No. 547.
Mr. Bayard to Mr.
Foster.
[Extract.]
Department
of State,
Washington, July 20,
1885.
No. 372.]
Sir: The Department has learned with much
gratification from your No. 333, of the 27th ultimo, of the final disposal
of the claim against Spain growing out of the seizure, detention, and sale
of the American bark Masonic by the authorities at the Philippine Islands,
more than six years ago. The decision of the arbitrator, Baron Blanc, is
equitable and satisfactory, and I take pleasure in sending you herewith, for
[Page 733]
delivery to the baron, a
letter expressive of this Government’s appreciation of his services.
* * * * * * *
Your supposition that the original decision of award should be deposited in
the Department of State is correct, and you are instructed to cause it to be
forwarded by the first convenient opportunity.
I am, &c.,
[Inclosure in No. 372.]
Mr. Bayard to Baron
Blanc.
Department of State,
Washington, July 20,
1885.
Excellency: It was with much gratification that
this Government learned, through General John W. Foster, the United
States minister at Madrid, of the final and equitable disposal of the
claim against Spain of the owners of the American bark Masonic by your
decision as arbitrator appointed by the two Governments to determine the
amount of the indemnity to be paid by the Spanish Government.
I take great pleasure in assuring you of the President’s high
appreciation of your services in this matter, which, as on a former
well-remembered occasion, have been so effective in bringing to a prompt
and satisfactory conclusion questions of controversy between the two
Governments.
I improve, &c.,
