzon-Howe that the at the request of the said commissioner, but the reply shows that he was not willing to undertake the police duties of the town until March 14, two days later.

32. March 13 the steamslrip Yulu, returning, brought back Mr. S. C. Braida, the United States consul at Grey Town, who has since remained here at the request of the United States consular agent and citizens.

33. March 14 a memorial was addressed to Captain Curzon-Bo we, R. N., commanding Cleopatra signed by about thirty-six American residents, thanking him, his officers, and men for the prompt protection that had been given this community by them. The day before he left Captain Curzon-Howe addressed a farewell letter to the International Club, referring to his actions here, a copy of which is herewith inclosed, marked K.

34. March 17 H. B. M. S. Canada arrived at Bluefields, and the same day landed a force, under the command of Lieut. C. B. Tower, R. N. A copy of his order, dated March 18, relieving Lieutenant Cohnore, is inclosed herewith, marked H. The force from the Cleopatra returned to their ship on this date (March 18), and she sailed the same day for Bermuda, stopping en route at Corn Island.

35. March 19 a provisional contract was entered into by the Nicaraguan commissioner and Her Britannic Majesty’s Consul Bingham for the Government of the Mosquito Reserve, pending the settlement by the contracting signatory parties to the treaty of Managua of the diplomatic question that has arisen. The same day Her Britannic Majesty’s Consul Bingham stated to the American residents that if they persisted in their refusal to participate in the provisional council the English forces would be withdrawn the following morning. These forces were all withdrawn from Bluefields, and embarked on board the Canada the following day, March 20. The same day Gen. G. Rueling, signing himself governor of police, issued the following order:

Haying taken charge of the police force of Bluefields, any orders that have been issued by the officers of H, U. M. navy will ho carried out until further notice.

36. The United States consular agent, Mr. B. B. Seat, accompanied by Mr. Samuel Weil, left for Washington this day, March 20, as delegates appointed by the American residents hereto urge our Government to protect their interests and rights in the present complications. The same day the United States consul, Braida, having declined to appoint anyone a member of the provisional council, two Americans (Mr. Weinberger and Mr. Higley) were notified by the Nicaraguan commissioner that they were members of the council. The former called a meeting to find out if it was their unanimous wish that they should represent them. At this meeting the American residents passed resolutions, a copy of which is inclosed herewith, marked L. After these resolutions were passed Mr. Weinberger declined to serve.

37. March 21 the steamer Hendy arrived from Rama with about 30 soldiers on board, their arms being on the same steamer in boxes, causing great excitement. They were, however, lauded without trouble when it was understood that the commissioner had consented to their arms being taken to the bluff. Mr. Weinberger escorted the soldiers to the commissioner’s house, where, it is claimed, the commissioner had promised to keep them. It is believed that the arms were smuggled into Bluefields, as the boxes sent to the bluff contained nothing but straw. At a meeting of Americans held that night a motion offered by Mr. Weinberger was adopted—to organize a force to patrol the town in accordance with the permission given by the Nicaraguan commissioner united states that the force had been organized, but when he did so General Lacayo said that within the last two hours circumstances had arisen which would compel him (Lacayo) to take charge of the town with his soldiers. At this meeting a speech or speeches denunciatory of the Nicaraguan commissioner are said to have been made, which may account for the commissioner’s withdrawal of his consent.

38. March 22 H. B. M. S. Canada sailed for Colon, stopping at Grey Town to land Her Britannic Majesty’s Consul Bingham.

39. March 23, at the request of General Cabezas, inspector-general of the Atlantic Coast, Consul Braida called a meeting of the American residents and assisted the former, who was present at the meeting, in attempting to get the Americans to reconsider their actions with reference to taking part in the provisional council. While the meeting was in session, with some likelihood of a favorable compromise, a delegation of Americans from Rama arrived, bringing a written statement, signed by seventeen American and other foreign residents of Rama, addressed to the United States consul, reporting the murder of Mr. William Wilson, of Brooklyn, N. Y., and a resident at that time of Rama, by the acting governor of Rama, Norberto Argüello, which occurred the night previous. This caused great excitement and broke up the meeting. I also inclose a letter of this date concerning Corn Island, marked O.

40. On March 24 the notice was published of the formation of the Provisional Government, a copy of which notice is herewith inclosed, marked M.

