Mr. Olney to Baron von Thielmann.

Excellency: I have the honor to inclose for your perusal and consideration a copy of a communication1 received from the United States circuit court commissioner at Savannah, Ga., in regard to one Jacob Franck, a seaman on board the German steamer Maria Elizabeth, who, having been discharged from that vessel, or having deserted, in December, 1895, has become a charge upon the community by reason of insanity.

As a destitute German seaman, his case is presumed to fall within the provisions usually made by Governments for the relief of their merchant seamen left destitute in foreign countries, and under this aspect it may be capable of disposition without consideration of the alternative phase presented by his insanity and pauperism, in which latter alternative the matter may be properly one for the cognizance of the Secretary of the Treasury in execution of the provisions of the immigration statutes of the United States.

Accept, etc.,

Richard Olney.
  1. Not printed.