Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 7, 1896, and the Annual Report of the Secretary of State

Mr. Knight to Mr. Olney.

[Telegram.]

Cape Town, April 29, 1896.

My grounds are remarks of judge in passing sentence:

It is my painful duty to pass sentence according to law. I can only do so according to the law, leaving it to the President and executive council to show you any mercy. The great mercy and incomparable magnanimity which was shown to the civilized world during a time of great trouble and when a dastardly attack was made on the country, may yet be shown to you, but with that I have nothing to do.

Public opinion is that sentence will not be carried out.

Knight.