Foreign Relations of the United States, 1894, Appendix I, Chinese-Japanese War, Enforcement of Regulation Respective to Fur Seals, Mosquito Territory, Affairs at Bluefields, Claim of Antonio Maximo Mora, Import Duties on Certain Products of Colombia, Haiti, and Venezuela, Affairs in the Samoan Islands

Mr. Baker to Mr. Gresham.

Legation of the United States,
Managua, September 26, 1894. (Received October 24.)

Sir: On the morning of the 15th instant I received from Commander Charles O’Neil a telegram stating that the U. S. S. Marblehead, with the two American exiles aboard, was at Port Limon, Costa Rica, awaiting instructions from our Government as to their disposition and inquiring if the Nicaraguan Government was desirous of sending any telegrams to Bluefields concerning them.

During my call of congratulation upon the President of Nicaragua on that afternoon, I took occasion to speak to him concerning the case of the exiles. He refused to send any communication, which fact I communicated to Commander O’Neil. The following day I sent you a telegram upon the subject, confirmed in my No. 395. Yesterday I addressed the inclosed note to the Government here in order to get a confirmation of my conversation with the President. The Government’s reply, with translation, is also inclosed.

I am, etc.,

Lewis Baker.

[Inclosure 1.]

Mr. Baker to Mr. Baca.

Legation of the United States,
Managua, September 25, 1894.

Mr. Minister: On the 15th instant I had the honor of a brief personal interview with His Excellency the President in regard to securing to the two American prisoners or exiles, Messrs. Lampton and Wiltbank, a full, free, and fair trial, with guarantees of a complete defense, or their unconditional liberation. In this unofficial conversation I understood the President to assure me that he would give the matter his immediate attention on the arrival of Special Commissioner Madriz, whose return, he stated, would be on the 21st.

The occasion of my writing this note at this time arises out of the fact that I received another cable from my Government last night instructing me further in the premises.

Asking the courtesy of a prompt settlement of the case of the two exiles named, I have, etc.,

Lewis Baker.

[Inclosure 2.—Translation.]

Mr. Baca to Mr. Baker.

Ministry of Foreign Relations,
Republic of Nicaragua, National Palace,
Managua, September 25, 1894.

Mr. Minister: With reference to your estimable communication of this date I have the honor to tell you that Dr. José Madriz, commissioner of the Government in Mosquitia, will arrive in this capital to-day, and upon the information which he will submit to this ministry the question will be decided as whether the time has come to permit Messrs. Wiltbank and Lampton to return to that region or to allow them to return for a few days in order to arrange their business affairs.

Meanwhile I take pleasure in confirming: the words of the President when he assured you that the Government was well disposed toward the American citizens residing in this country, and that to prove that he will do everything possible in favor of Messrs. Lampton and Wiltbank.

With expressions of my great esteem and high consideration, I have, etc.,

F. Baca.