My conduct will never bring a blush to the cheek of an American. During the whole course of the day I could not get an opportunity to tell the commandante of the dreadful result of his conduct. This day, all day, he was blind and stupid with drink and revenge. But something must be done. Magee has received two hundred and ten lashes. The first part of the threat has been carried out; and the second was, that to-morrow morning Magee must die. Nearly every foreigner had fled the port. I determined to save his life, whether it was my official duty or not, whether I saved my own life or not. I waited till morning; got up very early, that I might see the commaudante beforə he had taken any drink. About 7 a. m. I saw the commandante bringing Magee out. He formed the soldiers, and was ready to flog Magee again. I immediately went up to him and told him not to attempt to go any farther with this infamous outrage. He said he was going to give Magée more lashes and then shoot him. I told him it would ruin him and bring misfortune on his country-perhaps ruin. He listened to me and began to think and understand his situation. He said, "I am ruined any way; and before the event I will kill Magee." He then says, "I will flee the country; and if Magee will give me money I will go aboard the steamer, if you will put me safely there." Magee at once said, I will give you all the money you want. I I pledged him the protection of the American flag. At this time the captain of the Arizona (Captain Morse) sent me word he was going to leave. I wrote him a note imploring him to delay an hour longer. I had the money in my pocket, and the commandante was ready to go. He bid Magee "good-bye," and told him he was free. walked down the pier with him, and we got into the boat together and pushed away. I had now succeeded in saving Magee's life, and now risked my own, for when the boat had arrived at the steps of the steamer's ladder, I got out first, the commandante following me, with one foot on the steps and the other still on the boat, when the passengers, armed with pistols, opened fire on the commandante, after I had promised him the protection of our flag. It was on this condition he had agreed to spare Magee. He received two mortal wounds, stepped back into the boat and went to the shore. He now lies in a dying condition. I regret this last outrage. In justice to Captain Morse, I must say he did all that he could to prevent it. I am, &c., Inclosure 9 in No. 146 bis.l EDWIN JAMES. Captain Morse to Mr. Williamson. PACIFIC MAIL STEAMSHIP ARIZONA, April 25, 1874. SIR: I have the honor to advise your excellency that, owing to the large number of passengers, limited amount of coal, and scarcity of commissary stores, I have found it necessary to resume my voyage. As Mr. Magee, for whose preservation I apprehend I am detained, is now safe, the canse of his danger having been removed, there seems now to be no urgent necessity for my remaining longer to the injury not only of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, but to each of my many passengers, as I am in no way responsible for the rash act of an unseen hand which will probably prove fatal to the coinmandante of the port, and no amount of precaution could have prevented it. I had placed guards at every available point about the vessel with the view to guard against any such contingency. Under these circumstances I feel confident that you will approve of my immediate departure, inasmuch as Mr. Magee dispatches the ship himself. I am, your excellency's obedient servant, A. G. MORSE. No. 153.] No. 106. Mr. Williamson to Mr. Fish. UNITED STATES LEGATION IN CENTRAL AMERICA, Guatemala, May 15, 1874. (Received June 18.) SIR: I have the honor to inclose you two copies of a small pamphlet issued by the government of Guatemala, embodying the correspondence with the British chargé d'affaires in regard to the outrage upon Mr. John Magee, the British vice-consul at San José, of which I gave you a full account in my No. 146 bis. As it might be inferred, from the statement made in the last paragraph of page 5, that I might be somewhat responsible for the wounding of Commandante Gonzalez when he attempted to go on board the Arizona, I send you the original of my telegram, which has been returned to me by Mr. A. D. Moncrieff, agent of Pacific Mail Steamship Company at San José, as undelivered, and also original of his letter inclosing it to me. I have, &c., GEO. WILLIAMSON. [Inclosure 1 in No. 153.