41. March 25 Señor José Madriz, the minister of foreign affairs and public culture of the Republic of Nicaragua, sent to Bluefields as special commissioner of the supreme Government of Nicaragua in the Mosquito Reservation, arrived, and on the 28th issued a proclamation to the citizens of Bluefields, a copy of which is herewith inclosed, marked N.¹

42. March 30. I also inclose a notice to British subjects of this date, issued by Her Britannic Majesty’s Acting Vice-Consul Hatch, marked P.

43. On the evening of March 31 a meeting of the residents of the town, called together by Capt. John McCafferty, passed the resolutions which are herewith inclosed, marked Q, and which meeting is referred to in the letter addressed to United States and Her Britannic Majesty’s consuls, signed José Madriz, a copy of which is herewith inclosed, marked R.

44. April 2 a Nicaraguan military captain was shot and killed while watching the play at a gambling house in Bluefields. Several negroes were arrested, charged with the crime, but later a Nicaragnan soldier was arrested, charged with the killing, and the negroes were discharged.

45. April 3 H. B. M. S. Magicienne arrived, relieving H. B. M. S, Canada, The Magicenne was here when this ship arrived, the evening of April 11, leaving, however, a few hours after we anchored, for Colon, stopping within hail of this ship and offering to take dispatches to that place from Admiral Benham, whom her commander thought was on board. I sent an officer to thank him and get information regarding the situation. I learned of the withdrawal, on April 1, of the exequatur of the United States consul, S. C. Braida, notice of which was received here on April 6; also that no English force had been landed since the withdrawal of the brigade from the Canada, on the 20th of March. He also sent me word it was reported that a Nicaraguan force of 400 armed men were shortly expected at the bluff; that in consequence of this report, he had secured pledges from the Nicaraguan minister of foreign affairs, temporarily in Bluefields, that none of these soldiers would be permitted to appear in the settlement with arms or remain over night, unless by some accident, in which event they would be kept in the-commissioner’s grounds.

46. The following day, April 12, I landed with a number of the officers (all in uniform and on duty) to gather information from as many different sources as practicable as to the situation, past and present.

They were required to report in writing, giving source of information. I called at the consulate, then, with the assistance of Mr. Braida, gathered, from a number of reliable sources, the information which, together with that obtained by the other officers of the ship, I have embodied in this report; also I have since collected a number of notices and other documents, copies of some of which I have inclosed with this report.

47. On April 13, accompanied by some of the officers, I called officially on Mr. Madrid, special commissioner, and Mr. Lacayo, commissioner. In conversation with the former he denied, in the most emphatic manner, having given any pledge to anyone that he would not introduce Nicaraguan troops whenever necessary, into the settlement of Bluefields, asserting the right of Nicaragua to place her troops in any part of her territory that she wished to, but assured me personally that he would not himself call in Nicaraguan troops except in caseof serious disorder; and on my expressing apprehension of panic and serious danger therefrom should armed troops [come] into the town in the present excited state of the people, and that I trusted the respectable portion of the community would be first called upon to assist the police in quieting any disturbance before calling in the troops, he assured me that he would only call in armed troops as a last resort, but that he must be the judge as to the necessity. He also gave me a personal written assurance that the man charged with the murder of William Wilson would be kept securely, tried, and dealt with according to the laws of Nicaragua.

48. An investigation is now being made by Señor Madriz, at which the residents are being called upon to give their complaints, in answer to the questions put, and the answers have been written in Spanish, and some have been so imprudent as to sign, when, being unable to read Spanish, they could not know to what they were affixing their names. Others, however, refuse to sign.

49. The officials of the Republic of Nicaragua are in complete charge and control of the whole Mosquito Reservation. I apprehend no danger to life and property at present unless the Nicaraguan soldiers do enter the settlement, which I do not believe will occur should the American residents prudently refrain from showing any marked hostility to the present Government.

50. The Indians, who do not live in this settlement, are in quite an excited state, and it is thought they are looking to the Americans for guidance and direction. They are impatient, and expect a man-of-war to give them their rights and settle things at once. In my opinion one of our ships should remain here at least for some little time longer.

51. I am advising our citizens to beware of the slightest appearance of obstructing the actions of the present Government or antagonizing the officials of the Republic in any but a legal way.

52. I leave to-morrow for Port Limon, the nearest reliable cable station, where I will await instructions. Have given Lieutenants McLean and Grant leave of absence until my return. I am glad to have them remain, and have, notified Señor Madriz that Mr. McLean will call upon him.

