Mr. Bayard to Mr. Becerra.
Washington, April 22, 1885.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 21st instant, in the matter of the alleged violation of the neutrality laws by the American steamer City of Mexico.
I have hastened to communicate a copy of your note to the Attorney-General for his consideration. At the same time you will permit me to observe, having regard to your statement that the Colombian war, “which is aided and abetted in this country by the most flagrant violations of the duties of neutrality,” that such complaint under oath and the testimony of witnesses is necessary to the institution of judicial proceedings against any person accused of violating the neutrality act.
Accept, &c.,