-Translation.] Señor Soto to Mr. Scholfield. MINISTRY OF FOREIGN RELATIONS, SIR: Yesterday, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, you were pleased to call upon me at the ministry of foreign relations for the purpose of laying before me a telegram which you had just received, and in which it was stated that Mr. John Magee, vice-consul of Her Britannic Majesty, had been arrested by order of the commandante of the port of San José, a Spaniard in the service of the government, José Gonzalez by name. I took you at once before the president of the republic, who, after having heard your statement, instructed the minister of war to direct General Gregorio Solares, who was at Escuintla, to repair at once to San José and set Mr. Magee at liberty, ordering Commandante Gonzalez, at the same time, to appear before the government and give an account of his conduct, and, in case of his having cut the telegraph-line, to bring him, securely guarded, to this capital. This order was given to General Solares, because the inspector of telegraphs reported that the telegraph-line to the port of San José was not working, for the reason, as was suspected, that the office had been closed by Commandante Gonzalez himself. If the telegraph had been in working order as far as the port, the order for the release of Mr. Magee would have been sent directly. At about half past five in the afternoon the telegraph was again in working order, and the news was then received that Commandante Gonzalez had ordered Mr. John Magee, vice-consul of Her Britannic Majesty, to be flogged. As soon as the government was informed of this outrage, it ordered, as you are aware, the political chief of Escuintla to go, with the garrison of that place, to the port of San José, to the end that General Solares might be the better enabled to arrest the delinquents and other persons implicated in so criminal an act. Moreover, to pre vent the guilty parties from escaping, strict orders were given to the frontier authorities of Salvador and Mexico, in order that the crime to which I refer might in no case remain unpunished. Later in the evening the President, not being content with the prompt measures a'ready taken, went to the telegraph-office, accompanied by the minister of war, where he remained until after midnight, dictating orders that the life of Vice-Consul Magee should be saved by all means, since the distance did not permit him to act more efficientiv. The measures adopted resulted in protecting Mr. Magee from further outrages and msaving his life, which was in imminent danger from the rage of the Spaniard Gonzalez, who, on the arrival of General Solares, put off in a boat to the North American steaner Arizona, intending to seek refuge on board of that vessel. The government, on learning this, requested the minister of the United States to onder the commander of said steamer by no means to allow the fugitive Gonzalez to take refuge on board. The minister gave the order, as requested, and not only was adassion on board of the steamer denied Gonzalez, But, as is known, he received a ot from the vessel, the particulars of which circumstance have not yet been received by the government. This occurrence caused Gonzalez to return to land, where he was at the captured by General Solares, together with the persons who appear to have best his accomplices. Tunjustifiable act to which I have been referring renders it incumbent upon me to a dress yon, before any complaint is made, assuring you that this irregular and culpank procee ling has filled my government with great pain and indignation, and that, fully realizing the gravity of the occurrence, my government, as soon as informed thereof, acted with all the energy and zeal demanded by the friendly relations which have existed and do exist between the governments of Her Britannic Majesty and that of Guatemala. You have been a witness of the earnest solicitude of my government and of the manner in which it has deplored the outrage done to the consular agent of Her Britannic Majesty. My government, sir, which sincerely desires to cultivate the most friendly relations with foreign powers, and especially with Great Britain, is ready, in view of this unfortunate occurrence, to give a further proof of this desire, and also of its determination that no foreigner coming to this republic shall be injured either in person or property, but that, on the contrary, all shall enjoy the hospitality of this country, with all the guarantees and securities that are furnished by the most civilized nations of the world. You may rest assured that the parties who have been guilty of the criminal act in question will be punished to the full extent of the law; also, that my government will give the fullest satisfaction to that of Her Britannic Majesty, and that it will make due reparation when the investigation which it has ordered shall be closed. I have the honor to reiterate to you, sir, the assurances of my high consideration, and to subscribe myself, Your obedient servant, Mr. HENRY SCHOLFIELD, MARCO A. SOTO. Chargé d'Affaires of Her Britannic Majesty in Central America. [Inclosure 2 in No. 153-Translation.] Protocol of the conference held at the ministry of foreign relations of Guatemala, at 1 o'clock in the afternoon, May 1, 1874, between the licentiate Don Marco A. Soto, minister of foreign relations of said republic, and Mr. Henry Scholfield, chargé d'affaires ad interim of Her Britannic Majesty, for the purpose of determining the satisfaction which is to be given by Guatemala to the English government, in view of the outrage done in the port of Son José to Mr. John Magee, British vice-consul, by Commandante José Gonzalez, a Spaniard in the service of the republic. 