No. 145.
Mr. Bliss
to Mr. Fish.
Berlin, August 4, 1873. (Received August 22.)
Sir: This government is now seriously considering what steps shall be taken for the relief of the deficiency of agricultural laborers.
The urgent importance attached to the matter is shown by the fact that a commission has been appointed, which is now in session, consisting of one member from each department of the government, designated by its chief. I do not recall any previous instance here of a body so elaborately constituted.
Although the government is evidently well aware that mere measures of direct repression of emigration will be insufficient to remedy the evil, yet there is little doubt that among the recommendations of the commission will be that of such a change in the laws as will subject the emigrant agents to more stringent control, if not prohibit them altogether.
Meanwhile the Saxon government, without awaiting the result of these deliberations of the government of the empire, has already issued an order expelling from its territory all agents of emigration who do not possess the right of German citizenship.
Should it be sought to in force this order upon any citizen of the United States, the legation will not fail to make known to the German government its expectation that due notice of the fact and of its grounds shall be given by that government to the Government of the United States.
I have, &c.,
Chargé d’Affaires.