The President to Mr. Day.
Washington , October 7, 1898 .
There are still 3,500 Spanish troops in Puerto Rico. No transports have been provided to carry them to Spain. Longer delay can not [be] permitted. Can you hasten transports? If troops can not be moved away on or before October 18, then, on that day, possession should be given to the American evacuation commission and notice should be so served. Whatever help the American Peace Commission can give in this direction should be given. The Cuban commissioners are evidently intent upon delay, and they have been notified that the evacuation must be completed by the 1st of December.