No. 98.
Mr. Bayard to Mr.
Hall.
Department
of State,
Washington, October 7,
1885.
No. 294.]Sir: I have received your 410; of the 11th ultimo,
in relation to the alleged plottings against the peace of Honduras, and the
purchase of the steamer City of Mexico, to be fitted out at New York for a
filibustering expedition against that country.
In this connection, reference is here made to the Department’s previous
instructions, Nos. 285 and 288, of the 1st and 7th ultimo, concerning that
vessel and her intended mission.
Since then I have received a further letter from the Secretary of the
Treasury, of the 1st instant, reporting that upon a careful inspection of
the vessel’s cargo and equipment nothing appeared to be found in violation
of the neutrality laws of the United States, and asking whether, under these
circumstances, there was any objection to granting the City of Mexico a
clearance. I immediately replied that none was perceived, and it is
understood that the vessel has since sailed from New York.
I add, for your further information, a copy of Mr. Manning’s letter upon this
subject, with its accompaniments.
I am, &c.,
[Page 142]
[Inclosure in No. 294.]
Mr. Manning to Mr.
Bayard.
Treasury Department,
Washington, October 1,
1885.
Sir: Referring to previous correspondence, I
have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of a communication of the
30th ultimo from the collector of customs at New York, inclosing a copy
of the report of two inspectors of customs in regard to the lading of
the steamer City of Mexico, now under surveillance at that port. The
letter states that nothing in the cargo or equipments of the vessel
seems to be in violation of sections 5283, 5286, or 5287, R. S., and
that the collector’s office has no information tending to show an effort
to violate the neutrality laws in the employment of the steamer.
As the steamer proposes to sail to-day, I would thank you for a
telegraphic communication as to whether there is any valid objection to
the granting of a clearance.
I have, &c.,
[Inclosure in inclosure in No.
294.]
Mr. Redden to Mr.
Manning.
Custom-House, New York City,
Collector’s Office, September 30, 1885.
Sir: Referring to Department letter of 29th
ultimo (D. L. 13,204) and to reports of this office of 3d and 19th
instants, in the matter of the allegation that the steamship City of
Mexico was being fitted put at this port for a filibustering expedition
against Honduras, I herewith transmit copy of report this day received
from the surveyor to the effect that the cargo which has been laden on
the vessel consists of miscellaneous merchandise, hardware, glass, dry
goods, lard, machinery, &c., and 7 cases of cartridges, and ten kegs
shot; and that by the most careful inspection of each package laden
nothing is found in cargo or equipments showing violation of sections
5283,5286, or 5287, R. S.
No information has been received at this office tending to show intention
to violate neutrality law or, 5290 section, R. S.
As stated by the surveyor, the cargo laden is not of a suspicious
character, unless the 7 cases of cartridges and 10 kegs shot are so
considered.
It is understood that application for clearance of vessel will be made
to-morrow, the 1st instant, and your telegraphic instructions are
desired as to the action of this office.
I am, &c.,
Messrs. Meeks and
Garley to Mr. Beattie.
Custom-House, New York City,
Surveyor’s Office, September 30, 1885.
Sir: We have to report that the steamship City
of Mexico is now almost laden.
Her cargo consists of a miscellaneous lot of goods, such as is generally
exported to Mexico and South American ports, viz: hardware, glass, dry
goods, lard, machinery, &c.; also seven cases cartridges and ten
kegs shot.
By the most careful inspection of each package laden, we find nothing in
her cargo or equipments that would violate sections 5283, 5286, or 5287,
R. S.
Respectfully submitted.
MEEKS AND GARLEY,
Inspectors.
