Mr. Williams to Mr. Rockhill.

No. 2946.]

Sir: In continuation of my dispatches Nos. 2933, 2934, and 2938, of the 30th ultimo and 1st and 2d instant, in relation to the capture of the American schooner Competitor, with several persons on board, near San Cayetano, on the north coast of this island, to the westward of Habana, I now have the honor to inclose for the information of the Department a copy, with translation, of the answer of the acting [Page 716] admiral of this naval station to my communication addressed him on the 30th instant in relation to this affair.

It will be noticed that the acting admiral informs me that the admiral in chief is absent from Habana on a cruise, and that as soon as he returns he will take under consideration and decide upon the several particulars presented in my said communication of the 30th ultimo, with the assurance that no essential determination will be taken in the meantime to the detriment of the rights of the American citizens engaged in this affair.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Ramon O. Williams,
Consul-General.
[Inelosnre No. 1, with dispatch No. 2946, Habana, May 5, 1896.—Translation.]

Sir: His excellency the commanding general of this station and squadron, to whom the exercise of the marine jurisdiction belongs in this island and that of Puerto Rico, being absent from the seat of government, there is no legal medium present through which to reply, in view of their judicial character, to any of the points to which your respectable official note of the 30th of April last refers.

The said authority having been informed by me of the capture of the schooner said to be called the Competitor, I am expecting his immediate return, and as soon as this occurs he will decide upon all the particulars treated of by you, my powers being limited to the inspection of the proceedings which are being carried on, in conformity with the provisions of the law of organization and attributions of the marine courts, and to assure you that in the meantime no essential determination will be taken in detriment to the rights of any citizen of the nation which you so worthily represent.

I have the honor to communicate the above to you in amplification of my communication to you of yesterday.

God guard you many years.

Jose Gomez Imas,
Second in Command of this Naval Station.

The Consul-General of the United States of America.