Mr. Palmer to Mr. Blaine.

No. 4.]

Sir: Referring to the Department’s No. 8, of the 27th instant, I have the honor to report that in the absence of a reply on the part of the Spanish Government to a note of the legation of February 8, 1888, presenting the claim for the return of tonnage dues illegally collected from the American brig J. W. Parker, I have addressed a note of this date to the minister of state, requesting action on the case. As soon as I receive his reply the entire correspondence will be forwarded to the Department.

I have, etc.,

T. W. Palmer.