Mr. Lane to Mr. Hay.

No. 16.]

Sir: I have the honor to advise the receipt this noon of the following telegram from Consular Agent S. C. Braida, at Limon, Costa Rica:

Rufus Lane,
Chargé d’Affaires United States Legation, San José, Costa Rica:

Cable for two men-of-war to be sent at once for protection. Martial law in force. Court closed by order of judge. Colonel Torres, executive delegate, says merchants must pay to day, March 30, duties paid the last revolutionary government, and if not paid as summarily demanded, they must suffer consequences. Clancy. Nicaraguan Government refused, point-blank, use of wires. Interview Torres this morning; received no satisfaction. Clancy. Forwarded. Braida.

[Page 560]

This request from Consular Agent Clancy, at Bluefields, Nicaragua, was evidently sent to Braida by sailing vessel on the 30th ultimo, and received by the latter this morning.

I have telegraphed the substance of this message to Minister Merry, at San Salvador, and if I fail to hear that the telegram has been delivered I shall cable the Department direct to-morrow.

With the assurance, etc.,

Rufus A. Lane,
Chargé d’Affaires ad interim.