Inhabitants of Fribourg
[Translation.]
To the Republicans of the United States:
All free nations, and those waiting for their freedom, hail the final triumph of your arms with sentiments of happiness and hope, as the cause of justice, liberty, humanity, and civilization were sheltered by your banners.
Without hate for your wayward brothers, the Swiss people shout with joy at the news of your success, for it assures the immortal principles of democracy, and restores peace, concord, and prosperity to your great and wonderful republic, which we are proud to call our sister and to love as such.
How great was our consternation, how sincere our lamentations, when we heard of the tragic death of your great citizen, Lincoln, a victim of the most atrocious crime known to the world, at the moment when we expected to see him crowned with the purest glory, and worshipped with veneration by all good people, as the fruits of four years of perseverance and gigantic struggles.
Why was not the assassin’s hand disarmed at the last moment by so much republican virtue, so much nobility and magnanimity?
Republicans of the United States, who are weeping over the tomb of the most illustrious of your children, allow your brethren of Helvetia’s hills and dales to join in your mourning, and lay upon the tomb in their turn the wreaths of regret and fraternal sympathy.
Republicans of America, republicans of Switzerland and old Europe, let us remain ever united, in days of misfortune as in times of prosperity.
May God give you consolation and courage, and always protect your beautiful country and free institutions.
- AUG. MAJEUX,
Editor of the Fribourg Journal. - Z. CASTELLA,
- Dr. C. HUYDUC,
- T. THACSEN,
- Dr. JOSEPH SCHNYDER, Sr.,
- CHARLES SCHWAB,
- CHARLES FONDLEY,
- JOSEPH GENDRE,
- PHILIPPE TECHTERMANN,
- CHRISTIAN BLANC,
- PIERRE WICHT,
- AUG. MOHR PFLUGER,
- LUCIEN BIELMANN,
And three hundred and ninety-eight other signatures.