Schaeffer to Frelinghuysen, May 19, 1883

No. 14. Baron Schaeffer to Mr. Frelinghuysen.

Sir: In laying before you a report just received by our consul in Philadelphia, with respect to a case of discipline which occurred on board the Austrian vessel Ararat, Capt. Sylvio Ferlan, and in which the local authorities seem to arrogate the right of interference, contrary to the consular convention of 1870 existing between the Governments of the United States and Austria-Hungary, I have the honor to earnestly request you to instruct without delay, even by telegraph, the said authorities accordingly.

If the local authorities think themselves authorized to violate the law of nations, every convention becomes a dead letter, and our consular jurisdiction would cease entirely by encouraging the insubordination on board our ships.

Accept, &c.,