Minister Bowen to the Secretary of State.
Caracas, Venezuela, February 1, 1904.
Sir: This morning I had the honor to receive Mr. Loomis’s reprimand, contained in his instruction of January 22 last.
His reprimand, as I understand it, is intended to convey to me the idea that I should not have employed the usual polite diplomatic methods in trying to induce President Castro to continue the payments on the Hancox and mixed claims, but that I ought to have made my request in stern and strong language, and not have gone away satisfied with his mere promise to give the matter his attention.
My only answer to the reprimand is that last week, on the return of President Castro from a three weeks’ absence at the seashore, he sent me word that he would pay the said claims in full and without delay.
The minister of finance is now preparing the accounts and making arrangements for the purchase of a draft, which will be delivered to me at the end of this week or at the beginning of next week.
I am, etc.,