F 1466 .U58 Copy 1 MESSAGE / /'! V() VHOM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, TRANSMITTING, IN RESPONSE TO RESOLUTION OF FEBRUARY 6, CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO THE CONDUCT OF COMMANDER REITER, IN CON- NECTION WITH THl^ KILLING OF GENERAL BARRUNDIA. WASHINGTON : GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1891. MESSAGE FBOM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, TBANSMITTINO, IN RESPONSE TO RESOLUTION OF FEBRUARY 6, CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO THE CONDUCT OF COMMANDER REITER, IN CON- I^ECTION WITH THE KILLING OF GENERAL BARRUNDIA. WASHINGTON : GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1891. -^olsT Congress, ) SENATE. i Ex. Doc. 2d Sessi07i. i \ No. 50. '^- MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, TRANSMITTING, In response to resolution of February G, correspondence relating to the conduct of Commander Belter, in connection with the killing of General Barrundia. February 10, 1891. — Read, referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs, and ordered to be j)rinted. To the Senate : I transmit herewith the correspoudence called for by the resolution of the Senate of the 6th instant, relating to the conduct of Commander Eeiter, in connection with the) arrest and killing of General Barrundia. Benj. Harrison. Executive Mansion, Fehruary 10, 1891. i^AVY Department, Washington, February 10, 1891. The President: Sir : I have the honor to submit herewith the correspondence called for by the resolution of the Senate of the 6th instant referred to this Dei^artment, requesting the President, "if not inconsistent with the public interests, to transmit to the Senate the correspondence in refer- ence to the conduct of the senior naval ofiflcer present at San Jose de Guatemala on the occasion of the arrest and killing of General Bar- rundia, and the action of the Navy Department thereon." Very respectfully, B. F. Tracy, /Secretary of the Navy. List of inclosures. No. 1 , — Commander Reiter to Chief of the Bureau of Navigation, August 23, I.S90. No. 2. — The Secretary of the Navy to Commander Reiter, September '29, lb90. No. 3. — Commander Reiter to Chief of the Bureau of Navigation, November 25, 1890. No. 4. — Commander Reiter to the Secretary of the Navy, December 8, 1890. No. 5. — The Secretary of tho Navy to Commander Reiter, December 12, 1890. No. 6. — The Secretary of tho Navy to Commander Reiter, December 12, 18U0. No. 7.— Tho Acting Secretary of the Navy to Commander Reiter, December 18, 1890. ; CONDUCT OF COMMANDER REITEE. No. 8. — Commauder Eeiter to the Secretary of the Navy, December 20, 1890. No. 9. — The Secretary of the Navy to Commander Reiter, December 31, 1890. No. lo. — Commander Reiter to the Secretary of the Navy, January 8, lb91. No. 11. — The Secretary of the Navy to Commander Reiter, January 14, 1891. No. 12. — Commander Reiter to the Secretary of the Navy, January 20, 1891. No. 1. — Commander Beiter to Chief of Bureau of Navigation. TJ. S. S. Eanger, San Jose de Guatemala, August 28, 1890. Sir : I have the hoiior to report that thediploniatic corps at Guatemala having decided upon a basis for peace which it was supposed would be acceptable to the Governments ot Guatemala and Salvador, and it being necessary that Senor Galindo, the envoy from Salvador, should convey to his Government this agreement, and that an answer be received before 6 p. in., 23d instant, at the request of United States Minister Mizner, there being no public conveyance available, I consented to send Seiior Galindo to Acajutla in the Thetis, and to bring back from there a com- missioner within the time specified. Senor Galindo left here on the Thetis on the evening of the 18th instant and was landed in Acajutla on the following morning, after which the Thetis proceeded to La Union and Amapala. I went ashore on the evening of the ISth instant to meet Senor Gal- indo and take him on board the Thetis, when I found that his baggage had been seized and overhauled, and that the commandant had given orders that he should not be permitted to embark. On inquiry I found that Senor Galindo was provided with a passport from the Guatemalan Government which, on the arrival of the train at San Jos6, was presented to a sentry and by him taken away. 1 immediately sent the United States consular agent to inform the commandant of this fact, when he gave orders for the release of the bag- gage and permitted Senor Galindo to embark. In consequence of this I proceeded to the city of Guatemala the fol- lowing morning, related the circumstances to the United States minis- ter, and requested him to accompany me to the minister of foreign relations of Guatemala, to inform him of this action on the part of the commandant at San Jose, and that I would not go to Acajutla without , the guaranty of the Guatemalan Government that anyone whom I might bring back as envoy from Salvador should be courteously received and