Mr. Paz to Mr. Sherman.

Mr. Secretary: The misfortune that the United States of America has just experienced in the loss of the Maine, one of its important war vessels, as well as in the loss of many brave mariners who went down with her, victims to military duty, has caused in the mind of my Government a very sad impression.

In its name, as well as in my own, I have the honor to convey to your excellency a word of profound sympathy in so sad an occurrence.

Be pleased, your excellency, to accept it as an expression of the affection which Bolivia professes for the great republic of North America.

I renew, etc.,

L. Paz.