No. 521.
Mr. Reed to Mr.
Frelinghuysen.
Legation of
the United States,
Madrid, February 5, 1885.
(Received February 24.)
No. 301.]
Sir: Referring to your instruction No. 289, in
regard to the translation of manifests in Cuba and Porto Rico, I beg to
inclose a copy of my note to the minister of state upon the subject, dated
the 8th December, 1884. The minister replied on the 3d ultimo that the
subject had been referred to the minister of ultramar.
I have, &c.,
[Inclosure in No. 301.]
Mr. Reed to Mr.
Elduayen.
Legation of the United States,
Madrid, December 8,
1884.
Excellency: On the 13th June last, a royal
decree was issued abolishing in the islands of Cuba and Porto Rico the
customs-house interpreters and requiring the masters of vessels entering
the ports of those islands to have their manifests translated at their
own expense. It would seem that this decree affords no protection
against fines or penalties incurred on account of mistakes in manifests
resulting from such translations. It also appears that the masters of
vessels are compelled to guarantee in all cases the exactness of
translations, and be responsible for errors of the interpreters.
In view of the fact that the great majority of the masters of United
States vessels are not familiar with the Spanish language, this rule
seems harsh and unfair, and if strictly enforced will result in great
hardships. My Government deems it just and proper, therefore, that
whenever it is made to appear to the satisfaction of the authorities
that the failure to have a correct manifest is due to a mistake in the
translation, no forfeiture or penalty should be incurred.
I am, consequently, instructed to present the subject to the attention of
your excellency, and to request that the decree in question may be
modified to the extent above indicated.
I gladly avail &c.,
