Mr. Rives to Mr. Strobel.

No. 326.]

Sir: I inclose a copy of a portion of a letter recently received from the Rev. Judson Smith relative to the amount of indemnity due the Rev. Mr. Doane for injuries inflicted on him by the Spanish authorities at Ponape.

You are instructed to press for compensation for proven losses and expenses and to suggest the pleasure with which this Government would view the tender to Mr. Doane of reparation proportionate to the personal grievances to which he has been subjected.

I am, etc.,

G. L. Rives,
Acting Secretary.
[Page 422]
[Inclosure in No. 326.]

Mr. Smith to Mr. Bayard.

[Extract.]

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the reception of your favor of the 20th instant in response to my inquiry about the purpose of the Spanish Government in respect to a proposed indemnity for the expenses and losses incurred in the affairs of Mr. Doane in Micronesia. I am pleased to note that this matter is distinctly involved in the correspondence between our Government and Spain, and that the attention of the Spanish Government has been called afresh to the subject.

One inquiry is contained in your reponse to which I make brief answer, namely, the amount that may properly be claimed from the Spanish Government. The direct outlay of money by our board to meet expenses connected with Mr. Doane’s arrest is not far from $1,000. The land occupied by the governor’s residence on Ponape formerly in possession of the American board is valued by Mr. Doane at $2,000. For this no compensation has been made so far as our information goes. Thus there is an equitable claim for at least $3,000. Beyond this it seems to me that something is due in view of the interruption of all our work on the island as well as the indignity to our Goverment involved in the arbitrary treatment to which Mr. Doane was subjected. It is not for me to attempt to fix a money equivalent for these things. We are quite content to leave it for our Government to place its own estimate upon these matters. If I should not be thought presuming I would suggest that a claim for at least $5,000 should be presented to the Spanish Government. Should this amount seem to you too small of course you will act according to your own judgment in the case. We shall be content with any arrangement that satisfies the claims above named, and that beyond this goes far enough to give the requisite security for the future peace of the Islands. * * *

I am, etc., your obedient servant,

Judson Smith.