Mr. Uhl to Baron
Fava.
Department of State,
Washington, March 14,
1895.
My Dear Baron: In connection with my note to
you of yesterday concerning the reported violence in Colorado, I take
pleasure in herewith transmitting for your further information a copy of
my telegram to his excellency the governor of that State, and copies of
Governor McIntire’s two replies of yesterday and to-day. The first
reached me late last night and the second early this morning.
Very truly, yours,
Edwin F. Uhl,
Acting Secretary.
[Page 940]
[Inclosure 1—Telegram.]
Mr. Uhl to
Governor McIntire.
Department of State,
Washington, March 13,
1895.
At the instance of the Italian ambassador at this capital, who learns
from press reports of the killing of four It alian laborers at
Walsenburg, Colo., I have to request that you inform me as to the
truth of these reports. Also as to the present situation in that
locality, and the ability of the local authorities to prevent
further disorder.
Edwin F. Uhl, Acting Secretary.
[Inclosure 2—Telegram.]
Governor McIntire
to Mr. Uhl.
Denver, Colo., March 13, 1895.
Your telegram of this date received. In reply will say that I have
wired for information to the sheriff of the proper county, and have
directed him to protect his prisoners and maintain order. It is
probable from the information I have received that the Italians
alleged to have been killed are American citizens, but as to this I
have no positive information. I am in communication with the acting
Italian consul here, whom I have assured I will take all necessary
steps in the matter. I have report from colonel commanding nearest
place of disturbance, that he can put troops aboard cars within two
hours.
Albert W. McIntire,
Governor of Colorado.
[Inclosure 3—Telegram.]
Governor McIntire
to Mr. Uhl.
Denver, Colo., March 14, 1895.
Since wiring you I have received following from sheriff at
Walsenburg:
“Last night while conveying prisoners from Rouse to Walsenburg armed
mob held up posse, killed driver and one prisoner; two prisoners ran
and have not since been found. Don’t know whether killed or not.
This occurred about 7 p.m. At 1 a.m. mob broke into jail and shot to
death two prisoners implicated in some murder. All Italians except
driver.”
On receipt of which I telegraphed him as follows:
“Wire me at once whether you are maintaining order and protecting
prisoners, and whether you have sufficient force to prevent farther
mob violence, and whether excitement has abated. You are expected to
prevent recurrence of violence to prisoners. Take every precaution
to protect life and property, and as soon as possible ascertain who
composed the mob which did the lynching and as soon as practicable
arrest them.”
To which I received the following reply:
“Everything quiet to-night. Will wire particulars in morning. Have
not found two prisoners that got away at time they were being held
up by mob.”
Will obtain and forward full information as promptly as possible. I
see no reason for anticipating further trouble. It is not yet known
whether the Italians killed [were] American citizens.