not molested in any way ; which guaranty was immediately given. On the night of the 19th instant I proceeded to Acajutla, and sailed from there on the morning of the 22d instant, but without any envoy or commissioner. Seiior Galindo, who came on board, handed me dis- jjatcbes for the United States minister, which I received and delivered to him at 10:30 a. m., 23d instant, having arrived at San Jos6 at 4:30 a. m. and taken a special train from San Jose for the capital at 6 a. m. The diplomatic corps was immediately convened to consider the terms submitted by Salvador, and at about 2 p. m. the United States minister informed me that, in the opinion of the entire diplomatic corps, except himself, the Government of Guatemala should not be in- formed of the answer of Salvador, on the ground that it would give the Government of Guatemala an unfair advantage, there being a tacit un- derstanding of an armistice until 6 p. m. of that day. The United States minister then submitted to me the original basis of agreement and the reply of Salvador, and requested my opinion in CONDUCT OF COMMANDEE REITER. 3 tbe matter. 1 informed him that as the armistice was to cease at 6 p. m., I did not tbiuk there could be any advantage oueitlier side, as pru- dent commanders would be prepared for active operations at its exj)i- ratiou, and that the Government of Guatemala should be informed at once and given the opportunity to accept or decline the terms submitted by Salvador. This was done, an armistice was agreed upon until the evening of the 27th instant, and it was decided that the ministers of the United States, Spain, Costa Eica, and Nicaragua should go to Acajutla to con- fer with the Provisional President, Ezeta, on the 2oth instant. At the request of the United States minister I conveyed these min- isters to Acajutla, whence, after a day's conference with Provisional President Ezeta, I returned with them to this port, San Jos6, arriving at 8 a. m., 26th instant. The minister proceeded by special train, at 9 a. m., to the city of Guatemala, and on the 27th I received the following telegram from United States Minister Mizner: Peace basis accepted and signed by both nations. Belligerents notified, and no- tice acknowledged. Armies to retire in 2 days. Eeferring to the last paragraph of my letter of the 14th instant, I have to report that on the 17th instant a demand for the immediate re- turn of arms and ammunition taken from the Pacific Mail Steamship Golima was made by the United States minister. During my conversation with the United States minister on the 19th instant, heretofore referred to, he informed me that in reply to his de- mand for the return of the arms he had received a letter from the min- ister of foreign relations of Guatemala, requesting a personal inter- view at 1 p. m., 20th instant, and asked my opinion. I told him that as no reply had been received to several requests for the return of the arras, and as he had made a peremptory demand for their immediate return, I thought he should decline this personal inter- view and inform the minister of foreign relations that he desired a written reply to his last communication on the subject. When about leaving the minister of foreign relations after our interview in regard to the Salvadorian envoy, he referred to his letter to the United States minister, asking if it had been received. Mr. Mizner replied that it had, but that he must decline a personal inter- view on the subject. The minister of foreign relations then expressed the greatest regret at the seizure and for the discourtesy of his prede- cessor in not replying to the minister's communications, and his will- ingness to return the arms at once. The United States minister thereupon consented to a personal inter- view the next day, for final arrangements for return of the arms. The arms are now at San Jose ready for shipment on the next steamer bound north on the 30th instant. At about 6:30 p. m., yesterday, 27th instant, I received the following telegram from United States Minister Mizner: General Barruudia is on the Acapulco. Gantemala alleges that he is hostile, and, being in their waters, they can arrest him. 1 think that they have the right. As the Acapulco was at this time reported in sight, I immediately went on shore and sent the following telegram to the United States minister: Barrun(?ia expected in steamer. As peace is declared I suggest that you ask Gov- ernment to permit Thetis to take him to Acapulco, we acknowledging their municipal rights over steamer. Steamer Acajrulco in sight. 