1st. The aforesaid chargé d'affaires stated that being convinced of the desire of the government of Guatemala to settle this matter in a manner satisfactory to both governments. as declared in the letter of this ministry of the 25th of April last, in which he was informed that the parties guilty of the criminal act in question should be punished to the full extent of the law; that this government, moreover, would give the fullest satisfaction to that of Her Britannic Majesty, and would make due reparation when the investigation ordered by it should be finished; the chargé d'affaires, being convinced of this, said that, since the initiatory steps had already been taken, he desired that the final settlement of this matter should be explicitly agreed upon. The minister of foreign relations stated that his government, in accordance with what it had promised to Her Britannic Majesty's chargé d'affaires, had already ordered, through the supreme court of justice, the offenders to be arraigned before the ordinary courts for trial and punishment, according to the laws of the country, since the outrage had been committed in the territory of the republic, the government of Guatemala thinking that by this step the best satisfaction would be given that it could offer that of Her Britannic Majesty, in accordance with the practice of civilized nations. Mr. Scholfield declared himself satisfied with this action on the part of the government. 2d. In testimony of the desire of the government of Guatemala to preserve the most friendly relations with that of Her Britannic Majesty, and as a proof of the deep pain with which it has seen the outrage which has been done to Vice-Consul Magee, the government will order a salute of twenty-one guns to the British flag to be fired in the port of San José on such day as may be agreed upon with Her Britannic Majesty's chargé d'affaires. 3d. Her Britannic Majesty's chargé d'affaires also asked an indemnity for the outrage done to Vice-Consul Magee by Commandant Gonzalez. The minister of foreign relations stated that the government of Guatemala did not consider itself under obligations to pay such indemnity: first, because Mr. Magee, as was known to the chargé d'affaires, had officially declared that he did not wish his government to make any claim, and that he himself would make none; second, because the government of Guatemala did not think the case to be one demanding indemnity according to the general principles of justice and the special circumstances of the act giving rise to this claim. The government of Guatemala declares, however, that if that of Her Britannic Majesty, when it shall have full knowledge of the affair, of the conduct of the government of Guatemala in the matter, and of the manner in which it has deplored this occurrence, shall think proper to ask for indemnity, and shall insist upon it, notwithstanding the desire to the contrary expressed by Mr. Magee, then the government of Guatemala will enter into negotiations with that of Her Britannic Majesty for the settlement of that point. 4th. It was finally agreed that the subject of this protocol should be settled in these terms, and that the government of Her Britannic Majesty should make no claim on this ground in future, save such as might arise from the 3d point, on indemnification. In testimony whereof, the present protocol was signed and sealed in duplicate by the licentiate Don Marco A. Soto, minister of foreign relations, and Mr. Henry Scholfield, chargé d'affaires of Her Britannic Majesty, both pledging themselves to fulfill the stipulations made by their respective governments, at Guatemala, May first, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-four. MARCO A. SOTO, Minister of Foreign Relations of Guatemala. Chargé d'Affaires of H. B. M. [Inclosure 3 in No. 153.] Mr. Scholfield to Señor Soto. BRITISH LEGATION, Guatemala, April 30, 1874. SIR: Last Sunday, when I had the honor and pleasure of visiting your excellency, you were kind enough to indicate to me that it would be advisable to put in writing the exact nature of the satisfaction for the outrage on Vice-Consul Magee that would be accepted by Her Britannic Majesty's government. With the view therefore of setting at rest this affair, the importance of which cannot be exaggerated, I have the honor of requesting an interview, at the hour that may be most convenient to you, so that we may agree upon a memorandum on the subject that shall be binding on our respective governments. I avail myself of this opportunity to repeat to your excellency the assurance of my most cordial friendship. His Excellency DON MARCO A. Soto, HENRY SCHOLFIELD. Minister for Foreign Affairs. [Inclosure 4 in No. 153.] Mr. Scholfield to Señor Soto. GUATEMALA, May 2, 1874. