Mr. Woodford to Mr. Day.
Madrid, April 7, 1898.
Sir: In view of the fact that the President’s message covering the Cuban question was not sent to Congress on Wednesday, April 6 instant, as I had informed the Spanish Government, in my note to them dated April 6, would be done, it has seemed my duty, after most careful reflection, to withdraw the note in which I gave them this erroneous information. Accordingly I have this day addressed an official note to the Spanish minister for foreign affairs in the following terms:
Madrid, April 7, 1898.
No. 99.]
Excellency.
My Dear Sir: Since sending to your excellency my note, No. 98, dated April 6 instant, I learn from my Government that the President of the United States has not sent to Congress his proposed message covering the entire Cuban question, with such recommendations as he might deem necessary and expedient. I am further officially informed that such message will not be sent to Congress until Monday next, April 11 instant. As the fact upon which the urgency of my note was based has thus been postponed, it becomes my pleasant duty to withdraw my said note, No. 98, dated April 6 instant. I do this gladly, as it is very far from the purpose of the United States even to seem to put any pressure upon the action of Spain.
I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to your excellency the assurances of my most distinguished consideration.
Stewart L. Woodford.
To His Excellency Pio Gullon, Minister of State.
Having in view the instructions of the Department to treat the Spanish Government with all possible courtesy and consideration, while maintaining firmly the interests and stating clearly the duties of the United States, I am sure that you will approve my action in thus withdrawing unreservedly my note of yesterday, which was reported in full to the Department in my dispatch, No. 211, dated April 6, 1898.
Very respectfully, yours,