4 CONDUCT OF COMMANDER REITER. I also requested the commandant to suspend action until I received a reply to this telegram, which he declined to do, but went on board the steamer and returned without attempting the arrest of Barrundia. This morning at 9:30 I received the following telegram from United States Minister Mizner : This Governm'ent declinea offer. to take Barrundia away iu Thetis. Have advised Captain Pitts to deliver him. At about 2 p. m. it was thought that a number of shots were heard on board the Ampulco, and at 2:15 the Guatemalan flag was hauled down from the fore and the United States flag hoisted in its stead, when I supposed the United States minister was on board. But at 2:30, when the whaleboat came alongside with Lieutenants Bartlett and Halsey, who had been visiting the Acapuico, Lieutenant Bartlett reported to me that the commandant was on board, and that promis- cuous firing had been going on on board the ship, and that they desired protection, the United States flag at the fore having been hoisted to signify that desire. I immediately left the ship in the gig to go along- side the Acapiilco and ordered Lieutenant Harris to follow me at once with an armed party of marines in the whaleboat. On my arrival on the Acaimlco 1 found all quiet and no necessity for any protection, so that on arrival of Lieutenant Harris, a few moments afterwards, I directed him to return to the Banger. The following is, as near as 1 could determine from the statements of Captain Pitts and First Officer Brown, of the Acapuico., the correct ac- count of what occurred on board. The commandant came alongside with two boats, and on board the Acaimlco with three or four detectives. Captain Pitts asked him if he had a letter for him. He replied that he had, and delivered it to him. They then went to the captain's room, where the letter was opened and read. It was from United States Minister Mizner, informing Captain Pitts that if he were within the marine league of the shores of Guate- mala, and General Barrundia were on board, it was his duty, under the law of nations, to surrender him upon proper demand. Captain Pitts took the precaution to send his first officer to notify the cabin passengers to go below into the dining saloon, and the steerage passengers to keep forward. He then went with the commandant to the stateroom on the hurri- cane deck, occupied by General Barrundia, where they found him stand- ing up smoking a cigarette. They remained outside, one standing on either side of the door. The captain informed General Barrundia of the letter received from the United States minister, and that he could not extend him any further protection. The commandant then had some conversation with General Barrundia in Spanish. General Barrundia then said "Bueno," and immediately reached for a revolver, which was concealed under a mattress in the upper bunk, and fired two or three shots through the doorway between them. The captain and the command- ant beat a hasty retreat aft, taking refuge in an unoccupied stateroom. They were followed by Barrundia, firing wildly. He stopped and fired several shots into the stateroom where the captain and the com- mandant were concealed. He then apparently ran forward and crossed througli the " social hall" to the starboard side, where he fired forward and aft, then crossed to the port side again and started forward, when he fell. CONDUCT OF COMMANDER KEITER. 5 The detectives, as near as I could determine, rau out of tlie " Social Hall" and forward wheu Barrundia first commenced firing, but some time during the melee returned and began discharging their revolvers at him. It was impossible to ascertain definitelv any details of the occurrence after this, but General Barrundia died where he fell, havin"- been pierced by several bullets. * His body was taken on shore by the commandant. The Thetis returned to this port yesterday morning, the 27th instant, and Lieutenant-Commander Stockton reports everything quiet at La Libertad, La Union, and Amapala. The health of officers and crew of the Banger and Thetis is very good. I am, sir, very respectfully, Geo. C. Reitee, Lieutenant- Commander U. 8. K, Commanding. Commodore F. M. Eamsay, U. S. K, Chief of Bureatc of Navigation, Navy Department, Washington D. C. No. 2.— The Secretary of the Navy to Commander Beiter. ISayy Department, Washington, September 29, 1890. Sir: On the reporting of your relief, Commander George E. Win- gate, you will regard yourself detached from the command of the Banger, proceed home, and on your arrival report by letter to the De- partment and also inform it of the date of your detachment in obedi- ence to this order. Eespectfully, B. F. Tracy, Secretary of the Navy, Lieut. Commander George C. Reiter, Commanding U. S. S. Banger, San Jose de Guatemala. No. ^.— Commander Beiter to Chief of the Bureau of Navigation. PiTTSBURan, Pa., Novemher 25, 1890. Sir; I have the honor to report my arrival home, having been re- lieved by Commander Wingate and detached from command of the Banger at Corinto on the Gth instant. My address will be 57 Fourth avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. Respectfully, Geo. C. Reiter, Lieutenant-Commander, U, S. Navy. Commodore F. M. Ramsay, U. S. K, Chief of Bureau of Navigation. 