Mr. Fogg to Mr. Seward.
Sir:Your despatch of July 28, No. 55, approving of the tenor of my verbal explanation to the president of the confederation, of the reasons which render it impracticable, at present, for the United States government to enter into a treaty stipulation, as proposed by him, for the protection of Swiss citizens by American consuls, has been received.
As the president has not since resumed the conversation, as he proposed, I have not deemed it necessary to acquaint him with the additional suggestions [Page 401] contained in your last despatch. Indeed, no practical advantage can come of pressing the other question—that of Israelitish toleration—inasmuch as that question is settling itself as rapidly as possible. As I intimated in my despatch of July 2, the treaty recently concluded between France and Switzerland expressly guarantees the right of French subjects, without distinction of faith or worship, to travel, sojourn, and transact all lawful business, as freely as Swiss Christian residents of other cantons may do the same. This treaty is not yet ratified by the federal assembly, comprising the two branches of the national legislature, which bodies are to have an adjourned session the 20th of September next.
It is known that there will be opposition to the treaty in those bodies, and this principally on account of the Jew-tolerating provision. But there is believed to be no serious doubt that the treaty will be ratified on account of the commercial and industrial advantages secured to the citizens of Switzerland.
The treaty with France once ratified, the whole question is practically settled. When the thousands of French Jews are tolerated and protected, it will be absurd to proscribe and persecute the dozens or hundreds of other nations. Besides, there are now pending several treaties with other governments containing the same guarantee in favor of the Jews, and the ratification of the French treaty will seal the success of the others, and, without serious doubt, put an end to all complaints and reclamations on account of disabilities founded on difference of religious faith and worship.
Promising to acquaint you with the fate of the French treaty in the national assembly, I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State of the United States of America.