Mr. Dupuy de Lôme to Mr. Olney.
Washington, November 14, 1895.
Mr. Secretary: I have evidence, in my judgment sufficient, to show that the American steamer Laurada, on her last voyage from the United States to Jamaica, took on board, in the waters of this Republic, an armed military expedition, organized in New York and Philadelphia, which she landed on the Island of Cuba at night, lending the said expedition all necessary aid in order to enable it to make war against a nation with which the United States are at peace.
The said steamer Laurada has returned, and, after remaining in New York for a few hours, has sailed and cast anchor at a distance of about 60 miles from Philadelphia, in the waters that wash the coast of the State of Delaware.
The consuls of Spain at New York and Philadelphia have laid before the competent judicial authorities the complaints required by law against such transgressions.
As I have reason to suspect, from the movements of the steamer Laurada, that she is trying to avoid the action of the courts, I take the liberty to call your attention to these facts, begging you to bring them to the notice of the Treasury Department, to the end that the revenue cutters may be instructed to cooperate with the judicial authorities, and detain the captain and the steamer where they now are, and turn them over to the judges who want them.
I avail myself, etc.,