No. 231.
Mr. Bartholdi to Mr. Fish.
Washington, February 19, 1875. (Received February 19.)
Mr. Secretary of State: I have already had the honor to inform your excellency that an international congress for the promotion of geographical science is to meet at Paris in the course of this year. The majority of the specialists of all countries in this branch of science have already answered the invitation which has been addressed to them directly by the French Geographical Society, of which Vice-Admiral Baron de la Roncière le Noury is president. Thanks to their favorable action, the success of this congress is now assured.
Nevertheless, the Geographical Society having decided that a general exhibition of maps, instruments, and other articles of use in geographical science and in sciences of a kindred nature shall be held simultaneously with the session of the congress, it has been deemed necessary to secure the appointment by foreign governments of special commissioners, whose duty it shall be to make suitable arrangements with the committee of organization, and to exercise supervision at the opening of each partial exhibition.
The documents which I have the honor herewith to transmit to your excellency will give you a clear idea of the object and of the principal conditions of the congress and of the geographical exhibition.
I take pleasure in adding that my government would be very glad if the Government of the United States would lend its useful co-operation to the plan of the French Geographical Society, and I hope that your excellency will not refuse to favor this scientific assemblage, and that you will be pleased to recommend the appointment of a representative of the United States.
Be pleased, &c.,