Office of the Historian

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.

John Hay.
[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.

John Hay.
[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.