Mr. Powell to Mr. Hay.

No. 165.]

Sir: In reply to Department’s dispatch No. 93, of November 22, 1899, received in this mail, I have the honor to state I am awaiting further instructions in reference to the recognition of the present Government which has recently been established. I have not communicated with them as yet. I have several important dispatches to forward to them as soon as I hear from the Department.

I have written to our consul-general, Mr. Maxwell, at Santo Domingo, to furnish me with a detailed statement of the situation there. I expect an answer this week. I hope it will arrive in time, that I may furnish the Department with the information received.

I can not well leave by this steamer, whose sailing date is the 9th of the present month, even if instructions had been received, except the same were positive to depart immediately, on account of my quarterly returns, which are due the latter part of this month. Again the anniversary of independence (January 1) will be held within the next few weeks, at which time it is expected that each accredited representative will be present at the fête in commemoration of that event.

I have, et

W. F. Powell.