Mr. Merry to Mr.
Hay.
Legation of the United States of America,
Bluefields, Nicaragua, April
24, 1899.
No. 240.]Sir: Having received a verbal request from the
Hon. Joaquin Sanson, minister of foreign affairs of Nicaragua, that I
should direct the hauling down of the United States ensigns now hoisted
over the stores of citizens of the United States, closed owing to the
seizure of their property, and desiring to do all in my power to avoid
additional friction, I promised to consider the matter. Subsequently I
became convinced that such action would aggravate the situation, and
sent Señor Sanson the communication (inclosure No. 1) which I now have
the honor to forward.
With assurances, etc.,
[Inclosure.]
Mr. Merry to
Mr. Sanson.
Legation of the United States of America,
Bluefields, Nicaragua,
April 24,
1899.
Sir: Respectfully referring to our
conversation on Saturday evening last, in relation to hauling down
the American flag on the stores of the citizens of the
[Page 572]
United States at
Bluefields, I beg to state that while, as I then replied, disposed
to do all in my power to decrease the friction now existing,
subsequent consideration convinces me that such a request to
American citizens would only increase the ill feeling which has
resulted from the seizure of their property. The occasional use of
the national ensign on the domicile or place of business in foreign
countries is a courtesy allowed by all civilized governments,
especially among the Republics of the American continent. It can not
be properly claimed as a right except over legations and consulates,
but long usage has sanctioned the practice. If I make no such
request, the incident will attract no attention and will be
forgotten in a short time.
I may properly add that I have myself such reverence for the ensign
of my country, which I have hoisted in all parts of the world and
never seen lowered, either on demand or request, that I should feel
myself degraded were I to make such a suggestion. The man would be a
recreant American that entertains the proposition that it shall be
lowered, except with free will and loving reverence. So I
respectfully suggest that your request be withdrawn as a courtesy to
my Government and to myself. It gives rne pleasure to assure you
that I hope the time will never come when the flag of Nicaragua
shall be deemed improper to hoist over a citizen of your Republic
within the boundaries of the nation that I have the honor to
represent.
With assurances, etc.,
