Mr. Gummeré to Mr. Hay.

[Telegram.—Paraphrase.]

(Mr. Gummeré reports that the release of the captives is being delayed and that his position is becoming humiliating. He urges [Page 503] that, in the event of the failure of the effort reported yesterday for an exchange of captives, he may be empowered to present an ultimatum immediately claiming a large indemnity for each day’s further delay and threatening to land marines and seize the customs. Such action appears to be necessary to secure the release of the captives and prevent further delay.