Mr. Leishman to Mr. Hay.
Therapia, August 9, 1904.
(Mr. Leishman reports that most positive assurance of a satisfactory settlement not later than Thursday has again been sent by the [Page 826] minister for foreign affairs, with an expression of hope that the visit of the fleet will be deferred. The Sublime Porte seems to be at last thoroughly alive to the situation, and desires most of all to avoid an unfriendly demonstration, and Mr. Leishman believes that the desired result may be attained by the strong position taken by the President and the Department without the visit of the fleet. He will, however, be prepared to follow Department’s instructions of the 8th instant, if occasion should arise.)