No. 80.
Mr. Gresham
to Mr. Bayard.
Washington, July 28, 1894.
Sir: Since my instruction to you of the 19th instant, in relation to affairs in the Mosquito Reservation, was written, a change in the situation has been abruptly brought about by a hostile movement against the Nicaraguan authority, participated in, I fear, by Americans.
Details have not yet been received, but from the telegraphic reports of our minister in Nicaragua and the commander of the U. S. S. Marble-head, it would appear that the uprising resulted in the ousting of the Nicaraguan garrison at Bluefields, the seizure of the bluff by the attacking forces, and the restoration of the chief, Clarence.
It is gratifying to learn that the presence of marines landed from our war vessel prevented further acts of violence and I am informed by Minister Baker that he has advised the American residents of Blue-fields touching their duty toward the sovereign Government. It is hoped that these timely precautions will contribute to the maintenance of tranquillity and prevent unlawful interference of citizens of the United States in a matter which only concerns the Nicaraguan Government and the Indians dwelling in its territory.
The only limitation imposed by the treaty of Managua upon the sovereignty of Nicaragua over the Mosquito territory was the right of the Mosquito Indians to govern themselves and others inhabiting that country according to Indian usage and custom. The sovereignty of the Government with that exception is as complete over the strip as over any other portion of its territory, and if the Indians themselves do not, or [Page 129] can not exercise that right or privilege, it can not be exercised by aliens in their name. While this Government will protect all the legitimate rights of Americans sojourning or transacting business in the reservation, it can not support them in an effort to establish and maintain an essentially alien municipal government.
I am, etc.,
P. S.—I inclose for your further information a copy of a telegram received from Mr. Baker1 since the above instruction was signed.