No. 188.
Mr. Scruggs to Mr. Full.
Bogotá, January 27, 1875. (Received March 15.)
Sir: This city has been in a considerable state of excitement for four days past, growing out of what at first seemed only an insignificant bread-riot.
The disturbances originated on the evening of the 23d instant, in a demonstration by the rabble against the bakers of the city, resulting in the death of one man and the wounding of several others.
[Page 420]Next morning placards appeared upon the walls of houses along the principal thoroughfares announcing “death to the monopolists,” alluding to the mill-owners and flour-dealers of the city. The night following, the private residences of some ten or twelve prominent citizens were stoned and considerable damage done. Among the houses thus assaulted, without any apparent provocation whatever, was that of the consul of Denmark.
The next morning placards appeared announcing the organization of the “commune,” and threatening death to the “aristocrats,” and to the President of the republic.
Up to this time the municipal and State authorities seemed either powerless to restore order or else wholly indifferent to what had been going on. The national government, trusting, it seems, to the local authorities, remained indifferent. There was consequently much alarm among the citizens, and a feeling of insecurity among resident foreigners.
Under these circumstances, although no American citizen had been molested, I deemed it proper to call upon the President and inform him of this state of feeling, and to notify him that American residents looked alone to the national government for protection, and that in case it was not afforded, and damage should result either to their persons or property, his government would be held responsible. Mr. Bunch, the British minister, likewise called upon him the same day and made similar representations on behalf of English residents.
The President acknowledged the justice of the position thus taken, and promised the fullest protection. He informs me this morning that, although the demonstrations are still menacing, efficient measures have been taken to suppress any further violence.
That there are one or more prominent revolutionary agitators at the back of these demonstrations I think admits of little doubt. At present, however, all serious apprehensions seem passed and it is hoped the excitement will entirely subside within a few day
I have, &c.,