Mr. Sherman to Mr. Romero.

No. 242.]

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 9th instant in reply to mine of the 31st last, expressing the willingness of your Government that the term for the arbitration of the Oberlander-Messenger claims shall not begin to run until August 1, 1897, in view of the fact that the arbitrator will not be ready to take up the cases before that time, and of the further fact that the United States is under necessity of preparing the cases in Spanish as well as English.

Article II of the protocol signed March 2, 1897, provided:

That each Government shall submit to the arbitrator within three months from the day on which both Governments shall receive official notice from Señor Don Vicente G. Quesada that he accepts the office of arbitrator by permission of his Government, copies of the correspondence, documents, and proofs which it has already submitted for the consideration of the other Government in respect of the two claims.

With the consent of your Government that provision of the protocol is superseded, and I understand that it is now agreed that each Government shall submit to the arbitrator on or before August 1, 1897, copies of the correspondence, documents, and proofs which it has already submitted for the consideration of the other Government in respect of the claims.

An exchange of notes to this effect is ample provision for this new change in detail of the agreement as contained in the protocol of March 2, 1897. Upon receipt of your reply accepting the new provision in lieu of the old the matter will be regarded as arranged.

Accept, etc.,

John Sherman.