Minister Powell to the Secretary of State.

No. 1811.]

Sir: I have the honor to inform the Department that Mr. Charles Cameau and Mr. Auguste Elie, members of the auditing committee, came to our legation and requested asylum. They informed me that according to law they rendered their yearly report to the legislative corps, in which they stated that in the expenditures of the government for 1903–1904, they could not find any vouchers for $5,334,099.53 (national money) and $748,499.65 American gold.

When the report was brought to the attention of the President he declared that it was false, and desired them to withdraw it and substitute another. This they refused to do, declaring their report to be correct. The President declared that it was an effort on the part of the committee to bring reproach upon his government; that they were in league with his enemies and conspirators, and were about to be shot.

I have given them asylum until the government gives them permission to leave the country.

I have, etc.,

W. F. Powell.

N. B.—Since the above was written these gentlemen have been permitted by the President to return to their homes, under his personal guarantee.

I am, etc.,

W. F. Powell.