No. 48.
Mr. Williamson to Mr. Evarts.
Legation of
the United States in Central America,
Guatemala, April 24, 1877.
(Received May 21.)
No. 615.]Sir: I have the honor to inclose you copies and a
translation of notes exchanged with the minister of foreign affairs of
Guatemala, in respect to a difference between an item in the general postage
regulations lately issued by the government of this country, and the postal
convention of 1862 between the United States and Guatemala.
To-day, during a call at the government house, (here called palace,) I showed
the minister who has charge over the post-office department the item in
which said postal regulations violated the convention. The item of
difference which gave rise to the correspondence consisted in the government
of Guatemala, in a recent decree, fixing the postage on letters to the
United States weighing a half ounce at 4 reals instead of 2 reals. He said
readily that the correction would be made as soon as the President
returns.
* * * * * * *
The minister in the course of conversation spoke of a new postal convention
between the two countries for the purpose of reducing the rates. I told him
it seemed desirable, and that I would refer the matter to you for
instructions after conference with the Postmaster-General.
I have the honor, &c.,
[Inclosure 1 in No. 615.]
Legation of the United States in Central
America,
Guatemala, April 17,
1877.
Sir: I beg leave to call your attention to the
discrepancy between the letter-postage as stated in the “Tarifa jeneral
de porte de corespondencia,” published in the latest number of the
“Guatirnalteco,” “Periódico oficial,” under the heading “American,” and
the rates established by the postal convention of July 16, 1862, between
the United States and Guatemala. The convention being still in force, I
have no doubt the discrepancy arises from a misprint or
inadvertence.
Renewing to you the assurance pf my high consideration, I have the
pleasure of being, your excellency’s obedient servant,
His Excellency Sr. Licdo. Don Joaquin
Macal,
Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Guatemala.
[Inclosure 2 in No.
615.—Translation.]
Ministry of Foreign Relations,
Guatemala, April 23,
1877.
Sir: The minister of public works, to whom I
handed your note of the 17th instant, has addressed to me the following
note, dated to-day:
“Sir: Your letter dated the 18th,
referring to the representation made by the minister of the
United States relative to the discrepancy which he has observed
between the general tariff for carrying correspondence in the
post-office regulations and that fixed by the postal convention
celebrated by the governments of the two republics in 1862, has
been received.
“In order to give a complete answer to the above-mentioned
communication, I would esteem it a favor if your excellency will
be pleased to request the minister of
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the United States to specify in what point
of the tariff exists the discrepancy which he has noticed
between it and the postal convention to which he alludes.
“I am, with the highest consideration, your obedient servant,
“MANUEL HERRERA,”
I have the honor to forward this copy to your excellency for your
information, offering myself to your excellency as your obedient
servant.
