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

[Telegram.]

Mr. Williams to Mr. Olney.

Habana, May 8, 1896.

Competitor American citizens have not had opportunity to summon and examine witnesses and to be defended by counsel of their own selection. For their defense their only counsel at the trial was a Spanish naval officer. Captain-general and admiral both contend that they are not embraced in the treaty because not residents Spanish territory, therefore outlaws, and have been tried for piracy and rebellion, consequently have not had fair trials under the treaty.