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. Springer to Mr. Rockhill.

United States Consulate-General,
Habana, December 3, 1896.

No. 246.]

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your cablegram, reading:

Washington, D. C., November 28.

I do not believe that protest at this preliminary stage of proceedings against “Competitor” prisoners can be of any avail. Obtain conclusions of preliminary inquest as soon as they are reached and cable Department. Watch all proceedings carefully.

Rockhill.

With respect to the prisoners, after the usual formalities a clerk from this office was allowed to visit them yesterday morning. He reports that Laborde returned from the hospital on November 26. All the prisoners had again made declarations before the military judge of instruction, Laborde having declared four times and Melton three times. Nothing is yet known respecting the conclusions of the preliminary examination. Their treatment and food continue the same.

I am, etc.,

Joseph A. Springer.