Mr. Dupuy de Lôme to Mr. Olney.
Washington, September 25, 1895.
Mr. Secretary: I have received telegraphic advice from the consul of Spain at Tampa stating that according to reports, which he believes true, there is danger of the expedition which for some time past has been in preparation by Enrique Collazo, sailing this or next week from waters in the vicinity of Cedar Keys [Florida].
The United States authorities have been notified, but have no means of preventing the violation of the laws because the revenue cutter on duty at Tampa is under repairs, and the commanding officer of the United States cruiser now at Key West told the consul, who requested his assistance, that he could not leave thence without an order of the Secretary of the Navy.
I deem it my duty to lay these circumstances before you to the end that you may be pleased to take such measures as you may think expedient.
I seize this opportunity, etc.,