Mr. Squiers to Mr.
Hay.
American Legation,
Habana, February 12,
1904.
No. 853.]
Sir: I have the honor to confirm on the
overleaf my telegram to the Department reporting an outrage committed
against the United States consulate at Cienfuegos, and to inclose copies
of correspondence had with the foreign office.
* * * * * * *
Everybody, from the President down to the lowest official concerned, has
been most profuse in apologies and regrets.
Mr. Palma, as a result of my protests, immediately sent General Rodriguez
to Cienfuegos to inquire into the situation and, if he found it
necessary, to provide for a stronger force of rural guards.
I also sent Captain Hanna tc look over the situation, to the end that you
might be as closely informed as possible.
* * * * * * * *
I am, etc.,
[Inclosure 1.]
Mr. Squiers to
Mr. Zaldo.
Habana, January 31,
1904.
Dear Mr. Zaldo: The following telegram is
just received from the United States consul at Cienfuegos:
“When entering the consulate this morning, at 6.30 o’clock, the
janitor called me to the entrance, where I found the door besmeared
and the coat of arms literally covered with mud. No other violations
were attempted. Have reported facts to the police, and acting Mayor
Castano ordered immediate investigation. He, in company with other
civil authorities, called at the consulate to express their
regrets.”
In view of the generally reported state of unrest and disorder now
existing in Cienfuegos I must advise that prompt efforts be made
toward the detection and punishment of those guilty of this outrage
upon the United States consulate.
Ordinarily such acts may not deserve serious attention, but under the
existing circumstances it would be very unwise to allow this outrage
to pass unnoticed and unpunished.
The news of this will be printed in every American paper to-morrow,
and the impression will depend upon the action of your Government in
restoring law and order. I beg to request that the local authorities
be instructed to make an immediate investigation of the complaint
made by Consul Baehr, and that I be informed of the result.
With renewed assurance of my high esteem and consideration,
I am, etc.,
[Page 238]
[Inclosure
2.—Translation.]
Mr. Zaldo to
Mr. Squiers.
Republic of Cuba, Department of State and
Justice,
Division of State,
Habana, February 1, 1904.
Dear Mr. Squiers: I am officially
commissioned, in the name of the Government, to present to you our
most energetic disapproval of the occurrence which has happened at
Cienfuegos, of which you informed me in your letter of
yesterday.
We propose that the author of such a low crime, which has greatly
pained the Government, shall not remain without punishment.
I shall have the highest pleasure in transmitting to you the results
of our investigations at an opportune moment.
Very sincerely, yours,
