Office of the Historian

No. 421.
General Sickles to Mr. Fish.

United States Legation in Spain,
Madrid, August 27, 1873. (Received September 18.)
No. 706.]

Sir: I have the honor to forward herewith a translation of a note from the minister of state, dated 23d instant, replying to mine of June 15th last, respecting the imposition of fines upon foreign ship-masters for infractions of the peninsular customs regulations. It seems that this government is not disposed to reform the existing legislation on this subject, nor even to reciprocate our usage in the cases of lines imposed on foreign vessels. Under these circumstances it remains to be considered whether we should not modify our liberal course toward Spanish vessels, in the hope that Spain may be better able to appreciate the justice of our complaints when her own ships are exposed to the same inconveniences.

I am, &c.,

D. E. SICKLES.
[Inclosure.—Translation.]

Mr. Soler y Plá to General Sickles.

Ministry of State,
Madrid, August 23, 1873. (Received August 26.)

Sir: In addition to what I informed you in my note of June 21st ultimo, I have the honor to acquaint you that the minister of finance, to whom I communicated the note from your legation, dated the 15th of the same month, has declared the impossibility of reforming the customs legislation and restricting the powers of the collectors to impose fines for contraventions of the existing laws, especially as their decisions may be appealed from, and do not affect the right of the prejudiced parties to make reclamation against them to the general direction, where their complaints are considered, and no other criterion is known than that of strict justice and equity.

I avail myself, &c.,

SANTIAGO SOLER Y PLÁ.