The record-union., 1896-04-29
Hays Hammond has created a pro-

found sensation in diplomatic circles.
The State Department has closely FOL
lowed the case from the date OF the ar
rest of Hammond and other Americans
and it is an open secret that the depart
ment already has a course marked OUT
to meet the present emergency. 1t is
now said by people who profess TO know
the intention Of the department that
when Secretary Olney asked the kind
ly Offices of the British Government in
behalf of Hammond he foresaw the
present serious turn of the case, and
knew that the time would come when
the active interference of Great Britain
in Transvaal affairs would be an imper-
ative necessity. The chances are that
the British Government will now make
an imposing demonstration against the
Beers. and force them to promise par
dons for Americans and Englishmen
found guilty of high treason and SEN
fenced to death.
The latest news from the State De-
partment is to the effect that the SEN
tence of Hammond has been committed
and that for this reason the American
Government will defer action in his
case until further details are received.
Secretary Olney to-day received
cable dispatch from C. H. Knight, the
United States Vice-Consul at Cape
Town, South Africa, announcing the
sentence of John Hays Hammond. 1t
said that Hammond and five others
had been condemned to death, but that
1t was understood that the sentences
would be commuted.
The subject formed a topic for dis
cussion at the Cabinet meeting to-day.
Ii is asserted here that the State De-
partment has official information to the
effect that Hammond and the other
leaders in the movement pleaded guilty
under the agreement that they would
not be punished severely. 1t is likely
the leaders will get off with heavy fines
and perhaps small sentences of i'm
prisonment Hammond is possessed of
considerable property in the South Af-
rican republic, and there has been a
disposition on the part of the Beers to
confiscate it. So far the attempt has
been frustrated, and sufficiently strong
representations from this Government
may prevent its accomplishment.
AT a late hour tonight your corre-
spondent was advised by the State De-
partment officially that a cablegram
had been received from Pretoria giving
assurance that only a nominal fine
would be imposed upon Hammond.
APPEAL FOR HIS PARDON.
WASHINGTON, April Ex-senator
Stewart prepared and circulated in both
houses of Congress to-day petition ad-
dressed to President Kruger, President
of the Transvaal Republic, asking him
n r6n Il
fact that such petition had been signed
and would be forwarded was cabled to
the Transvaal Government. The petit
tion, which was signed generally, is as
follows:
THE undersigned, members of the
Senate and House Of Representative of
the United States of America, respect
fully represent that John Hays Ham
mond is citizen of the United States:
a man of high character, and connected
with the best families in this country
and an engineer of ability We re-
gret exceedingly his unfortunate con-
nection with the trouble in your coun-
try, for which all our people entertain
feelings Of kindness and respect. In
view of the irreproachable character of
Mr.. Hammond in his own country. and
the high standing of his friends and
relatives, we earnestly ask for him
your most kindly consideration. If
your excellency should extend to him a
pardon for his offenses against your
Government, we would esteem il an
especial compliment to ourselves, as
well as to the people of the United
States.
Hoping that you will relieve Mr..
Hammond from the penalty of his con-
nection, we are your most obedient
servants" etc. etc