812.00Sonora/909
The Consular Agent at Cananea (Gibbs) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 7.]
Sir:
. . . . . . .
… I have been very successful since receiving your instruction on March 29th.,70 in getting protection for American Interests and American Citizens. I believe that the policy therein outlined, will have wonderful effect on those who anticipate revolutions in the future.
The forced loan quota that had been specified for the merchants of the City of Cananea was $50,000.00 Pesos.
The man sent from Nogales here to collect this money, a Mr. Cano was here two days before I received your instruction, and had notified all merchants to appear and pay the amount that had been assessed against each. On receipt of the instruction, I immediately made my protest to all authorities at Cananea, and there was not a forced loan required of an American Citizen, nor of the Chinese merchants whom I had mentioned, separate and apart from my protest on behalf of the American interests. I believe that Cananea suffered less in this respect, than any other place in Sonora considering its wealth and importance.
. . . . . . .
I am sending a copy of this report to Hon. Henry C. A. Damm, Consul in Chargé at Nogales, Sonora, Mexico.
Very respectfully,