Mr. Taylor to Mr. Gresham.

No. 231.]

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herein, with translation, a copy of a note just received from the minister of state in reply to my note of the 27th ultimo, demanding permission for the missionaries to return to Ponape, a copy of which I mailed to you on that day. * * *

I am, etc.,

Hannis Taylor.
[Inclosure in No. 231.—Translation.]

Señor Moret to Mr. Taylor.

Excellency: I have read, not without surprise, in your note of the 27th instant, that the governor of the Caroline Islands has given a decision (is of opinion “dado un dictamen”) which, as your excellency is kind enough to inform me, is now in the possession of the U. S. Government, by which he recommends the return of the Methodist missionaries to Ponape. I am surprised, because the ministry of state and perhaps not even the ministry for the colonies, has no knowledge of such a document, and also because a local governor is not vested with the power and authority to perform an act of this nature. The governor-general of the Philippine Islands, the only authority directly responsible to the Government of the nation, is alone authorized to take such a step, and it is upon his judgment alone that the Government could base the decision which your excellency urges upon me with such interest.

Nevertheless I have hastened to inform the ministry of the colonies of the contents of your note, and have asked with urgency for all information regarding the matter which may be in the possession of the ministry, with the purpose of basing upon official data the reply which I propose giving to the petition which your excellency presents.

I avail, etc.,

S. Moret.