No. 588.
Mr. Hay to Señor Mendez de
Vigo.
Washington, July 13, 1880.
Sir: Referring to your note of the 26th of April last, conveying information of a proposition of His Majesty’s government for a congress of maritime powers to discuss legislation for the international settlement of damages arising from collisions at sea, I have the honor to state that the Department is in receipt of a communication on the subject of your note, from the Secretary of the Treasury. That officer states it to be the understanding of his Department that the present mode of procedure in the case of collisions, which is the result of long experience, is not considered objectionable by persons engaged in maritime affairs, who, at the same time, it is believed, would deprecate a change from established precedents without strenuous reasons.
The Government of the United States, however, appreciates the good motives that have actuated the proposition for a Congress of this character, and is not prepared to pass judgment in advance upon the advantages or disadvantages which might result from the assembling of such a body. Should it appear from the communications on the subject which may be received from the various maritime powers that there exists a general disposition to accede to the proposition of which your note has made the Department aware, the Government of the United States would be glad to take the subject into further consideration.
Accept, sir, &c.,
Acting Secretary.