Mr. Bryan to Mr.
Hay.
Legation of the United States,
Petropolis, September 15,
1902.
No. 454.]
Sir: In reference to the Department’s
telegraphic instruction of July 30 and to my No. 438 of August 4,
regarding the appeal of E. H. Muller for Thomsen & Co., of Rio
Grande do Sul, against an attachment threatened by the local authorities
in the event of his failing to pay an exorbitant inheritance tax, I have
the honor to send herewith a copy of a letter from Consular Agent
Vereker. He therein communicates the gratifying information that Mr.
Muller with his attorney has proceeded to Porto Alegre, the State
capital, there, pursuant to my advice, to seek a compromise through the
executive.
I have, etc.,
[Page 113]
[Inclosure.]
Mr. Vereker to
Mr. Bryan
Consular Agency of the United States,
Rio Grande do Sul, September 4, 1902.
Sir: I beg to acknowlege the receipt of
your letter of the 4th ultimo concerning the Thomsen case.
Mr. Edward H. Müller has been informed of the contents of the same,
and he has requested me to transmit his thanks to you for the
interest you have taken in connection with this affair. He received
in due time your message communicating that the governor had
promised delay, for which he is obliged.
By the steamer Itaperuna, which left our port
this afternoon, he proceeded to Porto Alegre, where, together with
his attorney, he will endeavor to arrive at a reasonable agreement
with the State authorities in reference to the inheritance tax to be
paid by the heirs of the Barao de Thomsen.
Mr. Müller’s lawyer at Porto Alegre is in friendly relations with the
President and other members of the Government; I considered
therefore it would not be of great value my going up there.
I am, etc.,
