Mr. Gresham to Sir Julian Pauncefote.
Washington, February 12, 1894.
Excellency: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 7th instant, concerning the agreement by the governments concerned to extend the labors of the land commission in Samoa until the end of the present year, and expressing the hope that in view of the understood desire of the American commissioner to depart for the United States about the 31st proximo he might be instructed to remain at his post until the work of the commission had been completed.
In reply I beg to assure you that the Department duly appreciates the considerations advanced by you in regard to the desirableness of finishing the labors of the land commission without further interruption.
I take pleasure in adding that Mr. William L. Chambers, the American commissioner, has been advised by telegraph that the time of the commission has been extended until the end of the present year, and that the Department considers it highly important that he should, if possible, remain at his post until the work of the commission is completed.
This wish of the Department has also been emphasized by a letter addressed to Mr. Chambers, presenting at length its reasons for his continuance at Apia, and urging him to do so unless it shall be found absolutely impossible.
I have, etc.,