John Mercer Langston to President Salomon, December 1, 1883

Mr. Langston to President Salomon.

Excellency: Your note of the 23d instant was, as you are aware, duly received, and as you requested therein, the consul of France, of England, of Spain, of Italy, and the undersigned met you on the 24th instant at the national palace in conference with regard to the subject matter thereof.

The gentlemen named, including the consul of Germany, who was not with us at the national palace on the 24th instant, held a conference yesterday at this legation, and after full consideration of your note found it desirable to ask of you certain information.

You speak of losses connected with the occurrences of the 22d and 23d of September last simply. Do you mean in considering the matter of indemnity as proposed to confine action to such losses only, or would you propose action in that behalf so comprehensive as to include and cover the investigation and settlement of all claims which may be found to have grown out of the movements of the Government in its efforts to suppress the present rebellion in Port au Prince or elsewhere in the country, and also so comprehensive as to cover and include losses connected with the movements of the Government in its efforts to suppress the rebellion of 1879 at Port au Prince and Gonaives? Besides, it has been deemed wise to ask what mode of investigation and settlement you would propose—whether a mixed commission; and, if so, how you would constitute it, and in what way your excellency would propose to pay such reclamations as may be adjudged well-founded?

The undersigned, awaiting, &c.,