SeƱor Hurtado to Mr. Blaine.

Sir: Viewing the payment of import duties, to which hides and coffee, the produce of Colombia, are subjected upon their introduction into the United States as an existing fact, on the justice of which it is neither my purpose nor intention to touch in the present communication, I beg to observe that there are many nations which gratuitously enjoy the privilege of importing into the United States of America, hides and coffee, the produce of the respective country, under section 2, of the law of 1st October, 1890, and therefore exempt from duty The Argentine Republic, Uruguay, Mexico, the Netherland Colonies, Chile, and Peru, may be taken as examples of the nations referred to. To these, the provisions of the second section of the tariff law freely give the privilege of introducing into this country, exempt from import duty, hides and coffee of their own production.

It is, therefore, obvious that particular favors in respect to commerce are freely granted by the United States of America to certain nations; and, consequently, that one of the two prerequisite conditions laid down in article 2 of the existing treaty of 1846, either of which conditions being fulfilled is sufficient to give effect to the respective stipulation in said article, has been called into existence. Under these circumstances I am directed to represent to the Government of the United States that the Government of Colombia maintains that the favor which is gratuitously and freely granted to other nations, as above set forth, should immediately become common to Colombia, who can not be deprived the enjoyment thereof without the violation of express treaty stipulations.

Trusting you will concur in the correctness and justness of these conclusions my Government further instructs me to request that measures may be taken that will render operative the right accruing to Colombia under the above-stated condition of things.

Accept, etc.,

J. M. Hurtado.