rights of neutrals, and the voyages of mail steamers are not to be
interfered with except on the clearest grounds of suspicion of a
violation of law in respect of contraband or blockade.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington on the 26th day of April, A.D. 1898, and
of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and
twenty-second.

WILLIAM McKINLEY.

By the President:
ALVEY A. ADEE,
_Acting Secretary of State_.

[Footnote 26: See p. 201.]



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas an act of Congress was approved on the 25th day of April,
1898,[27] entitled "An act declaring that war exists between the United
States of America and the Kingdom of Spain;" and