Mr. Bayard to Mr. Preston.
Washington, February 18, 1889.
I have your telegrams of the 16th and 18th instant requesting this Department to order the detention of the Carondelet at Newport News and the Conserva at New York. In accordance with your previous requests [Page 528] full opportunity has been given for application to the judicial and customs authorities for investigation of facts in relation to both these vessels. The nationality and ownership of the Conserva, and the destination and objects of the cargo of the Carondelet, have been properly made the subject of investigation and decision by the officials of the appropriate Departments of this Government, and nothing has been brought to my knowledge which gives me authority to overrule, or ground to question their action in the premises.