Mr. Uhl to Sir Julian Pauncefote .
Washington , March 13, 1895 .
My Dear Sir Julian: In accordance with your oral request to me yesterday, I sent a telegram to his excellency the governor of Louisiana, of which the following is a copy:
The British ambassador represents to this Department that, according to advices from the British consul at New Orleans, there were continued disturbances along the wharves of that city this morning. Purser of British ship Engineer shot in the head. Agents and captains asking for protection. Crews state they are in danger of their lives. Meeting of consuls there at 12 o’clock to-day. The ambassador desires to know the present situation and what measures have been and are being taken for the protection of life and property.
I am now in receipt of a reply from the governor, of which the following is a copy:
New Orleans, March 13 (12?), 1895.
Hon. Edwin f. Uhl:
Your dispatch repeated from Baton Rouge reached me here to-night. Rioting occurred along the wharves here this morning. On my arrival this evening I find [Page 687] everything on the surface quiet. Vigorous steps are being taken by the municipal and State authorities to prevent a recurrence of violence and to afford full protection to life, property, and commerce. I am satisfied that crews of vessels are in no danger. The purser of the steamship Engineer was shot while on wharf during the riot, and I am not satisfied that his identity was known. Grand jury now investigating the whole matter.
Very truly, yours,
Acting Secretary.