Mr. Blaine to Mr. Ryan.
Washington, March 24, 1890.
Sir: Your dispatch No. 255 of the 5th instant has been received. It relates to the case of J. H. Stilphen, master of the American schooner Robert Ruff, heretofore the subject of correspondence, against whom proceedings are pending in the Mexican courts on the charge of aiding the escape from Coatzacoalcos of a fugitive from justice in August last. You now transmit a note addressed to you by Señor Mariscal and a report from the consul at Vera Cruz, both stating that Captain Stilphen’s case had been removed to the district court at that place for reëxamination.
I note your reference to Señor Mariscal’s controversion, in his communication to you of February 27, of the allegations heretofore made in Captain Stilphen’s behalf, and his statement that upon investigation it is found that the Robert Ruff was within Mexican jurisdiction, being 2½ nautical miles from the coast, when the captain’s yawl overtook the schooner and put the fugitive on board.
It does not appear that the Mexican Government controverts the law of the case as laid down by this Government upon the statements submitted [Page 633] to us. Before sending you further instructions in the premises, the Department will await the development of the disputed questions of fact.
I am, etc.,