Mr. Taylor to Mr. Gresham.
Madrid, August 19, 1893. (Received September 11.)
Sir: I beg leave to remind you that the very able note (No. 16) recently addressed by the Department to the Government of Spain, touching the settlement of the Mora claim, reduces that matter to the single issue of payment.
When I consider all the circumstances of embarrassment which will attend the settlement by the Spanish Government of either demand, coupled with the great delay which has already taken place as to both, I am convinced that nothing practical will ever be accomplished as to either without a firm, may be a stern, insistence upon the issues as made. At the same time I clearly perceive how embarrassments may arise out of a too aggressive insistence. I would, therefore, be happy to receive an intimation as to the attitude which you desire I should assume as to these matters, whenever it may become necessary for me to take personal action at all. If replies do not come within the usual time shall I press for them? Is it your desire that I should, at the proper time, have personal interview as to these matters with the minister of state? If so, shall I press their settlement upon him in a way that will convince him that the Government of the United States is now in earnest? Any intimation which you may give will become my rule of action.
I have, etc.,