The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1900-02-22
OPENING OF MACRUM'S MAIL.
HAY SAYS STATE DEPARTMENT
WAS NEVER TOLD OF 1T.
Report Made to the House by the
President Says ex-COnsuI at Pre-
plaint-NO Secret Alliance with
England Because Such Is Impossi-
Bile Under the COnstitution-Eng-
land Denies knowledge.

England Because Such Is Impossi-
Bile Under the ConstitutiOn-Eng-
land Denies Knowledge.
Washington Feb. 2l.-The answer of
the state department to the House resolu-
tion calling for information regarding GER
tain charges made by the late Consul Ma
crum was transmitted to the House to-
day by the President 1t is signed by
Secretary Hay, and after reciting the res
olution, says:
Answering the first part of the resolu-
ton The department of state has been
in regular communication by mail and tel
egraph with Charles f. Macrum, late con-
sui of the United States at Pretoria South
African Republic, since his entrance upon
the duties of the office. Communications
made to him have been answered and the
execution of Instructions sent has been re-
ported by him. His dispatches TO the de-
partment forwarded through the consul
ate at Lorenzo Marquee have during that
time been regularly received.
Macrum's Only Complaint.
The only instance of complaint in re-
! spect to the transit of the mails for Lso-
renzo Marquee and Pretoria was In No
vember last, when a temporary stoppage
of the mails occurred at Cape Town,
against which Mr.. Macrum and the con-
sui at Lorenzo Marquee protested. Ar
rangements were made for the prompt de-
livery of the consular mails to the United
States consul general at Cape Town, by
whom the mail for Mr. Hollis and Mr..
Macrum was forwarded 10 Lorenzo Mar
quez. The delay lasted but a few days,
and has not recurred so far as the de-
! partment is advised.
After that time the department. mail
| for Lorenzo Marquee and Pretoria was
sent by a neutral route, which it appears
was known and open TO Mr.. Macrum and
| Mr.. Hollis early as Nov 16 last No
| obstacle, therefore. is here known TO have
existed since then to Mr. Macrum's un-
| hampered correspondence with the depart
| ment of state. AT no time while at hds
| post did Mr.. MaJrum report to the de-
partment any instance of violation by
| opening or otherwise of his official mail
| by the British censor at Durham or by
| any person or persons wha tsoever. there
I or elsewhere. Neither has he so reported
| since he left Pretoria although having the
| amplest opportunity to do so by mail
while on the way home and in person when
| ne ICilOflGu ~ utkiA lliItAlN upOil it-
! turn.
As 10 Secret Alliance.
Answering the second part of the afore-
said resolution, ttle undersigned, Secretary
| of State, has the honor to say that there
Is no truth in the charge that secret
alliance exists between the republic of
| the United States and the empire Of
| Great Britain; that no form of secret alli-
once is possible under the constitution of
the United States. Inasmuch as treaties
| require the advice and consent of the Sem
ate no such understanding exists be-
tween tho United States and any other
| ma ton.
Department of State, Feb. 20, 1900
John Hay"
| The Presidents message conveying this
| report gave categorical answer to the
questions embodied IN the resolution, ana
did not refer TO the action of the depart
ment in reference to the matter.
| 1t has since been given out at the state
| department that inquiries set on foot i'm
| media tely after the publication of Ma
| cgum's first statement, developed the fact
| That the British government had no knowl-
edge OF any interference with the CORE
spondence of the United States consula te
| at Pretoria, and the additional fact that
If any interference had taken place II was
| contrary to Instructions.
| -s-o-e-A-