Very respectfully,

J. C. Watson.

C.

Office of the Inspector-General of the Atlantic Coast.

I, Rigoberto Cabezas, inspector-general of the Atlantic coast, in virtue of the power invested in me.

Decree.

• Art. 1. The entire territory of the Mosquito Reservation and beyond up to Cape Gracios á Dios is hereby declared under siege.
• Art. 2. That all persons residing in the city of Bluefields must appear at this office and obtain a certificate of registration. Without; such certificate no person will he identified according to the requiremeuts of law.
• Art. 3. The Nicaraguan authorities on the Atlantic coast shall comply with the carrying out of this decree in their respective jurisdiction.

And all persons failing to comply with this decree shall incur a fine not less than $10 and not exceeding $100.

Given in Bluefields this 9th day of February, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-four.

R. Cabezas.

D.

British Vice-Consulate,
Bluefields, Mosguito Reservation, Nicaragua, April 12, 1894.

Theodore D. Loss Rock, native of the United States, clerk to the American consulate, states as follows:

On the evening of the 5th of March last about 9.30 I was in Mr. Hatch’s dining room, when I heard Mr. Hatch, the acting vice-consul (British), [ask] Capt. B. B. Seat to do him the favor to dictate a letter to his nephew, who would write to Lieutenant Colmore, who was at the bluff with marines, requesting that he would bring them on shore, fears being entertained that a serious disturbance might occur.

I saw Commissioner Lacayo there and heard him say, in answer to a remark made by Mr. Hatch, if the marines should he sent for, that he replied, “For God’s sake, do,” or “For God’s sake, yes.” He then asked if he should sign the letter. Mr. Hatch-replied that “it was not necessary.”

On the morning of the 6th of March I was present at the meeting that took place in the American consulate, at which Commissioner Lacayo and Lieutenant Colmore, R. N., were present, and heard Lieutenant Colmore ask Mr. Lacayo (owing to a fear of some outbreak amongst the people) if he should continue the police duties of the town, saying that he would report to Mr. Lacayo all that was done, and guaranteeing the safety of lives and property, to which Mr. Lacayo assented.

I heard Mr. Lacayo, on one occasion, about the 6th of March, say, “I have given, permission to Captain Curzon-Howe to land his men at the bluff, but without arms.”

Theodore D. Loss Rock.

Sworn before me this 13th day of April, 1894.

Edwin Hatch, Acting Vice-Consul.

E.

British Vice-Consulate,
Bluefields, Mosquito Reservation, Nicaragua, April 7, 1894.

Statement of Julius Friedlander.

Julius Friedlnnder, citizen of the United States of America, states as follows:

That on the evening of the 5th of March last about 9 o’clock I met General Lacayo in front of the International Club in this town, accompanied by a crowd of armed men on their way to ascertain the cause of the trouble. I with other members suggested that it would he better for the General to wait until some further advice came, to know what was the matter. After sometime one of his officers came and informed him of the cause. We then suggested that it would be well to see the English vice-consul and have the marines on shore, to which he assented. We proceeded to the consulate.

We went into the family dining room of Mr. Hatch, when Mr. Hatch, in the presence of Captain Seat, United States consular agent, myself, and others asked Gen. Carlos A. Lacayo whether he thought it would be advisable to send for the marines on shore, to which he replied that it was highly necessary. Mr. Hatch then requested Captain Seat to dictate a letter to Lieutenant Colmore, the officer in charge of the British marines at the bluff; he also asked General Lacayo to give him two soldiers with his (the governor’s) private secretary, to go with him to arrange about a boat to go out, which he granted. I went along with them, the boat being at my wharf. After arranging, we returned to Mr. Hatch’s; the letter that Captain Seat dictated was then read. Mr. Hatch then signed, and General Lacayo asked if he should sign. Mr. Hatch replied that it was not requisite. We then returned with letter, and sent it forward.

Julius Friedlander.

Sworn at Bluefields, Mosquito Reservation, this 7th day of April, 1894. before me.

Edwin D. Hatch, Acting Vice-Consul.

E.

