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 12, 1896 .

Urgent. The afternoon newspapers report that two American citizens, Charles Barnett and William Leavitt, captured on land, forming part of the Competitor expedition, are to be tried by ordinary court-martial of the marine jurisdiction. I beg that immediate instruction be given to our legation, Madrid, to ask suspension of the effects of the trial until our Government can be satisfied it is in conformity with the treaty, for I apprehend the condition of the treaty will not be observed.