* surgeon. He may not convene a public meeting without first going to some official and getting his permission. Further, they have not only the rights of citizenship denied them, but are heavily taxed for educational purposes, from which their children can derive no benefit, as the Government insists on nothing but the Dutch of Holland being taught in their schools-a language almost as foreign from the South African Dutch patois as English. Municipal control is even denied them, taxation of the necessaries of life is iniquitous in its heaviness, I have, etc., CLIFFORD H. KNIGHT, Vice-Consul. Mr. Manion to Mr. Olney. [Telegram.] JOHANNESBURG, February 28, 1896. Amawaiting result preliminary examination before dispatching report. Transvaal Government shows every disposition to treat prisoners leniently, and has been considerate and friendly toward all United States official representatives. Hammond and other American prisoners now in Johannesburg awaiting legal proceedings. MANION. Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Knight. No. 74.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, March 7, 1896. SIR: I inclose for transmission to Mr. J. C. Manion, consular agent at Johannesburg, a copy of a telegram from Mr. Hammond, one of the Americans under arrest at Johannesburg, expressing his appreciation of Mr. Manion's efforts in his behalf, and saying that he is well treated by the Transvaal Government. I am, etc., W. W. ROCKHILL. [Inclosure in No. 74.-Telegram.] Mr. Hammond to Mr. Olney. JOHANNESBURG, March 4, 1896. Please record my appreciation of Consul Manion's efforts my behalf. He has shown zeal and good judgment; rendering me great service. Am well treated by Government. Preliminary trial next week. I have no fear ultimate result, as I am innocent of attempt to overthrow Government, though participated in reform movement. HAMMOND. Mr. Olney to Mr. Knight. [Telegram.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Mrs. Hammond's cable of this date received. You are instructed to make urgent representations to the Transvaal Government in the line of Mrs. Hammond's telegram and to say that the Government of the United States earnestly desires Hammond's trial may be postponed until it can be had with safety to his health. OLNEY. Mr. Manion to Mr. Olney. [Telegram.] CAPE TOWN, April 20, 1896. Hammond is at Cape Town under $100,000 bail, where I am investigating his case, having come from Johannesburg for the purpose. His health is in precarious condition, so testified to by seven leading physi cians. Trial of reform committee commences 24th, necessitating his departure to-morrow. If he goes to Transvaal now will probably succumb. On April 15 I made request of Transvaal Government for his exemption from appearance pending his recovery, notifying the State attorney of my intention to come here and personally investigate. Simultaneously herewith I am telegraphing the State attorney certify. ing further to Hammond's serious condition, and asking that he be allowed to be represented by attorney or allowed trial after recovery. If consistent, would like you to wire Transvaal Government direct asking consideration for representations made through my office. Please grant immediate attention. Mr. Knight to Mr. Olney. MANION. [Telegram.] CAPE TOWN, April 28, 1896. Hammond, with other leaders, pleaded guilty. Have been sentenced death. Understood sentence will be commuted. Mr. Olney to Mr. Knight. KNIGHT. [Telegram.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Have yours of 28th. Report immediately ground for understanding that Hammond's sentence will be commuted. OLNEY. Mr. Knight to Mr. Olney. [Telegram.] CAPE TOWN, April 29, 1896. My grounds are remarks of judge in passing sentence: It is my painful duty to pass sentence according to law. I can only do so according to the law, leaving it to the President and executive council to show you any mercy. The great mercy and incomparable magnanimity which was shown to the civilized world during a time of great trouble and when a dastardly attack was made on the country, may yet be shown to you, but with that I have nothing to do. Public opinion is that sentence will not be carried out. KNIGHT. Mr. Knight to Mr. Olney. [Telegram.] CAPE TOWN, April 29, 1896. Have been officially informed sentence death commuted. Further particulars will be wired. KNIGHT. Mr. Chapin, Acting United States Consular agent, to Mr. Olney. [Telegram.] JOHANNESBURG, May 2, 1896. No decision yet as to substitute