6 CONDUCT OF COMMANDER EEITER. No. 4. — Commander Reiter to the Secretary of the Navy. Pittsburgh, Pa., December 8, 1890. Sir : As I was relieved from command of the Banger after but 1 year's service and have been informed that the Associated Press dis- patches from Washington, in announcing my recall, stated that it was on account of dissatisfaction of the Navy Department with my conduct in connection with the Barrundia affair, and in view of the fact that I have had no communication from the Department since my arrival home on the 25th of NTovember, I fear that the Department does not approve of my action while in command of the Ranger on the coast of Central America. I therefore respectfully request to be informed if such is the case, and, if so, that I may be afforded an opportunity to explain my action to you personally or before a court of inquiry. Eeferring to the press reports that I had refused protection on the occasion referred to I beg to state that the report is not correct and that I was not called upon for advice or intervention in any way. Eespectfully, Geo. 0. Eeiter, Commander, U. 8. Navy. Hon. B. F. Tracy, Secretary of the Navy. No. 5. — The Secretary of the Navy to Commander Reiter. Navy Department, Washington, December 12, 1890. Sir : Your letter of the 25th ultimo, reporting your arrival home, having been detached from command of the U. S. S. Ranger at Corinto, on the 6th of November last, has been received, and you will regard yourself as waiting orders from the date of your reaching honie. Very respectfully, B. F. Tracy, Secretary of the Navy. Commander Georqe C. Eeiter, U. S. K, Fittshurgh, Pa. N"o. 6. — The Secretary of the Navy to Commander Reiter. Navy Department, Washington, December 12, 1890. Sir: In reply to your letter of the 8th instant, you are informed that the Department was dissatisfied with your course while in command of the U. S. S. Ranger on the coast of Central America. Ton are author- ized to visit the Department and to make, personally, such explanation in regard to your actions as you may desire. Very respectfully. B. F. Tracy, Secretary of the Navy. Commander George C. Eeiter, U. S. N"., Pittsburgh, Pa. CONDUCT OF COMMANDER EEITEE. 7 Ko. 7. — The Acting Secretary of the JS^avy to Commander Relter, Xayy Department, Washington, December 18, 1890. Sir : Eeferring to joiu report of August 28 last, couceruiug the death of Geueral Barruudia, aud the events counected tberewitb, the De- partment desires to receive as early as practicable the additional re- port you v^ere verbally directed to make concerning your visit to the Acapidco, in which you will add. any other facts connected witb the affair not yet reported by yon. Very respectfully, J. E. SOLEY, Acting Secretary of the Navy^ Commander George C. Beiter, U. S. jST, Pittsburgh, Fa. Xo. 8. — Commander Reiter to the Secretary of the Navy. Pittsburgh, Pa., December 20, 1890. Sir : In obedience to your order of the ISth instant I have the honor to submit thefollowingadditionalreport concerning thedeathof General Barriindia and my visit to the Acajndco on the 28th August last. On the receipt of the following telegram from the United States min- ister : " This Government declines offer to take Barrundia away iu Thetis. Have advised Captain Pitts to deliver him," at about 9:30 a. m., September 28, I went on board the Acapuico to see Captain Pitts. I told him about the above telegram and asked him if he had heard from the minister. He said he had not, and that he would not sur- render Barrundia without an order from the minister or myself. J told him I certainly would not give him any such order. Captain Pitts asked me on what grounds they claimed the right to arrest Barrundia, and stated that all the dispatches he had received from the United States minister said he thought that they had a right to arrest him j that he (Pitts) thought he should be more positive ; that he had put himself under his (the minister's) orders, and that he expected to hear from him when the train arrived. I told him that I did not know, but I supposed the minister knew what he was about; that I was not sub- ject to the orders of the United States minister, and if I were called upon it would be my duty to satisfy myself that the Government of Guatemala had a right to make the arrest. Captain Pitts told me that the commandant had said he was going to ask me to send a guard on board when he made the arrest, to which I r.eplied that I would not send a guard on board at the request of the commandant. He then said, " Suppose the commandant and I both ask you!'' I said, "When you ask me I will give you a reply." Cap- tain'Pitts told me that Barrundia was going to New York via Panama and that he would guaranty to carry him to Panama, putting him iu irons if necessary to prevent his landing in Salvador. Just before leaving, I asked to see Barrundia. Captain Pitts told me that Bar- rundia was in his stateroom and did not see anybody. Respectfully, your obedient servant, Geo. C. Reiter, Commander, U. S. Navy. Hon. B. F. Tracy, Secretary