Mr. Hay to Mr.
Buchanan.
Department of State,
Washington
,
November 17,
1898
.
No. 416.]
Sir: I confirm on the overleaf copy of your
telegram of the 16th instant, and of my reply of the 17th, in regard to
the recognition of the Hawaiian schooner Americana by the consul of this Government at Buenos
Ayres.
As you no doubt understand, the United States minister at Honolulu ceased
to discharge his diplomatic functions on July 4,1898, but until Congress
shall enact the necessary legislation our consul-general there has been
instructed to perform his commercial duties as heretofore, and in like
manner the consuls of the Hawaiian Government continue to perform their
commercial functions in the United States, and of course in foreign
countries, during the interval before Congress shall otherwise
provide.
Appending for your information copy of a telegram from the Acting
Secretary of the Treasury of the 17th instant upon the subject,
I am, etc.
[Inclosure 1 in No.
416.—Telegram.]
Mr. Hay to the
Secretary of the Treasury.
Department of State,
Washington
,
November 16,
1898
.
Our minister at Buenos Ayres telegraphs following:
Hawaiian schooner Americana, carrying
the flag of Hawaii, has arrived from St. John, where was
cleared by consul of Hawaiian Islands. That Government was
never represented here. Captain has applied the United
States consul. Will you please send telegraph instructions
for his guidance?
This Department is of the opinion that Hawaiian consul was correct in
clearing the vessel from St. John. Kindly give expression of your
opinion on subject in order that minister may be instructed.
[Page 7]
[Inclosure 2 in No.
416.—Telegram.]
Mr. Spaulding to
Mr. Hay.
Treasury Department
,
November 17, 1898
. (Received 10.35
a.m.)
This Department of opinion that clearance of Hawaiian schooner Americana, mentioned in your telegram of
yesterday afternoon, from St. John by Hawaiian consul should be
recognized by Government of Buenos Ayres and by United States
minister and consul there, and that our officers there should be
instructed to act for Hawaii in such matters so far as necessary and
proper.
O. L. Spaulding,
Acting Secretary.
