SARG, United States Consular Agent to Hall, July 11, 1885

Mr. Sarg to Mr. Hall.

Sir: * * * The situation of United States citizens connected with the construction of the Northern Railroad is becoming a very serious one. I do not pretend to analyze the claims which Messrs. Shea, Cornick & Co. may or may not have against the Guatemala Government, for payment of certain contract work; I confine my action to respectfully representing to you the situation some 300 laboring men will be thrown into, if inside of a very few days, money cannot be sent down from Guatemala.

I have seen and conversed with all of the subcontractors. They will be able to continue feeding the men for only two weeks more from this date, at the utmost, and will have to discharge them if this term comes round without money having been received. They have distinctly told me that no promise of money being paid at a later date will enable them to hold out one day longer. These 300 men will, without doubt, assemble here a few days after discharge destitute and in distress. Many have applied to me for advice, and agree to leave their claim for wages in my hands and return to the United States if transportation is provided.

I would respectfully suggest that in case the foregoing supposition should become a fact, that you empower me to provide food for such destitute United States citizens, and to send them to the United States on board of steamships running to New Orleans, at the expense of the United States Government, establishing a preferential claim against Messrs. Shea, Cornick & Co. for the amount of all such expenditure.

There are no agricultural or other enterprises in this district that could occupy one-fourth part of these men.

I will beg you to give your answer by telegraph.

I am, &c.,