DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, _Washington, March 12, 1884_.
_To the District Attorneys and Marshals of the United States:_
By direction of the President, I have to inform you it is reported that
certain persons are aiding in the prosecution of heinous crimes by
shipping to foreign ports explosives dangerous in the highest degree to
life and property. No proof has been adduced that this rumor is founded
upon fact, and the President can not believe its truth. The honor of
this nation, however, requires that it should not be open to the
imputation, unfounded though it be, of the slightest appearance of
tolerating such crimes, whether to be committed against our people or
those of other countries.
Your attention is therefore called to sections 5353, 5354, 5355, 4278,
and 4279 of the Revised Statutes of the United States, which regulate
the shipment of explosives and the punishment of those who infringe
their provisions; and you are instructed to be diligent in your efforts
to prevent the offenses described and to detect and prosecute those who
have or may commit them.
Very respectfully,
BENJAMIN HARRIS BREWSTER, _Attorney-General_.