No. 16.
Mr. Blount to Mr. Gresham.
July 17, 1893.
Sir: The report which is forwarded herewith has been delayed by the slowness of movements of persons interested in either party; by the difficulty of communication with the several islands, and by a desire to assure myself of the true import of the facts testified to from time to time by a great number of persons.
Public documents had to be examined, as well as the testimony of a great number of witnesses, which was delayed in being transcribed from the stenographic notes from lack of clerical aid. This testimony will be promptly forwarded.
Few quotations have been indulged in lest this paper should attain inconvenient length.
I am, etc.,
Special Commissioner of the United States.