The note removes all doubt as to the interpretation which the Spanish
Government puts upon the royal order of 22d June, 1886, and the agreement of
13th February, 1884. While writing an acknowledgment I received the
cablegram instructing me to communicate to the minister the revocation of
the proclamation of 14th February, 1884.
I trust the prompt and necessary action of the President will dispose the
mind of the present Government to an early adjustment of all pending
disputes.
[Inclosure in No.
132.—Tranlsation.]
Mr. Moret to Mr.
Curry.
Ministry of
State,
Palace,
October 9, 1886.
Excellency: I have the honor to inform your
Excellency that I am advised by the minister of ultramar that he has
officially stated to the governor-general of the Island of Cuba that the
royal order of 22d June ultimo, ratifies and confirms that of 13th
September, 1884, it being understood by both that the third column of
the tariff is only applicable to the natural products of the United
States proceeding from its ports and shipped in its vessels directly to
the Spanish Antilles; therefore the equality of flag only embraces said
products and in the conditions set forth; but in no case foreign
products, even when the vessels in which they are carried are and
proceed from the United States.
This decision is the same as is contained in the two orders mentioned,
although it is set forth in different words, and the only proper one
conforming to the text of the agreement with the United States
faithfully and honestly interpreted, as the equality of flag referred to
in the royal order of 22d June, 1886, exclusively refers to the
merchandise and products belonging to said nation and in no case to the
others which through transshipment or otherwise maybe carried by its
vessels directly from the North American ports to those of Cuba and
Porto Rico.
I avail, &c.,
[Inclosure 2 in No. 132.]
Mr. Curry to Mr.
Moret.
Legation of the United States,
Madrid, October 14,
1886.
Excellency: Your note of the 9th October,
received yesterday, confirms what I telegraphed to my Government several
days ago as to the action of the Spanish Government in construing
adversely to the equalization of the Spanish and American flags the
royal order of 22d June last. After the notes of the 4th and 5th of
October, which I had the honor to address to your excellency, it would
be superfluous to express the astonishment and regret of the Government
of the United States at such unexpected action. On the 23d June I wrote
thus to your excellency:
“The official orders issued from the ministry of ultramar, placing products of the United States and products of
foreign countries transshipped in ports of the United States,
[Page 810]
carried to the Antilles in
vessels of the United States on an equal basis with such products
carried in Spanish vessels, &c., a copy of which, you did
me the kindness to send in advance of promulgation, will he received by
the Government of the United States with liveliest satisfaction, as
renewed proof of the friendly disposition of Spain, and of the desire to
promote larger and more unrestricted commercial intercourse.”
It was supposed that the royal order conformed to the understanding of
the United States in assenting to the agreement of February, 1884, and
paying an adequate compensation for the suppression of the differential
flag duties. The action of the Spanish Government practically nullifies
the agreement of 1884, as contemplated and executed by the United
States, and therefore leaves the President no alternative but to revoke
the proclamation of February 14, 1884, suspending the collection of the
10 per cent, duty imposed on the products of, and articles proceeding
from, Cuba and Porto Rico, under the Spanish flag.
I am instructed, therefore, to inform your excellency that the revocation
was proclaimed yesterday, but, in order to give reasonable notice, it
will not go into effect until the 25th instant.
The President of the United States takes this action most reluctantly,
being constrained thereto by the course of the Spanish Government.
For more than a quarter of a century the Governments of Spain and the
United States have been engaged in a contest of retaliatory tariffs. The
good and the wise and the peace-loving of both countries must alike
deplore this unprofitable and irritating strife. Civilization, good
government, international peace, the prosperity of both countries,
require the cessation of these retaliatory measures. Forbearing an
unavailing discussion of the past, the two Governments can, it is to be
hoped, agree upon some adjustment, not dilatory, but prompt, of all
questions of dispute. The Government of the United States holds itself
in readiness to co-operate with the sagacious statesmanship of the
present Government to effect a speedy and honorable settlement of all
questions which may engender irritation or prevent the fullest
commercial intercourse.
I avail, &c.,