B. B. Seat certifies to asking for landing of troops:

I certify that on the night of the 5th of March, about 9.30 p.m., just after the firing on King street, I met Mr. E.D. Hatch, Her Britannic Majesty’s vice-consul in Bluefields, and that Mr. Hatch asked me if I thought it was advisable to dispatch a boat for the marines who were at the bluff. I answered him in the affirmative, and he then suggested that we go down and see Commissioner Lacayo. I assented, and we started, but met Commissioner Lacayo and others within a short distance of Mr. Hatch’s place. We returned to Mr. Hatch’s and went into the family dining room, where I dictated a dispatch for the marines by request of Mr. Hatch, and in the dispatch the commissioner was joined as a party asking their presence on shore. Mr. Hatch asked him if his name should be joined in the request and he promptly consented.

B. B. Seat,
United States Consular Agent.

F.

Bluefields, March 6, 1894.

At the request of the commissioner and consular authorities I have undertaken the police duties of the town for the present. To prevent further disturbance all liquor shops, bars, or drinking saloons must be closed until further orders.

Reginald B. Colmore,
Lieutenant in Her Majesty’s Navy and Officer in Command of Her Majesty’s Seamen from H. M. S. Cleopatra.

2.

Any person found carrying arms will be immediately arrested.

By order of:

R. B. Colmore, Lieutenant, etc.

Notice.

Bluefields, March 8, 1894,

1. In order to insure the tranquillity of Bluefields, any natives hanging about the streets who can not give a satisfactory explanation for their presence or who have no legitimate occupation are liable to arrest or imprisonment.

2. Any person or persons making or inciting a riot or rebellion, or making a meeting, or inciting others to do so in a manner calculated to disturb the public peace, will be arrested on the spot.

By order of:

Reginald B. Colmore,
Lieutenant, etc.

G.

Statement in regard to General Cabezas leaving steamship Yulu and going on board H. M. S. Cleopatra.

Sunday evening. March 11, 1894, at 10 p.m. steamship Yulu left her wharf at Bluefields Bluff, hound for Grey Town with seven passengers on board, as follows: Gen. Rigoberto Cabezas, Ernestino Bermudez. J. Weinberger, Paulo Osterhout, M. D., Charles Lobner, Henry B. Williamson, Oliver Simmons.

It was requested that the Yulu call alongside of H. M. S. Cleopatra to get mail. On the arrival of the Yulu alongside of the Cleopatra a cutter from the man-of-war came alongside; an officer boarded us, asked for General Cabezas; was told he was asleep; asked to have him woke, and politely requested that he go with him aboard the man-of-war.

General Cabezas immediately got out of bed. The officer also gave him a letter from the captain of the Cleopatra, which was translated into Spanish by Mr. Latson, purser of the Yulu, upon which General Cabezas expressed his entire willingness to accompany the officer aboard the war ship. General Cabezas dressed himself, took his valise, and accompanied the officer aboard the cutter. Mr. Bermudez was also asked to accompany him and went along.

In about ten minutes the boat returned with Mr. Bermudez and the officer informed Captain Johnson, of the Yulu, that General Cabezas and Captain Curzon-Howe had important business to transact which would take no less than twenty-four hours We therefore proceeded on-our way.

After getting underway, Mr. Bermudez, as a representative of the Nicaraguan commissioner at Bluefields, protested against our leaving General Cabezas aboard the man-of-war, and said if we would return and stay there two hours he would hold himself personally responsible for any amount for the detention caused the Yulu, signing papers to that effect.

We turned back, and after anchoring alongside the Cleopatra, a ship’s boat came to us to see what was wanted. The officer was asked if General Cabezas was under arrest. He said no, that he was then in the captain’s cabin conversing with him. We thereupon proceeded on our way.

We, the undersigned passengers of the steamship Yulu, on the above-mentioned trip, do hereby certify that the above is a true account of the circumstances as they happened, and that General Cabezas and Mr. Bermudez left the Yulu and went into the man-of-war’s boat without any force or compulsion being used; that they made no protest of any kind and that no sort of force was used, and that they both went of their own free will and accord.

Charles Lobner.

Oliver Simmons.

Henry B. Williamson.

J. Weinberger.

Paul Osterhout, M. D.

I, the undersigned, certify herewith that the above statement was made out and signed in my presence, on board the steamship Yulu, March 13, 1894.

S. C. Braida, United States Consul.

I hereby certify this to be a true copy of a statement lodged in this British vice-consulate.

Edwin D. Hatch, Acting Vice-Consul.

H.

Bluefields, March 18, 1894.

The police duties of the town having been undertaken by Lieutenant Colmore, of H. M. S. Cleopatra, at the request of the commissioner and consular agents, I hereby give notice that all orders issued by him for the preservation of good order will for the present remain in force.

