Mr. Loomis to Mr. Clayton.

No. 1153.]

Sir: Referring to your previous correspondence reporting the release of Messrs. Harding and Dugat from prison in Mexico on bond, I inclose herewith a copy of a dispatch from the American consul at Matamoros, reporting that the bond for $300 given by those gentlemen is still in force, and that the case has never been settled. He furthermore says that Mr. Harding is very anxious to visit his family, in Houston, Tex., one member of which is sick, but is prevented from doing so by the conditions of the bond.

You will take such action for the relief of Mr. Harding as you may deem appropriate.

I am, etc.,

Francis B. Loomis,
Acting Secretary.
[Inclosure.]

Mr. Griffith to Mr. Loomis.

Sir: I have the honor to address the Department of State relative to the case of Harding and Dugat. This is probably the most important case which has required the intervention of this office during the present year.

The result of my appeal to the Department of State was a lowering of the bond from $2,000 gold to $300 Mexican, and the defendants allowed to go beyond the city limits to their-rice farm, which is situated about 3 miles from the city. This last bond of $300 still remains in force, and the case has never been settled. The defendant, Mr. Harding, is very anxious to visit his family, in Houston, Tex., one member of which is sick.

I have written to Lie. José H. Serret, district judge at Nuevo Laredo, to whose court the case has long since been transferred, asking him to be kind enough to inform me when the case would be determined, but have received no reply. I wrote also to Ambassador Clayton, urging him to have the matter attended to, and further advising him that if the courts here did not see fit to settle the case soon I would be compelled to lay the whole matter before the Department of State for such action as it deemed proper.

* * * * * * *

I am, etc.,

P. Merrill Griffith.