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your excellency's dispatch of April 25, informing me of the outrage on Vice-Consul Magee at San José, and of the steps taken by the government of the republic in connection therewith. I cheerfully bear witness to the horror and indignation with which, not only all the members of your government, but all classes of society in Guatemala have reprobated this deplorable event; and I have seen with the greatest satisfaction the energy and good feeling that were displayed by the President and all the ministers, who by their thoughtfulness and promptitude have avoided what, at one time, threatened to become a catastrophe for the republic. The frank and loyal explanations and apologies, so spontaneously tendered to my government, reflect the utmost honor on this administration, who have thus proved that they sincerely desire to protect with equal rights the native and the foreigner. In congratulating myself on the settlement of this matter, I have to thank your excellency for the conciliatory and friendly manner in which the negotiations have been conducted. I avail myself of this opportunity to repeat to your excellency the assurance of my Most distinguished consideration. Hs Excellency DON MARCO A. SOTO, HENRY SCHOLFIELD. Minister for Foreign Affairs. No. 159.] No. 107. Mr. Williamson to Mr. Fish. UNITED STATES LEGATION IN CENTRAL AMERICA, May 23, 1874. (Received June 18.) SIR: I have the honor to inclose you translated copies of the message of President Guardia, of Costa Rica, dated the 1st May, and of the answer of the Constituent Assembly, dated May 12. I have made marginal marks on pages 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 13, 14, and 17 of the former, to which your attention is respectfully invited. His frank acknowledgment of the serious opposition his government encounters, is so unusual in public documents in this quarter, that it excites my admiration, while it couvinces me the disaffection is more wide spread than I ventured to state in any No. 124. His statement in regard to the resources of the country enabling the government to carry on the work of the railroad to Port Limon, and, at the same time, to pay its expenses and meet obligations, is so grave a mistake, one might well be surprised if he were a stranger. I believe it is a matter of public notoriety that the last four installments on Costa Rica bonds, issued and negotiated for railroad purposes, have not been provided for. It is so published in the newspapers, and I understand the English agent here says such is the fact. I still have some hope the railroad may be completed from Alajuela (a place in the interior, where it now begins) to Port Limon; but if it is true, as asserted, that the British bondholders have declared their determination to take no more bonds of Costa Rica as long as President Guardia remains in power, that hoped-for event may be delayed several years. To our country the completion of that line would tend far more to advance its commercial interests than of the road now finished from ocean to ocean. There is but little doubt the telegraph line from Punta Arenas to Port Limon will be finished before many months elapse unless a revolution occurs. I have, &c., GEO. WILLIAMSON. [Inclosure 1 in No. 159,-Translation.] Message of the President of the republic of Costa Rica to the National Congress, May 1, 1874 Honorable representatives of the people: The opening of your session is very pleasing to me, as it to-day complies with the rule prescribed in the constitution of the republic. Some of you already have experience in those affairs that during past years have been the object of the conscientious consideration of the national representation. Others have been called recently by the vote of the people to the honored position in which the free suffrages of their constituents have placed them. You, together, form the sovereignty, and I do not doubt that, penetrated by the great importance of your mission, you will all be able to provide for the necessities of your country. Placed in a position superior to my merits, but not to my sincerity, self-denial, and patriotism, which I have shown so often, that I justly believe you can appreciate these, so I will immediately submit to your distinguished consideration the principal affairs of the administration. Costa Rica is at peace, and no accident disturbs the pleasant relations that exist with foreign nations, with which she is connected by treaties of amity and commerce. The proper secretary will give you an account of what has been agreed upon with |