By order of:

Cyril E. Tower,
Lieutenant in Her Majesty’s Navy and Officer in Command of the Brigade of H. M. S. Canada.

I.

Bluefields, Mosquito Reservation, Nicaragua,
March 12, 1894.

Copy of letter from Captain Curzon-Howe to Her Britannic Majesty’s Vice-Consul.

Sir: I have the honor to request that you will endeavor to find from the commissioner of Nicaragua to the Mosquito Reservation, when he is prepared to take over the police duties of the city of Bluefields, and to guarantee the safety of the lives and properties of the inhabitants.

Señor Lacayo, in conjunction with yourself and the United States consular agent, having requested the assistance of some of my officers and men during my absence, it was a duty to render that assistance. But it can not be supposed that officers and men of Her Britannic Majesty’s Royal Navy are serving for such duty for any length of time. Tranquillity having been preserved, I trust that Senor Lacayo will be able to give me a date as to when he can guarantee to the satisfaction of the consular authorities the safety of the inhabitants of Bluefields, with natives and foreigners, when I only too gladly hand over to them the police duties and return to the ship.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

A. G. Curzon-Howe.

notice.

Bluefields, March 15, 1894.

Liquor shops, bars, and drinking saloons may now remain open from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m.

By order of:

Reginald B. Colmore,
Lieutenant, etc.

The above are copies of proclamations issued by Lieutenant Colmore, R. N.

J.

Bluefields, Mosquito Reservation,
March 12, 1894.

Translation of letter from Don Carlos Lacayo to vice-consul.

I have the pleasure to inform you that I have received your attentive letter of this date, in which you ask me for Captain Curzon-Howe, of H. M. S. Cleopatra, what date I could be prepared to take charge of the police force to secure the peace and protection of the inhabitants of this city. And, furthermore, I have much Treasure in returning to you your guard aboard your boat.

In confirmation, I have the honor to say that on Wednesday, the 14th of March, I will put in charge the police force which I will organize, who will present all guarantee to the community corresponding to the supremacy exercised in your right. The captain can confide in this security.

I am, with every consideration, your attentive servant,

Carlos A. Lacayo.

K.

March 17, 1894.

Captain Curzon-Howe to the International Club.

Gentlemen; It only remains for me now to say that unpleasant word “adieu;” but before doing so I wish to thank you all for your never-failing courtesy and the hospitality offered by the members of the club to myself and my officers. My past actions are done and will be judged by my superiors; but the true story of the past two months can only really be known by you gentlemen, more particularly those residing in the place with your wives and families.

I have hoard a great deal of the Monroe doctrine and Great Britain’s interference, but the only doctrine I know is that of helping people in trouble and, if possible, and consistent with international rights, to protect their homes and properties; such help as we in the Royal Navy would be only too readily afforded by any of your own officers, in similar circumstances. We do not forget the ties that connect our two navies, or the proofs of good fellowship rendered by your officers; and so gratefully received by us. The word “farewell” must now come in, but with it the best wishes of the captain, officers, and men of H. M. S. Cleopatra for the welfare of the club and for the success and prosperity of the American community in Bluefields.

Believe me to be, gentlemen, very sincerely, yours,

A. G. Curzon–Howe.

L.

Resolutions drawn up by American citizens at a meeting called by Mr. J. Weinberger.

resolutions.

Whereas Commissioner Carlos A. Lacayo has; against our wishes and the wishes of our consul, S. C. Braida, appointed two Americans to represent us in the proposed provisional government:

Resolved, That it he the sentiment of this meeting that any American taking part in the Lacayo government be immediately repudiated by the Americans living in the reserve;

Resolved, That any so-called American that accepts such a position he denounced as a renegade;

Resolved, That these resolutions be ordered printed in the Bluefields Messenger.

M.

notice.

In the city of Bluefields, at 11 o’clock a.m. on the 24th day of March, 1894, the undersigned assembled with the object of organizing a provisional municipal government of the Mosquito Reserve. After being duly sworn before the commissioner of the Republic of Nicaragua and receiving possession, proceeded to install the council in the following manner:

Chairman of the council, Carlos A. Lacayo.

Members: Mr. Dennis H. Thomas, Dr. Narciso Barberena, Mr. José Aramourn, Mr. Marcus Mairena, Mr. Robert Shepherd, Mr. A. Schmidt, Mr. H. G, Higly.

