Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 5, 1898

Mr. Day to Señor du Bosc.

Department of State,
Washington, February 17, 1898.

No. 361.]

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of to-day’s date, in which you advise this Department that you have received a telegram from the alcalde of Habana stating that the following resolution had been adopted by the ayuntamiento:

The catastrophe that has destroyed the cruiser Maine has most painfully smitten all hearts. The city of Habana offers to the American people the testimony of its grief, and asks the sad privilege of caring for the wounded and giving sepulchre to the dead. The ayuntamiento begs that there be transmitted to the President of the United States an expression of the heavy grief that weighs upon the city of Habana.

Copy of the above resolution was immediately communicated to the President.

The United States cousul-general at Habana has been instructed to state to the alcalde of Habana this Government’s appreciation of the kindly sentiments expressed by the ayuntamiento.

Accept, etc.,

William R. Day,
Acting Secretary.