Mr. Blaine to Sir Julian Pauncefote.

Sir: I have the honor to advert to the minute that was agreed to at the time of the visit of the Canadian commissioners to this Capital in October last, concerning the reciprocal privilege in wrecking, in case the Canadian parliament should pass an act similar to our own. [See act of Congress, approved May 24, 1890, vol. 26, United States Statutes at Large, p. 120, entitled, “An act to amend an act to aid vessels wrecked or disabled in the waters co-terminous to the United States and the Dominion of Canada, approved June 19, 1878.”]

It is understood that a bill, entitled “An act respecting aid by United States wreckers in Canadian waters,” was lately introduced in the Canadian parliament, and that it has actually been assented to by the governor-general.

If the Department’s information is correct, I shall be glad to receive a certified copy of the law, with two or three additional pamphlet copies thereof, for communication to the President and the Secretary of the Treasury.

I have, etc.,

James G. Blaine.