Demetrio Rodrigues Peña to To the Secretary of Foreign Relations, present. A copy. CAYETANO ROMERO, Secretary. Washington, D. C. , June 12, 1884, February 29, 1884

By a telegram dated yesterday the collector of customs of Mier sends the following message to this department:

“I have received information of the existence of contraband dealings in foreign horses and cattle on lands in the island of Morteritos; however, as it is situated in the Rio Bravo, I have consulted the president of council as to whether it was Mexican territory, and he informed me that it had always been considered as belonging to this jurisdiction; that, however, in consequence of the late freshets, the course of the river had been changed, and the nationality of it is now being argued before the American courts, a circumstance which has made me hesitate in coming to a decision, begging you to tell me what I must do. It is also proper for me to inform you that a few days ago American custom-house guards, by order of the collector, seized some Mexican cattle on said land, and insisted on security from the owner pending the decision of the courts. I hope to hear promptly by telegram what you decide.”

I have the honor to transcribe this to you, begging you to tell me with all the speed the case requires, whether the island alluded to is part of the national territory, and whether the Mexican authorities exercise jurisdiction over it, so that in view of this information this department may adopt the necessary measures respecting the fiscal service.