No. 401.
Mr. Frelinghuysen to Mr. Valera.
Washington, October 9, 1884.
Sir: Your note received on the 8th, and laid before me this morning, states that certain persons named are publicly conspiring in New York against Cuba and propose to make a turbulent manifestation against Spain on the 10th instant. Your confidence that the United States will employ all proper measures in this country to frustrate the designs of those who would disturb the public peace of Spain is not misplaced.
If the “turbulent manifestation” anticipated should be a breach of the peace here, it will be checked by the local authorities. If it should prove to be only the gasconade of discontents it would be unwise to dignify it by official notice even if our laws afforded a censorship of mere speech.
At the same time the proceedings of any manifestation thought to be against the peace of Spain will be carefully watched as such proceedings may indicate contemplated overt acts unfriendly to Spain, which acts will be promptly suppressed, as the past action of this Government I am satisfied fully assures you.
By reason of the brevity of the notice you were able to give of the anticipated manifestation its true character cannot be more accurately conjectured than is herein indicated.
Accept, &c.,