No. 102.
Mr. Hitt
to Mr. Evarts.
Paris, August 10, 1877. (Received August 22.)
Sir: The gentlemen in charge of the Universal Exposition of 1878 continue to send to this legation numerous letters received by them from the United States, applying for space, information, &c. A communication from the general commission, received yesterday, states that the minister of agriculture and commerce is preparing to have a pressing representation made to our government upon this subject, and asks this legation to aid in inducing the much-desired participation of the United States. The immense structures on the Champs de Mars and the Tro-cadéro, are approaching completion, and all the foreign commissions are on the eve of entering into possession of their respective places in the interior. A deep solicitude is felt by the administration of the exhibition in regard to the intentions of the government of the-United States, no official advice or assurance having been received on this subject.
The commissioner-general reiterates his promise that he will hold to the latest possible limit the whole of the space reserved for the United [Page 168] States in the original design. Nevertheless, he is compelled to recognize the fact that the time is passing and the moment rapidly approaching when, in the interest of the common work, all questions of this kind must be irrevocably decided.
I gladly comply with the request and present these observations to you. I refrain from adding any thing further, knowing that you have watched this enterprise with interest and fully informed yourself in regard to it from the first.
I have, &c.,