John Mercer Langston to William M. Evarts, December 22, 1877

No. 264. Mr. Langston to Mr. Evarts.

Sir: In great haste, on the 6th instant, just as the mail was closing, I wrote and transmitted my No. 15, in which I advised you that a Spanish man-of-war had, on the 3d, anchored in this port, coming for the purpose of making inquiry with regard to the trial, conviction, and sentence of a Spanish citizen, D. José Santisi. This Spanish man-of-war was the Sanchez Barcaïztegui, Capt. Don Antonio Ferry y Rival, from Santiago de Cuba. After remaining from the day of her arrival to the 12th she left, and on the 14th another Spanish man-of-war, the Don Jorge Juan, Capt. José Maria Autran arrived.

The arrival of the first man-of-war produced considerable excitement. Her sudden departure and the arrival of the second, especially since it had been reported that the latter had come bearing an ultimatum of the Spanish Government with reference to matters in difference between it and the Haytian Government, and with instructions, if the “ultimatum” was not accepted, to bombard this city, increased greatly the excitement, and no little anxiety was exhibited by all classes of the people and the government. This whole matter assumed in a few hours a very serious character. The second man-of-war did come bearing the ultimatum of the Spanish Government, translation of which ultimatum is herewith inclosed.

When the Haytian Government had prepared its answer, a translation of which is herewith inclosed, it invited the gentlemen, members of the corps diplomatique, residing in this city, to a conference upon the subject at the national palace, at 5 o’clock p.m. on the 18th. There were present the President of the Republic, members of his cabinet, with several distinguished politicians and statesmen of the country, and the ministers and chargé d’affaires of England, America, Germany, France, Liberia, and the consul of the Netherlands. The ultimatum and the answer were read, and the President and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Justice gave full and concise explanations of the several matters of grievance presented therein, to which the attention of the corps diplomatique was particularly invited.

After a brief private conference of the members of the corps, it was concluded that each member should submit his own judgment to the authorities of the Haytian Government according to his own sense of propriety and duty. In this conference, as well as at a meeting of the corps held at 12 o’clock meridian of the same day, I stated frankly and positively that I could not consent to allow any one, not even the Dean of the corps, my excellent colleague, R. Stuart, esq., to speak for me upon such matter, under such circumstances. I considered the matter delicate; and by no fault of utterance or injudicious expression of opinion, must my government be compromised. My position was at once approved, and each member of the corps spoke for himself. I simply stated that I should report the facts of this matter as I understood them to my government, and that I should await such instructions as it saw fit to give. This was substantially the position of each member of the corps.

I inclose herewith the note sent me by the government inviting me to attend the conference, the first in its original French and the second the translation.

The President and the members of the cabinet explained with general satisfaction the facts concerning the trial and sentence of Fernandez, Santisi, and Despeaux, as well as the charges of indignity to the Spanish flag, insults to the Spanish consulate, and the “many omissions of respect” to Spanish officers. As against the statement of the ultimatum the explanations of the government were submitted with apparent sincerity and a lively consciousness of their truthfulness. I have not been able to examine the records of the courts to verify the correctness of the explanations forwarded upon judicial investigation, nor to make inquiry as to the others, beyond the declarations of the government.

The members of the corps diplomatique did not go to the palace unadvised as to the attitude of the Spanish Government toward the Haytian. Captain Autran had, early on the morning of the 18th, transmitted to the Dean of the corps a dispatch, a copy of which in Spanish, with translation, is herewith inclosed, communicating the purpose of his visit.

As already indicated, the corps, at the invitation of the Dean, met to hear read and consider as far as the attitude of the Spanish Government concerned the rights and interest of our respective governments and had relation to our duty with respect to the Haytian Republic. At this meeting, after due interchange of views, it was concluded that the position to be taken by each one of us was, first, as far as our different governments are concerned, to put ourselves upon guard as to their rights and interests, and to demand, whatever may be the grievance of Spain as against Hayti, and however the former may attempt to secure redress, indemnity, or guarantee, no right and no interest of our respective governments is to be invaded or jeopardized; and, secondly, in so far as any duty toward Hayti, enjoined by considerations of humanity, or international law, or usage, pertains to all or either of us, it must be met with wisdom and courage.

These propositions I had the honor to advance and sustain to the approval and acceptance of my colleagues and I do not doubt that they will receive your indorsement, and my conduct in this behalf your approval.

Early on the morning of the 19th, the Dean of the corps diplomatique invited the members thereof to another meeting, when we were advised that the matters of difference between the two governments in all probability could be settled in an amicable manner; that Captain Autran might consent to settle, even in the manner proposed by the Haytian Government, all the matters in debate except the one described in Section 2 of the ultimatum. The captain would insist, Ave were told, according to his instructions, that the insult named in this section be effaced by salute of the Spanish Pavilion with 21 guns, by the Haytian Government, as required in the ultimatum. The corps, as a body, simply heard the statement of the Dean, and without advising formally special action by the Haytian authorities, adjourned.

Learning shortly thereafter that the adjustment indicated could be accomplished, and that the Haytian authorities, upon more mature reflection, were prepared to admit that the charge as presented in Section 2 of the ultimatum was substantially true, I concluded and so stated to President Canal and the Hon. Felix Carrié, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, that it seemed to me to be, under the circumstances, wise to comply with the conditions named. The expression of this opinion, I am persuaded, had no inconsiderable influence in bringing the President and his advisers to the conclusion to fire the salute of 21 guns as required, and settle thereafter other matters of dispute according to the terms and their answer.

Agreement was had accordingly, and on the morning of the 20th, fifteen minutes before ten o’clock, the salute of 21 guns was fired from the Haytian man-of-war, le Mil-huit-cent-quatre, (the eighteen-hundred and four), answered by a response from the Spanish man-of-war. The response, though not altogether formal, was satisfactory. Besides, exchange of ceremonies and friendly visits were made by the officers of the Haytian Government and captian of the Spanish man-of-war; and the captain with commendable haste paid his respects to the President of the Republic at the national palace.

Thus a matter of difference which bade fair to become very serious was adjusted without disturbance of national or international relations, without the loss of life or damage of property.

Although the corps diplomatique, as already stated, took no formal action in the premises, and did not in terms direct the Dean as to the course to be pursued, it so far and in such manner expressed the hope and indicated the desire and purpose to have every proper and legitimate step taken to amicably settle the differences, that the Dean, understanding this very well, performed his duty with vigor and wisdom, to its satisfaction.

It is proper that I state, in this connection, that he took no steps without advising freely with me; and the merchants and citizens generally, as well as the authorities of the government, express hearty commendations of our prompt, and, as they say, wise action in behalf of national peace, order, and harmony.

Quiet and good order now prevail here. Business confidence is steady, and the adjustment of the differences of the two governments is warmly approved.

I am, &c.,