Mr. Blaine to Mr. Ryan.

No. 235.]

Sir: Adverting to Department’s instructions No. 244 of January 19, 1888, No. 30 of July 12, 1889, and to your No. 48 of July 22, 1889, all in relation to the claim of Howard 0. Walker, a citizen of the United States at Minatitlan, on account of insults and injuries undergone by him at the hands of Mexican authorities, I inclose copy of a letter of the 18th instant from Mr. M. F. Morris, of this city, in relation to the subject. I have to request at the same time that you again invite the attention of the Mexican Government to the case, determination of which appears to have been long deferred. Ascertain its present status and acquaint the Department with such information as you may obtain.

I am, etc.,

James G. Blaine.
[Inclosure in No. 235.]

Mr. Morris to Mr. Blaine.

Sir: In a letter of December 6, 1887, I presented to the Department of State the petition of Howard C. Walker, an American citizen sojourning in the Republic of Mexico, requesting the interposition of our Government on account of wrongs suffered by Mr. Walker at the hands of the Mexican authorities. Some correspondence ensued upon the subject, as will appear by the files of your Department. I was informed that our minister to Mexico, Mr. Bragg, had been directed to bring the matter to the attention of the Mexican Government, and that he had done so, and they had promised to give it due attention and investigation. I presume that promise is still good, and will continue to be made from time to time forever, according to the recognized methods of diplomacy. But Mr. Walker is as far off as ever from the reparation to which he is entitled.

Permit me to ask you to give the matter your consideration and to direct our minister to Mexico to bring it to a speedy settlement.

Very respectfully, etc.,

M. F. Morris.