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

Messrs. Hopkins & Hopkins to Mr. Hay.

Washington Loan and Trust Building,
Washington, January 13, 1900.

Sir: Messrs. Flint, Eddy & Co., of New York, yesterday received the following dispatch from the Department:

One of the owners of goods seized by British naval authorities suggests that he would settle his claim by British Government paying value of goods at port of destination if voyage had not been interrupted. Do you wish Department to attempt settlement and payment of your claim same way?

In response to the foregoing, we have the honor to state, that reposing, as we do, the fullest confidence in the desire of Her Majesty’s Government to discharge, with promptness, all just obligations, we hesitate to offer any suggestion as to the method of settlement of claims which our clients may have growing out of the detention of their property off the East African coast, as we are not at present in possession of sufficient information upon which we might properly ask such a settlement. We therefore respectfully request that the matter be held in abeyance until the receipt of mail advices, when we will again address the Department.

Appreciating the promptness and energy which our representations have met at your hands,

We are, sir, your obedient servants,

• Hopkins & Hopkins.
• Per S. G. Hopkins.

Washington Loan and Trust Building,
Washington, January 13, 1900.

[Memorandum for Dr. Hill.]

Steamship Beatrice.—The last heard of this vessel was to effect that she had, by orders of the authorities, discharged her full cargo into lighters at East London.

Steamship Mashona.—Last heard of by shippers was still at Cape Town.

Steamship Maria.—Brindler & Co., Delagoa Bay, report that this steamer has arrived, after long delay, bringing cargo destined for their port. From this I am inclined to believe they mean that the portion of the cargo destined for themselves has arrived. We have advices to the effect that some of the cargo was discharged and retained at Durban, Natal.

S. G. Hopkins.