Mr. Snowden to Mr. Foster.
Madrid, January 3, 1893.
Mr. Snowden telegraphs that he earnestly pressed, according to instructions, the Mora claim in an interview just had with the minister for foreign affairs for that purpose. He says that the present minister of Spain at Washington can not act as suggested, owing to the impending departure of his successor for the United States. The minister for foreign affairs expressed the opinion that unless it was accompanied by an agreement on the part of the United States to admit Spanish claims against its Government, the Mora indemnity would never be voted by the Cortes, and said that his Government was willing to reopen negotiations, but did not concede the claims as presented. Mr. Snowden requests instructions as to which claim should have precedence, it being unadvisable in his judgment simultaneously to press two important claims for indemnity.