No. 47.
Mr. Bayard to Mr. Jenks.
Washington, August 8, 1888.
Sir: I hand you inclosed a copy of a note this day received by me from Sir Lionel S. S. West, the British minister at this capital, in which on behalf of his Government he asks for a postponement of the sale of four British vessels seized last year in Behring Sea and condemned for violation of the United States Statutes regulating the killing of fur seal.
Although the right of statutory appeal may have been lost by lapse of time, yet I suppose that the proceedings in execution of the decree are within the discretionary control of your Department, and unless the delay asked for should cause irreparable loss, I hope you may find the power and disposition to grant it.
Will you acquaint me with your decision, and in case you have ordered a stay in the proceedings, to so inform me, that I can communicate it to the British minister?
Very respectfully, yours,