No. 342.
Mr. Biddle to Mr. Fish.
Legation of the
United States,
San
Salvador, December 12,
1872. (Rec’d Jan. 29, 1873.)
No. 95.]
Sir: I have the honor to transmit to yon herewith a
copy and translation of a communication, dated the 11th instant, addressed
to me by the acting minister of foreign relations, Don Manuel Gaceres,
giving official information of the death on the 10th instant of Señor Doctor
Don Gregorio Arbizu, the minister of foreign relations of Salvador.
Señor Arbizu died of pulmonary consumption after a protracted illness. He was
a man of great ability, and, while in health, skillfully conducted his
important ministry for a long period under successive governments.
The loss of two such prominent statesmen as Señors Mendez and Arbizu, within
a few months of each other, and at critical periods, is severely felt,
although for many months the condition of the latter was apparent.
I inclose a copy of my answer to Señor Caceres, dated the 12th instant.
I have, &c.,
[Inclosure 1.—Translation.]
Mr. Caceres to Mr.
Biddle
Ministry of
Foreign Relations of Salvador,
National Palace, San Salvador, December 11, 1872.
Señor: The painful impression caused by the
tragic death of the deserving Don Manuel Mendez was yet depressing the
country when a new affliction has disturbed the national sensibility.
Yesterday, at 10 o’clock a.m., the illustrious Señor Doctor Don Gregorio
Arbizu, minister of foreign relations, died.
The whole cabinet, especially the Citizen Marshal President, in a word,
the Salvadorean people, have felt, in the profoundest manner, such an
irreparable loss.
Señor Arbizu, as you know, consecrated the greater part of his valuable
life to his country, occupying positions of high importance, and
rendering services of the first [Page 795] order. To a great soul lie united a vast intelligence and a pure
heart. He was a model of virtue and an ardent patriot.
By direction of the Señor Marshal President, I comply with the sad duty
to announce to you this painful intelligence, requesting you to please
bring it to the knowledge of the Government which, with so much
applause, you represent.
With the highest consideration, I am, &c.,
The assistant secretary of the department,
[Inclosure 2.]
Mr. Biddle to Mr. Caceres
Legation of
the United States,
San
Salvador, December 12,
1872.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your communication of the 11th instant, conveying the painful
intelligence of the death of the eminent statesman Señor Doctor Don
Gregorio Arbizu, who has for so long a period and so ably conducted the
ministry of foreign relations of Salvador.
The various treaties between your republic and foreign powers negotiated
by him will be living monuments to his fame for succeeding generations,
and, with the illustrious Don Manuel Mendez, his name will be inscribed
on the roll of honor as of those who have devoted genius, labor,
fortune, and life on the altar of their country.
Transmitting the sad information to my Government, as you have requested,
with the fullest expressions of condolence, and of my highest
consideration,
I have, &c.,
- THOMAS
BIDDLE.
- Señor Don Manuel
Caceres,
Acting Minister of Foreign Relations of
Salvador.
