New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-01-17
RALPH KELLER.
CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO THE
MISSING CORRESPONDENT.

COkklsSIOND41NNb
MISSING CORRESPONDENT.
rRoGRrss OF TIE OFFICIAL INQURIEs-PROBABIL-
TITS OF MURDER-ACuoN OF THE STATE Dr.
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. BY SPANISH OFF
GALS.
twill be seen by the following letters and official
documents that every effort has been made to clear
MP the mystery attending the the death of our cor
respondent, Ralph Keller, who disappeared in such
an unnaccountable manner from the steamer Glen
fuegos between Santiago and Manzanllo. Thus far
nothing has been discovered that throws any clear
light upon the tragedy but ii is pretty conclusivey
shown that no ground exists for the violent SUPPOSE
ton thrown out in some quarters that Mr. keeler
Jumped overheard in fit of sudden insanity. The
first lettor Is addressed by one of Mr.. keelers
relatives to the Secretary of state, asking for an
official investigation. Our efficient Consul General
at Havana however, Mr.. II. c. Hall, had anticipated
the instructions of Government, and already set
on foo. a thorough inquiry.
MIR. MACHIN TO SECRETARY FISH
No q PARK ROW NEW-YoRK. Jan g. 1874
S,r I have me honor 10 address YOU relative to the
supposed death OF MIR. Ralph kccler, my broher-inaw
who disappeared from tue Spanish mail steamer Glen
fuegos the night OF Dec H. ls3 while route from
Santiago dc Cuba 10 Havana Mr. Keller left New YORK
Nov Is last as correspondent OF The NEW,fORh IRIB
cceded 10 Santiago While pursuing his mission there,
hc became apprehenSlye that he was being followed by
epes. aud applied To Capt Bi'lhe' coimahuhs OniDeu
States slo0p oi-war Juniaa. for protection (oee CORE
hp ,
remained ON board the Juuiata Two or thTee dd3 -
during which time he went ashore al his pleasure On
and between that port and Maulanlllo disappeared,
and has not been heard from annex
Trnw I,Vans' SaieH Dec %. ewing hsntellgence of
the disappearance together with the report OF INC oc
tt , IN 'Ngw YORK TElBTNE correspondent
at Havana, dated Dec. 81. also annex as EXhlhlt
tnited Sates consul at Manzanlo relating to the sub
iert which extracts were forwarded from Havana by
E TRIBUNE correspondent at that place AS r5eaIus
statements IN one Of these extracts tha suhiS re-
marks Of Mr.. k,eIer In his notebook memoranda ana
other paper, ird' soue 70 upbo wa, "e was that ne
memorandum tue first page of his private records,
h hSna Salph Kr 'ii" Of Cam6rdge, Mas T. s. A.
write to NY brotterin-aw. Mr.. C. IT, Machn. LAWYER,
written therein, long before he went to Cuba, and was
supply precautionary measure that any prudent
,e smcrcon nasstort dated London April 49, 1872 and
signed by Minister Scheuck Is not very remarkable
had e nm Elrore In 1s72 and which had been left in
hs trunk. fnose who. knew Mr. Keeler
best 30 not credit the theory Of insanity, and
unto annexed Of Capt Braiue and Mr. Gerald
McKenuy OF The NcrY0rk Herad. From all the cir
cumstInces Surrounding the case we are forced TO the
conclusion that Mr.. keeler murdered on the Glen
fucgoS. between Santiago and Mauzanlo; whether Tor
political reasons, ms profession or ms money can Ohy
be surmi,ed. The opinion OF capt Brane on TINS point
consideration MI keeler was born IN ONO. and was
well and favOrabY known throughout The country as a
tyes friends present this case to you
respectfully request that thorough investigation
may had possible the mystery brought TO hight
have the honor 10 be- oI very respectfully your ODE
dIcut servant. I. ii. MACHiN
The Hon. Hamilton Fish, Secretary Of state, Washing
ton. 10. C.
LITTER FROM CAPT BRArNE To Mr.. MlCHTx
II :. STEAMER JUNIATA NANl-HARD, y. Y, Jan &, 1874
DEAR SIR | acku0wled-e the receipt OF your letter OF
the "a INST the evening of the 5th ns rel
attve Mr.. Ralph Keller. You desire answers 40 the
following questions:
l. Your opinion nine) "a 10 the sanity OF MI Keller
when last saw hun.
When last saw Mr.. Keller believed hun TO be per-
fectly
H. Your (minel opinion based upon your well known
ACQUAINTANCE with Cuba and Cubaus and from what
YOU your last visit there as 10 the manner OF
Ralph keeer's deathi
believe that he met with fOul play aboard the
steamer which hc took passage from Santiago de
Cuba which opinion is based on the welknown treach-
cry OF these people connection with the TACT That
desired protection and board this snip on
H. where he remained uutil Dec. Ia, when he lett
take the ana no doubt his stay
board assured him Of safety on shore with these
people which after events proved, III my OPINION not
warranted aud most unfortunate.
lnClOsc a copy OF Mr.. Kecler's letter 10 me,
dated Dec. ~ also copy Of my letter Consul 4. y.
Young relative no Mr.. KeeloT dated Dee ~ also copy
Of Consul 4. y. IOungs letter TO me III respOne 10 my
communication of that date.
Very respectfully, your Obdt. servant,
ID. L. BRAINE. Com. L. :. y.
Commanding u. :. :. Juniaa.
Charles. II Machn. esq.