Mr. Loomis to Mr. Day.

No. 146.]

Sir: I have the honor to invite your attention to the inclosed copy of a note which I recently addressed to the Venezuelan Government on account of the treatment to which a reputable American citizen was subjected by Venezuelan officials, at Ciudad Bolivar, on the 10th of May last.

F. Scandella, the victim of this outrageous treatment, is a well meaning, sober, and industrious man. He is engaged in the cattle and transportation business at Ciudad Bolivar, and I have excellent written [Page 1138] evidence as to his character, standing, and financial status. Among those who testified to his good character and to the fact that he has never taken part in politics, directly or indirectly, are the recent President of the State in which Scandella lives, a senator from that State, and two of the most responsible bankers and merchants there.

In arresting Mr. Scandella and expelling him as they did the officers violated both the laws and the constitution, but I have held this and other points in reserve in order to make use of them when the Government makes a formal answer to my note. * * *

I hope full instructions will be sent me. In the meantime, Scandella is in Caracas without funds, and has left his wife with five young children unprovided for at Ciudad Bolivar. After his arrest all his cattle and mules were stolen, and he is without money or the means of getting it until he can go back and look after his business. His direct loss of property by reason of his arrest is, so far as I can ascertain, about $2,000.

His wife also writes that his house, about three miles from the city, has been sacked. Some immediate relief ought to be given him, and I think of asking the Government informally to let him have $1,000 pending the adjustment of the claim.

Please cable me on this point, stating what indemnity to ask.

I have, etc.,

Francis B. Loomis.
[Inclosure 1 in No. 146.]

His Excellency Juan Calcano Mathieu,
Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Sir: The consular agent of the United States at Ciudad Bolivar, who is, as you know, a man of excellent character and high business and financial standing, reports a matter to me of so much gravity that I am constrained to ask your excellency to give your immediate attention to the statement which I have the honor to submit.

The consular agent says that on the 10th of May F. Scandella, an American citizen, was forcibly seized on the streets of Ciudad Bolivar by Government officials and taken to the common prison, where, after being searched in an offensive manner, he was confined in a small, foul, ill-ventilated room in which twenty-nine other persons were already imprisoned. At the time of his arrest Mr. Scandella was proceeding quietly about his business. He demanded the reason for his illegal seizure, and was simply told that it was in obedience to “superior orders.” Mr. Scandella asked that if there were charges against him he be informed as to the nature of those charges, but all information as to the cause of his arrest was rigidly withheld. He asked to be allowed to communicate with his wife and friends; this was refused. The consul wrote a letter of protest to the President of the State and asked what crime Mr. Scandella was charged with. This letter was not answered until after Mr. Scandella had been expelled from the soil of Venezuela. Mr. Scandella was allowed to communicate with none of his friends, family, or advisers; in fact, with no one save his jailors and fellow-prisoners. The afternoon following his arrest he was taken from the prison under a strong guard of policemen and soldiers and marched through the streets of the city like a felon. He was forcibly placed on board a steamer, and accompanied by two guards was taken to the island of Trinidad, which is British [Page 1139] territory. Mr. Scandella was given no opportunity to arrange his business affairs, nor was he permitted to make provision for the support and comfort of his family. His treatment is wholly opposed to the practices and repugnant to the feelings of just and humane people. It is little short of barbarous, and can not be justified.

In addition to the cruelty and indignities to which this law abiding American citizen has been subjected, he has been forced to abandon his business and surrender the fruits of months of industry and the earnings of a considerable amount of borrowed capital, which he had invested in the cattle and transportation business.

The settlement of this matter is not one that can, from the nature of the case, admit of much delay. I am sure your excellency will appreciate the gravity of the outrage that has been committed and feel inclined to make adequate reparation.

Permit me, etc.,

Francis B. Loomis.