Mr. Woodford to Mr. Sherman.
Sir: In continuation of my dispatch No. 226, dated April 16 instant, I have the honor to report that last evening I received telegram from Mr. Bartleman, consul at Malaga, that authorities had placed new coat of arms at consulate.
I at once cabled you as follows:
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[Page 1080]Early this morning I have received another telegram from Consul Bartleman, stating that civil governor had called and expressed regret; that consulate is a wreck; and that archives and records are safe.
I telegraph him this morning authorizing him to leave Malaga at his discretion whenever he shall feel that his personal safety requires his departure, and have instructed him in such case to turn his consulate over to the British consul at Malaga. Mr. Bartleman seems to have acted with coolness, courage, and discretion, and I commend him to the approval of the Department.
I cable you in cipher as follows:
Madrid, April 17, 1898.
Sherman, Secretary, Washington:
Have authorized. United States consul at Malaga to leave Malaga whenever his personal safety shall require. Have instructed him to turn consulate over to British consul should he be compelled to leave.
Woodford.
The Spanish authorities at Malaga seem to have acted honorably and with reasonable promptitude, but the mob was evidently ugly and determined.
I am, etc.,