Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1855-10-26
Tme Trouble between the U. s. Consul at Panama
nd he

The fact that Thomas w. Wood Esq, United
States Consul at Panama, had struck his flag in
sequence of an insult offered by the governor of the
the province has already been briefly mentioned The
facts in the thus given in the Panama STAR
of the Cd inst:
The consul applied some days ago 10 the Jefe SUI
perior for certain information respecting an Amerl'
can then in prison, and was Informed that that officer
was unable to attend to his duties account of rheu-
matism and, moreover, that he had not the required
information in his possession, the case was in the
hands of the governor, and could not be procured
for two or three days In order to avoid all possible
delay the consul then wrote to the governor on the
subject and the governor handed the letter 10 the in
terpreter for translation. After delay OF tour days
during which time it is presumed the governor had
consulted with the jefe superior, the letter
turned TO the consul unanswered
Another letter then addressed by the Consul
to the Governor also embodied in the protest. desl-
ring 10 know. in writing, why his first letter was
thus returned and to this no other reply was made
than return of the letter unopened, and verbal
message to the effect that it could not be received -
This return Of both his communications, without any
explanation, of course considered by the Consul
as intentional and pointed insult, not to himself,
but 10 his Governments and as he very naturally
concluded that any further application he might
make to the authorities would be treated in similar
manner he decided that the indignity thus offered,
was such as should be promptly brought before his
own Government, and as would not admit OF his
holding any further communication with the au-
thores of New Granada. The protest was read by
the Consul 10 a number of his counrymen who were
present to witness the proceedings ami simultaneously
herewith it forwarded to the Jefe Superior and
the flag of the United States was hauled down from
the Consulate, not 10 be hoisted again until fnstruc-
tons are received from Washington.
We learn that the consul has sent information of
this proceeding TO the commander of the sloop- Of
Massachusetts,, now on this coast and that this
vessel may very be expected here to remain for
the protection of Americans until the affair is settled
and we have satisfaction in stating that the course
pursued by the consul is considered by his country
men here the only one he could adopt, and is
highly approved of by them; and that those of the
native population, who have been made cognizant
with the facts they really are feel mortified and
indignant at the outrage which has been committed
on the consul.
1t appears from the consuls protest that the name
of the imprisoned American is VIM. H. Hunter, who
is now in prison at Panama, under charge OF breach
of trust, preferred against him by Mr.. NJ. Totem
and is about to be to Aspinwa there 10 be kept
in prison until judgment be given in the case by
the authorities of that place. Mr.. Ward shows by
extract of letter from the acting consul at AS
pinwall that the affair had been settled by arbitra
ton, it having beer decided tHat Hunter should pay
Q man named Callaghan, to whom he indebted
900. To this Callaghan, in the presence of the
acting consul agreed, whereupon Hunter paid him a
d portion in cash, and gave security and notes (no
yet matured) for the balance
The Governor has written a letter explaining tina
he returned the consul's letter it contained
dsrespectfu intmation against him, and also because
| it was not in his power 10 settle such business il
eminent. The Governor subsequently sent in hi
RESIGNATION