Santiago Soler Y Plá to Daniel E. Sickles, August 23, 1873

Mr. Soler y Plá to General Sickles.

Sir: In addition to what I informed you in my note of June 21st ultimo, I have the honor to acquaint you that the minister of finance, to whom I communicated the note from your legation, dated the 15th of the same month, has declared the impossibility of reforming the customs legislation and restricting the powers of the collectors to impose fines for contraventions of the existing laws, especially as their decisions may be appealed from, and do not affect the right of the prejudiced parties to make reclamation against them to the general direction, where their complaints are considered, and no other criterion is known than that of strict justice and equity.

I avail myself, &c.,