Mr. Olney to Mr. Dupuy de Lôme.
Washington, October 11, 1895.
Sir: In view of a memorandum handed to Mr. Adee on the 8th instant, embodying the substance of a telegram received by your legation from the Spanish consul at Key West in relation to apprehended violations of neutrality at New Orleans, Key West, Tampa, Pine Keys, and other localities in that quarter, I communicated with the respective Departments of this Government to the end that their agents in that quarter should take whatever steps might be necessary under the ascertained circumstances, and I have the honor to inform you that I am now in receipt of a letter from the Attorney-General stating that he at once telegraphed to the United States officials at New Orleans and in Florida, calling their attention to the information so received, and directing them promptly to investigate, take all possible steps to prevent violations of neutrality laws, and notify all other United States officers, including the commander of the U. S. S. Cincinnati.
Mr. Harmon adds that he has received a reply from the United States attorney at Tampa, Fla., stating that he is watching everything closely, and will do all possible to prevent violation of the statutes.
Should any further information require, other steps will be promptly taken by the Department of Justice; and I beg to call your attention to the advisability of instructing the consular representatives of Spain in Florida and New Orleans to promptly lay before the respective United States attorneys any facts of their knowledge or belief which may tend to further the interests of neutrality and justice.
Accept, etc.,