Office of the Historian

Mr. Russell to Mr. Hay.

Legation of the United States,
Caracas, May 3, 1901.
No. 605.]

Sir: I have the honor to herewith forward copies with translations of a letter from the provisional president of the State of Barcelona to Mr. Balz in regard to the latter’s arrest some months ago, and of Mr. Balz’s reply to General Rodriguez. Mr. Balz has not communicated with me as yet. This correspondence was sent to our consul in La Guaira. I await your further instructions in this matter.

I have, etc.,

William W. Russell.

General Rodriguez to Mr. Balz.

[Inclosure 1.—Translation.]
United States of Venezuela,
Executive Mansion, State of Barcelona,
Barcelona, April 16, 1901.
No. 578.]

Mr. Consul: I am pleased to tell you that your arrest some months ago, and which I regret exceedingly, was due to a mistake, as I personally had the honor to tell you at the time, and as there is nothing that can lessen the esteem in which Mr. Balz is [Page 539] held by the authorities, the Government takes especial pains to maintain the most cordial relations with the consulate out of regard for the person in charge, and also for the fact that he is the consular agent of the United States, a nation always friendly to Venezuela.

In reassuring Mr. Balz of my consideration I have the honor to sign myself, etc.,

Victor Rodriguez.

Mr. Balz to General Rodriguez.

[Inclosure 2.—Translation.]
Consular Agency of the United States of North America,
Barcelona, April 18, 1901.
No. 9.]

Mr. President: There has been received in this consular agency your attentive note of the 16th of the present month, No. 578, relative to what happened to me on the 22d of last October, and I note what you have said.

Furthermore, this consular agency will cooperate with you in maintaining the most cordial relations with your Government, not merely out of regard for its very worthy representative, but because it is my desire and also in accordance with instructions I have from the Government I have the honor to represent.

In reassuring Gen. Victor Rodriguez, provisional president of the State, of my consideration, I have, etc.,

I. H. Balz.