Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 3, 1900

Mr. Geldart to Mr. Hay.

New York , December 22, 1899 .

Sir: I read in the files of yesterday’s papers, re stoppage of merchandise shipped from this port to Delagoa Bay, that you had not as yet received any official complaint.

I had the honor of addressing you on this subject the 15th instant, and beg to inclose for your further guidance the original of a communication recently received from the local agents of the steamship Beatrice, sailing under the British flag, which is self-explanatory.

These particular goods consisted of American beer and lard, and I am extremely surprised at the action of the English authorities and would be glad to hear that you are doing something to extricate us from a serious difficulty.

This shipment was made to a Portuguese subject at Lourenco Marquez, and was merely a repeat order of similar merchandise forwarded at different times this year.

I also learn from the papers that a lot of provisions per steamship Mashona had been seized by the English authorities at Cape Town, and which were intended for Delagoa Bay; this also I am interested in, and unless prompt action be taken in the matter, American citizens acting in good faith are liable to make serious losses.

Respectfully,

R. W. Geldart.

[Inclosure.]

Messrs. Norton & Son to Mr. Geldart.

New York , December 14, 1899 .

steamship beatrice.

Dear Sir: We beg to advise that we are just informed that this steamer has discharged all of her Delagoa Bay cargo into lighters at East London, under orders of the British Government, and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the American and African Steamship Line bill of lading, clause 1, the steamship line is relieved of any further responsibility and goods are at the risk and expense of consignees after leaving ship’s side.

Yours, very truly,

Norton & Son,

Per J. H. B.