File No. 822.00/374.
[Untitled]
Guayaquil, February 12, 1914.
Sir: I have the honor of calling your attention to repeated newspaper statements to the effect that the officers of the Department of State, at Washington, are not aware of the fact that a revolution is in progress in the Province of Esmeraldas. While I cannot believe this statement correct, as I have kept the American Minister in Quito well informed so far as possible of the revolutionary movement, I am writing to say that a revolution has continued for two or more months.
About 2000 national troops have been sent to the disaffected district to cope with about 400 rebels under Colonel Concha, who was able early in the campaign to flank the national troops, defeating them and capturing the entire body of troops, also taking possession of the city of Esmeraldas which they have occupied ever since.
A cable from American Consular Agent Hedian dated January 31, 1914, states he was safe, and the people very anxiously waiting the arrival of the Government troops; also that the rebels were without funds.
The authorities today announce the burning of a portion of the city of Esmeraldas, including the Central and South American Telegraph Company office, whether due to the cannonading by the national war vessels or to Concha’s troops was not known. We hope to get definite news when the cable has been repaired.
[Page 269]The revolutionary movement is not popular in this city, as the people believe the expense will delay the sanitation of Guayaquil; but, should the revolutionary forces appear here, my opinion is the people would deliver the city to them, as a very active propaganda is being made among the friends of the late murdered General Alfaro to revenge his death.
I have [etc.]