sentences. Hope for five [fine] and banishment. Hammond's health uncertain Have asked Government to allow him out of jail under restrictions. Have I full powers in treating with Government as to prisoners? Hammond and others desire it. Please refer to President. CHAPIN. Sentences commuted. Mr. Chapin to Mr. Olney. [Telegram.] PRETORIA, May 20, 1896. King, Mein, Butters, released. Clement, five Lingham, three months' imprisonment. All £2,000 fine. Hammond sentence not yet fixed. Strongly advise asking that all sentences be reduced to fine only. months, perhaps longer. CHAPIN. Mr. Chapin to the President. [Telegram.] DURBAN, May 29, 1896. Hammond returned to Pretoria from Cape Town after the other leaders had pleaded guilty, by the advice of counsel, to a minor form of treason, the statute penalty for which they understood would be banishment. Against his judgment Hammond also agreed to plead guilty to the same charge, but judge unexpectedly interpreted plea and facts so as to bring them in under the old Roman Dutch law, penalty under which may be death. Hammond confident he can prove his innocence if case can be reviewed. * CHAPIN. Mr. Chapin to Mr. Olney. [Telegram.] PRETORIA, May 30, 1896. All prisoners released except six, including Hammond. Hope for his release soon. CHAPIN. Mr. Knight to Mr. Olney. [Telegram.] CAPE TOWN, June 11, 1896. Reform leaders released. Fined £25,000. No banishment. No. 150.] Mr. Knight to Mr. Rockhill. CONSULATE OF THE UNITED STATES, Cape Town, June 15, 1896. (Received July 18.) SIR: I have now to advise the Department that the sentences of Mr. Hammond and the other reform leaders have been now commuted to a fine of £25,000 each. This amount having been paid, they were released from jail on the 11th instant, to which effect I wired you as per copy of cable inclosed. The banishment clause has also been withdrawn upon their signing a written pledge that they will not interfere in the internal or external affairs of the country forever. This was signed by all the leaders with the exception of Colonel Rhodes, who refused to sign; consequently banishment was put in force, and he was escorted over the border the next day. I am, etc., C. H. KNIGHT, Vice-Consul. No. 111.] SPAIN. MALTREATMENT OF JOSÉ M. DELGADO. Mr. Olney to Mr. Dupuy de Lôme. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, SIR: I have the honor to call your attention to the accompanying copies of papers relating to the cases of Dr. José Manuel Delgado and his father José Gregorio Delgado. I especially call your attention to the letter of Consul-General Williams to the Governor and Captain General of Cuba, dated the 26th of March, ultimo. The demands made by Mr. Williams seem to me to conform to the unquestionable facts of the case, and to be in every way reasonable and proper. I desire to ask your intervention with General Weyler that justice may be done to American citizens without further delay. Accept, etc., [Inclosure 1 in No. 111.-Translation.] RICHARD OLNEY. Mr. José G. Delgado to Mr. Williams. LA MANIGUA (THE BUSH), March 10, 1896. SIR: I have to inform you that this is the fourth letter I have addressed you in regard to the desperate situation of my son and myself, persecuted by the Spanish authorities, who desire to consummate the death of my son, who is now almost expiring from the terrible bullet and machete wounds inflicted by command of General Melguizo. As they have discovered that he did not die instantly, he is now being eagerly sought for that he may not give information about this horrible deed. They also wish to kill me; but we are now in the bush (manigua) endeavoring to frustrate their criminal intentions, and I believe in good faith that we can not save ourselves if you do not tender us your efficient aid. In order not to be deceived again we will not trust them, and we will not go with them unless you or some other person of your confidence accompanies us to the capital. Imagine my son almost mortally wounded, wandering about in the bush (manigua) so that the Spaniards may lose our tracks. I am writing this letter on my knee for want of something better; my bed is a panier basket (ceron) covered with yaguas, that of my son being an old cot used when he was picked up at a piece of plowed ground. The best thing would be to bring a litter. He can not move from the position in which he was placed when found, and is still without medical attendance or medicines. I repeat he is in a critical condition and demands immediate relief. |