On the 26th instant Carlos A. Lacayo withdrew, previously appointing Mr. Dennis H. Thomas president of the council. The provisional council have appointed Gen. G. Rueling as governor of police and J, M. Mongrio tis judge of the peace.

O.

March 23, 1894.

Copy of letter of J. A. Petersen.

Hon. S. C. Braida, United States Consul.

Dear Sir: In conversation with Mr. C. A. Lacayo yesterday, March 22, he informed me that when Admiral Ben ham was here with U. S. S. San Francisco in October he, Lacayo, signed an agreement to turn the Corn Islands over to the United States Government if the United States Government would not interfere if Nicaragua took the Mosquito Reserve, and also said that he had New York drafts to the amount of $10,000 gold, which he was at liberty to use at any time, leaving me to infer where the drafts came from.

Also saying that the United States policy was to move so slowly that they were liable to lose said Corn Islands. Also that his powers were unlimited—even in the matter of life and death.

Thinking it my duty as an American citizen to inform my country of the above facts, I make you these statements.

J. A. Petersen.

I certify the above to be a true copy.

S. C. Braida, United States Consul.

P.

Bluefields, March 30, 1894.

notice.

I hereby warn all British subjects not to meddle or take part in any question or questions now pending in respect to the Mosquito Reserve and the supreme Government, They must obey the law or laws that may have been issued or will be issued from time to time, and in no manner oppose the authorities or attend public meeting, but to obey the officers appointed to protect the reserve. This they must do in any city, but more particularly in the city of Bluefields and the Mosquito Reserve.

Edwin D. Hatch, Acting Vice-Consul.

The above is a copy of a proclamation issued by Acting Vice-Consul E. D. Hatch.

Q.

Captain McGafferty’s meeting.

We print below an account of a public meeting held in Bluefields on the 31st March last, where it will be seen it is the opinion of the people that a (temporary) government to carry on the business of the reserve is absolutely necessary while the diplomatic settlement is being carried on. We fully agree with the resolutions that were passed; but, unfortunately, owing to the existence of the Bingham-Lacayo agreement, coupled with the Madriz decree, it would be impossible to carry them out now., It seems strange while the above agreement was being drawn up his excellency the chief and his advisers were never consulted, as their opinions and advice would have been most valuable and given it a tone of support acceptable to the people, it being understood at the time “that neither his excellency the chief or the commissioner should take any active part in its business.” A great mistake was made at the first in placing too much confidence in the good intentions of the Nicaraguan officials-and ignoring our chief entirely. Although he may be young, yet he has many good followers at hand who would have assisted him in every way to keep things going, and would have been the means of bringing forward good, sound representatives, perfectly willing to work for the country’s welfare, who, at the final settlement, gracefully accept their dismissal if the reserve should cease to exist,; and if the treaty is to be maintained in its entirety, would resign with pleasure, handing over the business in good order to his excellency the chief and his council.

At the mass meeting which was convened at the mission school room at the request of Capt. John McCafferty, and at which a prominent American citizen presided, the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted:

“Whereas the legally constituted government of the Mosquito Reservation, as defined and decreed by Article III of the treaty of Managua, which reads: ‘The Mosquito Indians within the district designated in the preceding article shall enjoy the right of governing, according to their own customs and according to any regulations which from time to time be adopted by them, not inconsistent with the sovereign rights of the Republic of Nicaragua, themselves, and all persons residing within such district. Subject to the above-mentioned reserve, the Republic of Nicaragua agrees to respect and not to interfere with such customs and regulations so established or to be established, within the said district,’ was wantonly deposed by an invasion of Nicaraguan soldiers on the 12th day of February, 1894, directed and controlled by Carlos A. Lacayo, the Nicaraguan commissioner to the Mosquito Reservation;

“Whereas the said Nicaraguan commissioner has since the date of said invasion outraged the rights and privileges of the citizens of Bluefields, and more especially of the Americans and other foreigners engaged in and carrying on the industrial enterprise within the jurisdiction of the Mosquito Reservation, by many illegal measures, which must be designated as acts of high treason against the majesty and authority of said treaty of Managua; and

“Whereas the time has arrived for the said deposed government of the Mosquito Reservation to resume the management of both the municipal and national affairs of said reservation as authorized by the aforesaid treaty of Managua: Therefore, be it

“Resolved by the citizens of Bluefields—Americans, English, Germans. French, Creoles, and Indians—convened in public mass meeting this 7.30 p.m. the 29th day of March. 1894, that the chief of the Mosquito Indians, Robert Henry Clarence, is hereby requested to resume control of the Government of the Mosquito Reservation; and be it further

“Resolved, That we, the citizens of Bluefields, irrespective of nationality, do now pledge the said Robert Henry Clarence, the chief of the Mosquito Indians, our moral and political support in the maintenance of all those rights guaranteed to the Mosquito Indians by the treaty of Managua.”

