Scruggs to Frelinghuysen, February 23, 1885

Mr. Scruggs to Mr. Frelinghuysen.

Sir: Some weeks ago an executive decree was issued levying a war contribution upon certain Colombian citizens named therein, among whom was a Señor Uribe, a wealthy citizen of this city. Upon their refusal to contribute, an order was issued for their arrest, whereupon the minister resident of the Argentine Republic went to Uribe’s house and escorted him thence through the public thoroughfare to the apartments of his legation in one of the city hotels.

A second decree was then issued, requiring all hotel-keepers to furnish the Government the names of their guests. The Argentine minister then left the hotel and took up his residence in Uribe’s house, giving the owner asylum therein.

The Colombian minister for foreign affairs then addressed each of the foreign representatives here a circular note, a copy and translation of which I inclose.

After an ineffectual effort to induce their Argentine colleague to give up Señor Uribe, each replied to this circular in his own way, all, however, maintaining the entire inviolability of the rights, &c., of legation, while condemning its abuse.

I submit herewith a copy of my own reply. Those of the English, German, Spanish, French, and Chilian representatives were in the same spirit.

The Argentine minister now says Uribe has left his legation, but no one seems to know where he is.

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I have, &c.,