Mr. Ryan to Mr.
Blaine.
Legation of
the United States,
Mexico, January 22, 1890.
(Received January 30.)
No. 215.]Sir: In connection with my No. 211 of yesterday, I
beg to transmit copy of a letter of 14th instant from J. H. T. King, United
States consular agent at Victoria, Tamaulipas, relative to the case of R. C.
Work.
Mr. King therein states that the judge informed him on the 13th instant that
the case of Mr. Work was closed, and sentence would be given in a few days.
Mr. King adds that Mr. Work was not able to get the evidence of Sisto and
Patricio Vega; indeed, that he was too poor to
[Page 627]
secure a good lawyer; also that the former sentence
will in all probability be sustained. He concludes by saying that “R. C.
Work, or his wife, or others through them, have resorted to the public
press, thus turning what sympathy they had here (Victoria) against
them.”
Should the decision of this court be adverse to Mr. Work, I shall make
application for a copy of the proceedings and the testimony in the case.
I am, etc.,
[Inclosure in No. 215.]
Mr. King to Mr.
Ryan.
Consular Agency of the United States,
Victoria, January 14, 1890.
No. 19.]Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your communication of the 4th instant.
The magistrate informed me yesterday that the case of R. C. Work is
closed, and that he will he sentenced in a few days.
The magistrate also requested me to state to you that a copy of the
record of Work’s trial was forwarded to the secretary of state, in the
city of Mexico, long ago, and that doubtless you could examine it.
Work tells me that he was not able to get the evidence of Sisto and
Patricio Vega. The fact is, Work is entirely without means and has not
been able to obtain the services of a good lawyer or anything else that
he needed. I have done all in my power to aid him, even supplying him
with funds, but he is obstinate and ungrateful to such a degree that I
have lost interest.
R. C. Work has returned to prison to day. He is confined in the jailer’s
room. He has been living in a private house since June last, and, in my
opinion, he has lately had many privileges granted to him, and much
leniency has been shown.
In all probability the former sentences will be sustained, but I do not
think Work will be long held in confinement.
R. C. Work, or his wife, or others through them, have resorted to the
public press, thus turning what sympathy they had here against them.
I have, etc.,