The schoolroom was not only packed, but there were also several hundred of our law-abiding citizens on the outside of the building. When the foregoing resolutions, expressive of the feelings and intentions of the good people of Bluefields, were adopted, an enthusiastic shout went up from that audience of earnest men, which ought to have convinced Lacayo and his henchmen that the right guaranteed to the Mosquito Indians of governing themselves has not been surrendered.

Testimonial to Admiral Sir John O. Hopkins, K. C. B.

Last week we mentioned in our locals that a testimonial had been forwarded to the admiral of the British West India squadron at Bermuda.

The object of this was to thank him for answering so promptly the telegram of Her Britannic Majesty’s consul at Grey Town in sending Her Majesty’s ship Cleopatra to our immediate assistance while we were in distress, so preventing a most serious calamity, at the same time drawing his attention to the valuable services rendered by Lieut. K. B. Colmore, R. N., and other officers and men during the time they had control of the town.

It was signed by 64 natives of Mosquito, 62 English and British subjects, 42 United States American citizens, 8 Germans, 4 Colombians, 1 Austrian, 1 Swede, 1 Nicaraguan, and 1 Chinaman; total, 184; and many others would have signed it had they been called upon to do so.

A Spaniard shot,

Monday night at 9 o’clock, on the 2d instant, a Spanish military captain named—was shot at a gambling saloon in this town while engaged watching the play.

The affair is shrouded in mystery as being a cold-blooded action on the part of some unknown person, as there was no quarreling or loss of temper displayed by anyone present. The governor of police ordered the arrest of every one who was on the premises at the time. The next day they appeared before him, and fined those who cleared themselves of any suspicion the sum of $15, after enjoying some hours in prison, and detained others for further investigation.

A superior authority ordered the governor to arrest a man who was walking about the town at large, upon very grave suspicions as being implicated in the above affair.

Arrival of H. M. S. Magicienne.

Her Majesty’s ship Magicienne arrived here the morning of the 3d instant to relieve H. M. S. Canada, making the trip from Jamaica in thirty-six hours.

R.

Copy of letter from Minister Madriz to United Slates and English consuls, April 1, 1894.

Honorable Sirs: It was to me very gratifying, the manifestations of yourselves in disauthorizing in a categorical manner the meeting which took plane last night, in which, as yourselves know, resolutions were taken unlawfully against the sovereignty of Nicaragua.

On receiving the first notice of this event I did not doubt but that it would fall under the just censure of yourselves. The interests and peace of the community would be compromised by acts of this nature under the present circumstances and would tend to carry us into anarchy, and to use measures of force has always been far from my mind, because the missions which have been confided in me by my Government are amicable and of attraction to all classes.

Firmly expecting that with the cooperation of yourselves all temptations to rebellion will he frustrated, which permits me to evade the painful duty of upholding with energetic methods the rights of sovereignty “y la vindicta publica” (and the public vengeance).

At the very good suggestion of yourselves to call a meeting of the principal people, with the object of electing the two members (that are short) to complete the municipal council.

It is my duty to make a review of what has been done, and in my methods, as you can see, I have always been disposed to form a government born of public opinion, because I do not comprehend, nor does Nicaragua accept, any other method of ruling the people.

Immediately on my arrival I asked for the documents that were in the office of the commissioner of the Republic, and I was shown a record of recent events. I was sorry to find that the American citizens, who are known to my Government to be good, industrious, and law-abiding citizens, had refused to take part in the provisional government. As yet no explanation has been given to me of the attitude taken by them. The sincere friendship and the strong ties which unite Nicaragua with the United States is why, in the grave questions that are now being debated, have established better and more clearly, from their elevated and just policy, the amplitude of the sovereign rights of Nicaragua.

The American citizens have very valuable interests in the reserve. Almost all have made their homes here, and for this reason it is their duty as citizens to contribute to the welfare of the country.

