No. 689.
Mr. Bayard
to Mr. Thompson.
Washington, November 30, 1888.
Sir: I transmit herewith for your information add guidaoce, copy of a note* which I have addressed to Mr. Stephen Preston the representative oi Hayti in this eountiy, setting foith the confederations which make it impossible for this Government to accept as valid the seizure and condemnation of the steamer Haytian Republic.
The examination of the very full and intelligent report received from Captain Bamsey, of the U. S. S. Boston, with th-e papers and correspondence therewith submitted, left no ground for doubt as to the entire justice of the positive conclusion of this Government in the premises, and as the administrative authorities now in power at Port au Prince appear to have deferred the examination and decision of the &ase of the Haytian Republic to the Govefximeat of the Dnitol States Mr. Preston’s powers will Sio doubt suffice to enable the question to be disposed of without delay.
While you will afoid any renewal of discussion at Port aa Prince, and distinctly decline it should it be proposed, you will not fail to impress upon those assuming the responsibility of speaking for Hayti in the conduct of her relations to the United States that this Government has considered /t to be sufficient to convey its decision of the case of the Haytian Republic in order to have it promptly accepted and voluntarily acted upon by Hayti.
It is necessary, therefore that you should receive from the Haytian authorities assurances of the immediate replacement on the steamer Haytian Republic of those portions of her machinery which it is understood were removed under their orders, so that she may be restored to her usual sea-going capacity and fitness for maritime service.
I am, etc.,