Office of the Historian

Mr. Clayton to Mr. Hay.

Embassy of the United States of America,
Mexico, August 21, 1901.
No. 1052.]

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Department’s instruction No. 543, of the 18th ultimo, and the inclosures therein referred to.

After carefully studying said instruction, and the documents in the case, I have to-day addressed a note to Mr. Mariscal, copy inclosed, transmitting to him a copy of each of the following documents:

  • First. The pamphlet containing the brief of Messrs. Ralston & Sid-dons, dated February 21, 1901.
  • Second. The pamphlet containing the brief of Hon. John T. Doyle, dated February 22, 1901.
  • Third. The typewritten brief of the Hon. John T. Doyle, dated March 4, 1901.

I have invited the minister’s early consideration of the aforesaid documents, and have requested him that after such study of the same as he may be pleased to give, to inform me of the final conclusion of the Mexican Government concerning the question at issue.

In framing my note to Mr. Mariscal I was in doubt as to whether I should inform him of our Government’s unalterable conviction of the essential justice of the claim and the reasons therefor, as stated in my instruction, but finally concluded to adopt the course above reported, and to await the minister’s reply. Should the Mexican Government adhere to the position it has heretofore taken, as I anticipate it will, my present idea is to then conduct the negotiations verbally, first informing him of the attitude of the Government of the United States, and suggesting that in view of the two Governments being so far [Page 776] apart that we direct our efforts for the discovery of a way for a just and friendly settlement of the controversy.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

Powell Clayton.
[Inclosure.]

Mr. Clayton to Mr. Mariscal.

Embassy of the United States,
Mexico, August 21, 1901.

Mr. Minister: Referring your excellency to my note, dated December 19, 1899, and your excellency’s reply to the same of November 28, 1900, and to previous correspondence, all relating to the claim against Mexico growing out of the “Pious Fund of the Californias,” I have the honor to transmit herewith the following documents:a First, a pamphlet containing the brief of Messrs. Ralston & Siddons, dated February 21, 1901; second, a pamphlet containing the brief of Hon. John T. Doyle, dated February 22, 1901; third, a typewritten brief of the Hon. John T. Doyle, dated March 4, 1901, to which I respectfully invite your excellency’s early consideration.

After such study as your excellency may be pleased to give to these documents, I respectfully request that I may be informed of the final conclusion of the Mexican Government concerning the question at issue.

I have the honor to renew to your excellency the assurance of my high consideration.

Powell Clayton.
  1. Printed ante.↩