When the first arrangement was entered into between the commissioner of Nicaragua, the English consul, and the captain of H. M. S. Cleopatra, the representative of Nicaragua saw with great pleasure that the American consul was given the opportunity to appoint from among his countrymen two of the five members that would compose the council, and this was reformed later in the convention on which I now occupy myself, on a more liberal basis.

And the desiro was always main tamed to give representation in the provisional conncil to the important and respectable American colony.

In spite of perhaps excusable mistakes in those moments of uncertainty these actions tended to destroy the authority of Nicaragua instead of assisting her in her honest intentions.

The American consul, for reasons which he considered proper, did not consider himself authorized to nominate the two members, which nominations wore delegated to him.

The commissioner then called upon two Americans to act; that, is to say named them, in conformity with the agreement, but his offers were still declined.

General Cabezas also had two conferences with the most prominent merchants of the city, at which the American consul was present.

General Cabezas tried to convince them of the convenience of assisting to form and establish a government.

The good faith of his efforts and promises was accepted, but with all this, although he was ready to concede anything which would constitute a guarantee, they expressed their intention of not taking any part until the arrival of the American warship, which was expected in a few days.

In regard to the Indians and Creoles, I, as yourselves well know, have exhausted all of the resources of reason and persuasion to bring them to a good and patriotic understanding.

I have explained that the highest aspirations of the Government of Nicaragua, are nothing else than to establish here a regime of order and liberty, created and sustained by public opinion.

I was asked in the first conference, at which was present Her Britannic Majesty’s vice-consul, to define certain points in the provisional arrangement for the reserve, and they compromised themselves to take a part in the council; it was urged that Mr. Lacayo should not preside over the provisional Government, and that the basis of the council Should be enlarged, which was much restricted by the agreement entered into with the English consul.

After hearing their opinions and desires, I expedited my decree of the 28th instant, in which I went further than the interested parties could expect, not only giving more power to the provisional council, which would establish a guarantee and secure peace and good administration for local interests, but also designated precise guarantees, in fact privileges not enjoyed by Nicaraguans under our laws as is established in Article 5 of my decree.

I believe that by adopting such a liberal policy to overcome those who are agitating the minds of the people, by promulgating false reports, to weaken the higher aims of the government of Nicaragua.

I believe also that commerce would be benefited by the suppression of high duties, would begin anew, and manifest itself content under the advantages of putting into effect the commercial reciprocity treaty existing between Nicaragua and the United States.

But alas! what has been the response to this decree of guarantees and privileges You yourselves have concurred in signifying your entire reprobation in regard to the meeting held in a public building of the reserve, and which for certain is in keeping of the Moravian missionaries who have charge of the education of the young and of religions worship.

At this meeting, called later than my decree, the authority of Nicaragua was disputed; it was resolved upon to establish the former regime, which means to break the peace, to disregard the agreements that were entered into by the commissioner and Her Britannic Majesty’s consul, and to unjustifiably and imprudently challenge the Republic of Nicaragua.

I can not do less than to state that this meeting was presided over by Mr. Weinberger, manager of the Bluefields Banana Company, who, as you know, is an American citizen and has in his charge here the very valuable interests of a company also American. After such precedents, it is not natural to expect much of new conciliatory measures; but so emphatic are my wishes to adopt all that may tend to secure a friendly solution to the conflicts that seem to intervene, and the ideas advanced by you are deserving of such respect by me, that I am disposed to accept them at once.

The respectable people of the town may elect two persons, whom they may think most capable of participating in the council, and I shall accept their candidates, arranging that the commissioner will duly give them their appointments.

I do not hide from yon that I think that the assembly to choose the members in question should be of such a character as to avoid any disagreeable manifestations.

Hoping that we may finally enter into a period of confidence, which is imperatively demanded by the commercial interests and in the interests of public morality, the last beyond question is in such a depraved condition that it would be completely ruined if the laws are not respected, whosoever may be entrusted with the duty of nforcing them.

I express to you my great appreciation in my own name and in that of my Government for your laudable efforts in assisting me to overcome the difficulties of the situation, and I rely upon this good will to he at all times a firm support to the constituted authorities.

I am, with greatest appreciation, yours, etc.,

José Madriz.

1. Transmitted by Mr. Baker. (See inclosure 7 in No. 12.)
2. Transmitted by Mr. Baker. (See inclosuro 8 in No. 12.)