New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-12-19
DEPARTMENT or STATE,

STEPHEN A. HURLRUT, esq, ETC, Lima.
SIR: No u, in reference to the COchet and Ian
dreau claims indicate prudent and discreet course on
your part.
iect had mailed, became convinced that there
no need OF even the preliminary inquiry which sug
ground whatever which this Government could inter
Vene behalf Of it, In 50 far there may be any basis
for the claim at all, It originates in the demand OF
native Peruvian against his Government II American
citizens purchased interest in such claim, they pur
chased nothing more than the original claimant pos
sessed They did not and could not purchase the good
Offices Of this Governments, and you are instructed not
10 extend them in the Of the COchet claim.
Your propOsed course IN regard to the Ian
dreau claim ia approved. But that claim
must not of course, be pressed III any manner that
would seem embarrss Peru r the hour OF her great
distress Your previous instruction TO use your good Of
fees IN procuring adjudication OF the Landrean claim
was made in view OF the possible factOf which there
was wide remaTk-that numerous French and English
claims were TO he presented, in which event was
anXious that the resources of Peru should not
hausted settlement OF other claims TO the pref
and detriment OF belonging to American citizen.
You viii still be guided by the split ana intent OF That
The statements which you say were made you by Mr..
Jacob H. Shepherd very extraordinary. Ii Ii in the
first place extraordinary that ne should have written 10
Won al all for carefully advised him that Ministers
the United States IN foreign countries were not permit
ted 10 extend their good offices in aid OF any claim I'M
less so instructed BY the Department OF State re-
peaedy told him that any representations behalf OF
the claims he was urging must be made at Lima by his
agents. His writing you was, therefore, an imprO
prety, and his attempting to instruct you 10 what
had written you was a. grotesqu Y absurd as the Ian
guage he attributed TO me He simply makes the mis-
take common 70 certain class of honest enthusiasts
who imagine that the polite and patient listener
ia the author Of their own extravagant
fances recognize several of the singular propositions
imputed 10 me having been made by Dir. Shepherd
and not in any admitted or Gssented TO by me.
told him In the three four interviews which he sought
with me that could possible ground which the
United States Government could lend It's good offices In
aid OF the Cochet claim
You will therefore, pay no attention whatever TO any
thing Mr. Shepherd may write you in regard TO claims
against the Government of Peru You WILL indeed do
well 70 at 10 the writer any letters
receive relating private claims unless you first have
the matter regularly referred to you by the Depart
ment OF State. Such reference will never be made
except IN where, IN the judgment OF the Govern
monf there IL o denial OF justice 10 American ctze
Legations OF The United states In reign countries must
not be converted into agencies for the prosecution Of
private claims.
Trusting 70 your sound discretion and prudent action
in ali matters Of this character sir Obedient
servant, JAMES q. BLAINE.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE WASHINGTON,
Nov. TO- 1851
STEPHEN Z. HURLBUT, esq, ETC., ETC., ETC., Lima
SIR On tue 9th utm0 sent you the following tel
egram: "Infnence OF your position must not be used
IN aid OF Credit Industrial or any other financial or
specializing association"
On the "a instant received your reply in these