it,
at Manila, and the consul-general went and took what should be done, and the consul-general replied that he would not advise in the matter. When asked if you would pay the fine under protest, you declined to do so, stating that your opinion had been from the first that the fine should have been paid under protest, and the matter referred to Washington, but as Ex-Judge Nichols had not consulted and informed you before he took the course he did, you must act on his own responsibility.
I then stated that I would go on board the "Proliatan" and see Capt. Nichols, and the consul-general said he protested against the fine being paid. That on the former day I went on board the "Proliatan" and stated to one of the officers that I was the bearer of a letter to Capt. Nichols from Mr. Govett, I waited some time, and he expressed a desire to see me, and after some conversation which tended to advise him what course he should pursue. I strongly recommended him to pay the fine under protest, saying Mr. Govett would not pay it. When he replied, "but the authorities will put me in prison rather than not pay the fine", I said I would not pay the fine until I was satisfied that he would not be interfered with. He then authorized me to pay the fine under protest, and said he would give "his cheque" on my informing him the amount. I then went on shore, and being satisfied that if the fine be paid no further proceedings would be taken against Capt. Nichols, I paid the fine under protest, and informed him the fine being paid the matter was at an end.
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