Mr. Ryan to Mr. Blaine.

No. 298.]

Sir: Referring to Department’s instruction No. 235, dated April 23, 1890, relative to the claim of Howard C. Walker for injuries and ill treatment received by him at the hands of the Mexican authorities during his alleged wrongful imprisonment, covering a period of 4 years (1883–’87), at Minatitlan, I have the honor to advise the Department that, pursuant thereto, I addressed a note to the foreign office, dated the 15th instant, drawing anew the notice of the Mexican Government to the cases and requesting a reply without any further delay than may be necessary.

I am, etc.,

Thos. Ryan.
[Inclosure in No. 298.]

Mr. Ryan to Mr. Azpiroz.

Sir: I have the honor to advise Your Excellency that I am directed by my Government, in specific instructions just received at this legation, to again draw the notice of Your Excellency’s Government to the claim of Howard C. Walker, an American citizen, for injuries and cruel treatment received by him at the hands of the Mexican authorities at Minatitlan, State of Vera Cruz, during 4 years of alleged wrongful imprisonment at that place.

In this connection, I pray Your Excellency’s attention to my note of July 22, 1889, to Mr. Mariscal, calling the attention of the foreign office to the facts submitted to the Mexican Government in a communication from this legation dated February 13, 1888, and begging to be promptly advised of its conclusions in the case.

It is agreeable to reflect that the cordial relations existing between the two Governments, the quick sense of justice and the uniform courtesy that always characterize Your Excellency’s department, repel every possible inference of an unpleasant nature that otherwise might arise from the omission of Your Excellency’s Government to make any response whatever to the presentation of the case made to it by my Government more than 2 years ago; nevertheless, the right of the United States Government to be advised without unnecessary delay of the views of the Mexican Government touching its duties and obligations relative to this claim will, I doubt not, be cordially conceded by Your Excellency.

I therefore respectfully renew the request contained in my note of July 22, 1889, that Your Excellency communicate to this legation, at the earliest practicable moment, the conclusions of Your Excellency’s Government touching the merits of this claim.

I take pleasure, etc.,

Thos. Ryan.