The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1854-08-02
THE DESTRUCTION OF GREYTowN.

norpno we can discover but single point either the
conduct of the administration or of Captain Hollns
which can be matter of controversy amongst just and
reasonable men The point to which have reference is
whether the entire destruction OF the town neces
sary We have every confidence that when Captain
Hons speaks in detail his reasons viii be satisfactory
1t win be observed that Captain Hons The execu-
ton done by our shot and shells amounted to the almost
total destruction of the buildings but to make the lesson
more impressive he deemed it best complete its destruc
ton by setting fire to it.
Without full understanding of all the facts il be
admitted that the punishment inflicted upon the Greyown
offenders has the appearance of severity But when all
the circumstances considered unable TO how
the ends be attained could have been accomplished by
less harsh than those adopted by Captain Holns
His instructions required him to teach these awles peo
pie that the United States viii not tolerate these ourage
and that they have the power and the determination
check Them at is however" proceeds the Secretary Of
the Navy very much to be hoped that you effect the
purposes of your visit without resort to violence and de-
strucon of property and loss of lifep We
what Captain Holins could do than he did do
complsh the purposes of his visit without resort to vio
lence. On this subject Captain Hollins says:
3! Immediately my arrival communicated with Mr..
Joseph W. Faben the representative of the United States
this place. and delivered into his hands the despatch for
warded through from the Hon. VIM l.. Marcy, Secreta
~ Of the Department of State, of which had been hon
ored with copy. After due consultation with Mr. Fa
ben learned the demand by him made by order of the
State Department upon the town Of San Juan had not only
been treated with contempt but threats of future violence
toward American citizens and property publicly
made, if opportunity should offer. After due delibera
ton thought expedient to make final demand upon
the inhabitants for indemnity for injuries sustained by
citizens of the United States, and for apology of salts
factory character for the insult recently given Mr. Bor
land, minister to Central America. In accordance
with this decision Mr.. Fabens directed to commun-
with te agents of the Transit Company and deter
upon the of indemnity commensurate with their
,ses and the of sixteen thousand doars agreed
mon s te smallest admissible under the circumstances
which with previous demand already made of eight thou
sand made the sum total of twenty thousand dollars
From my knowledge of the injuries, &e sustained and the
future dement to the company &C., this sum seemed to be
no more and directed Mr. Fabens to make last
appeal to the people of San before decisive
were taken This done the afternoon Of the 18th
inst will be in his communication dated 18th inst
IB with its contents mine of the day pre-
cedng
AS the result Of the demand entirely unsatisfactory
in my answer C Mr. Fabens to his communication
closed him copy of proclamation D to the people of the
town. which posted in the most public places and pc
rused by ALL Shortly after the morning OF the 18th as
of my Intentions set forth in the proclamation
at the request of Mr. Faben guard of marines and seamen
ordered shore the and ammunition as an
evident disposition existing among the people to make
improper use them and also assist and protect Mr. Fa
bens and others in tie removal of their property.
This duty quickly performed by the officers of the
command and the arms &C., deposited FONT krenas
charge of the agent the Transit Company to await future
deposition At the time, foreigners generally, and
those favorable to the United States, notified that
would be readiness the morning of the day of
the bombardmen convey such disposed to place
of safety"
In determining upon the propriey of resort to violence
by Captain Hons is important to know the response of
the offenders to his demand for PREPARATION Our CONNER
cal agent Mr.. Fabens intrusted with the duty of
making the demand and his report to Captain Hoins fur
nses the evidence which he resolved to resort to strong
That report says
ISM have the honor acknowledge receipt of your
letter yesterday In reply have to observe that in
corance with instructions from the Department of State
Washington bearing date June 3d. 1854 notified the pco
pie of San dc; Nerte that the United States govern
would demand of them payment for the property feo
nousy TAKEN by and with their and consent
from the Accessory Transit Company and all damages su
fered and be suffered by the said company in
thereof further renewed the demand already made by the
said for committed upon their property
March, 1853 To this notice and demand, Copy of which
herewith annex marked A official reply has been given
But have incidentally learned that the people of the town
have fully decided accede any demands of the Tran
sit Company or of the United States repara
ton for wrongs by them committed.
second demand for satisfaction made yesterday
nnp copy herewith annexed marked which is the
hands of tire people learn from the late acting that
the demand for therein made will not be implied with
regards the insult oeredto Mr. Borand, minister
to Central America have inform you that far from
any apology having offered by the town its authorities
or any steps having bring the perpetrators there
of to Justice the chief and nsgators in
disputed possession of the town. its and ammunition and
they e people of the own virtually countenancng
and approving the indignity to the present moment.
Upon receiving this report Captain Hoins forced
determine whether be would abandon purpose of his
visit or proceed to enforce it by attacking the town If
any disposition had been shown treat the subject
in any way entertain his proposition for reparaon he
would no doubt have deferred resort to force But his
demand for satisfaction only met with additional insults
and the exhibition of fixed purpose to all efforts
peaceabe termination of the difficulty with contempt
The character OF he offenders must be overlooked in
Judging of the proprety Of Captain Honss conduct He
was dealing with men who notoriousy lawless Mr.
Borland speaks of them follows:
From the best information could obtain the population
of San Juan Grey town. numbers about three hundred
all sorts, and consists of few Enghmen Frenchmen
MANS and from the United States but mainly of ne
groes from jamaica and natives Of the Mosquito shore
There also two three natives from ie interior
Nicaragua When reached that place last September the
number Of negroes much smaller than present This
number has been increased informed, by ar
rivals from jamaica until they constitute the majority
and exercise the greater influence AT the last election
corporate organization American Except muato man
c.... NJ. nr1a Al .,,ol, dad