Mr. Day to Mr. Hay.
We are unanimously of the opinion that unless we are invested with discretion to allow for a limited period, not exceeding five years, Spanish vessels coming laden only with productions of Spanish growth and manufacture directly from the ports of Spain or of her colonies to enter ports of Cuba and Puerto Rico without paying other or higher duties on cargoes or tonnage than are paid by the United States vessels, it may be impracticable to obtain anything not contained in our ultimatum and therefore necessarily forming subject of mutual concession—such as Kusaie, and religious freedom in Carolines, the release of political prisoners, cable-landing rights, and revival of treaties in force between the two countries before the war. The privilege above mentioned is different from and much more restricted than that referred to in our telegram of 30th ultimo, and is in conformity with precedents cited in that telegram from Florida and Louisiana treaties. Early answer desirable.